MOTIIVES: New Online Tool to Help Build & Retrofit Climate-Smart Homes

Homeowners and builders can now create and enjoy more climate-friendly homes thanks to the launch of the MOTIIVES tool—a cutting-edge, simple online assessment tool designed to guide environmentally-sustainable home design.

Developed by Deakin University and Geelong Sustainability, and funded by the City of Greater Geelong through the Climate Change Partnership Grants program, the MOTIIVES tool offers easy, step-by-step guidance on building and retrofitting homes for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

MOTIIVES (Materials, Orientation, Thermal mass, Internal room placement, Insulation, Ventilation, Energy efficiency, and Smaller size) comprises eight video modules that offer practical, actionable advice to help homes become more climate-friendly and comfortable, cheaper to run, and increase in value.

The tool presents options to help homeowners and builders to design, retrofit, redesign and renovate buildings that can passively hold a comfortable temperature without the need for heating and cooling – such as north-facing living areas that use the sun for warmth and better window and door seals that prevent cold air from entering.

Deakin University Lecturer in Property, Real Estate, and Sustainable Building, Tom Keel, and Associate Professor Ameeta Jain developed the MOTIIVES tool in conjunction with Geelong Sustainability, with Mr Keel saying there is an urgent need for more environmentally-friendly home design and retrofitting to create a climate-safe future.

“Most homes in Geelong aren’t designed with the environment in mind, and aren’t thermally efficient enough to adapt to future climate changes,” Mr Keel said.

“The MOTIIVES tool will help homeowners and builders create more sustainable homes that are more comfortable to live in, cheaper to run, and better for the climate, with simple design tips that can be easily incorporated into new or existing homes.

“The MOTIIVES modules are free for residents in the City of Greater Geelong and easy to understand as they were designed for people without technical building knowledge.”

Mr Keel said focusing on sustainability early in the home design or renovation process has long-term benefits.

“Building future-proof homes isn’t just about helping the environment — it’s also about creating homes that last longer and have lower running costs,” Mr Keel said.

“The changes you make now can greatly reduce your costs and environmental impact in the future.”

Geelong Sustainability CEO, Dan Cowdell, sees the MOTIIVES tool as a game-changer for anyone looking to make their home more sustainable.

“MOTIIVES empowers homeowners to take control of their home’s environmental footprint. Whether you’re building from scratch or retrofitting an existing home, this tool offers practical steps to make a real difference,” Mr Cowdell said.

Our temperate climate is ideally suited to passive thermal design principles—homes that work with the local climate to stay comfortable year-round without constant heating or cooling. MOTIIVES brings this to life with practical, easy-to-follow steps.

“It’s about learning how to keep our homes comfortable and save money in the long run.”

The MOTIIVES project is part of the City of Greater Geelong’s broader Climate Change Response Plan.

Senior Sustainability Officer at the City of Greater Geelong, Pete Mercurio, said the city is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of local buildings.

“The MOTIIVES tool fits perfectly into our vision of a sustainable Geelong,” Mr Mercurio said.

“It’s accessible, easy to use, and will help both builders and homeowners make informed decisions that support our broader climate goals.”

More information: Sustainable Homes: MOTIIVES – Geelong Sustainability