Both John and Vivienne Benton have had extensive experience as educators and facilitators.

John has lectured in energy efficiency at the following:

• Monash University Graduate School of Environmental Science
• Swinburne University of Technology
• Borderlands
• Seymour Alternative Farming Expo
• Yarra Valley Expo
• Banyule Eco Fest
• Country Living Fair
• Sun, Surf & Sand Festival, Wonthaggi
• Various Gardening Groups

John is presently much sought after by councils for his talk, “Meeting the 5 Star Rating and Beyond”, and by various festivals and organizations to speak on “Building, Living and Thinking Sustainability”.

Eco Design

Whether you are starting your home from the ground up or seeking to renovate an existing home, Eco Renovation and Design can offer you energy savings that will make your lifestyle more comfortable and sustainable. You’ll be able to experience the increase in your social and economic equity in real terms with every passing year, effectively releasing you from your attachment to the treadmill.

Site Inspection Energy Efficient Assessment and Report

This two hour visit includes an analysis of the site, on which the house is located, for the availability of sun, wind and water. A walkthrough assessment of an existing house is done to ascertain where energy is being lost and gained. After several days deliberation, a detailed report is compiled with suggestions for making your home more energy efficient.

The cost of this service as of January 2003 - $250.00 + GST.

(Travel beyond the Melbourne suburbs is charged at an hourly rate)

Retrofit Renovation Advice - for existing housing to improve your energy efficiency.

We will design the most suitable power system to meet the needs and conditions of your property. Our qualified consultants will carry out the design and installation.

Environmental Documentaries and Commercials.

This facet of our services comes under Benton Productions umbrella which offers a complete documentary and commercial service from writing to presentation through filming and editing.

We also offer a full range of production and post production facilities and services on the cutting edge of technology.

We specialize in quality low budget productions.

To watch some examples of recent productions you'll need a copy of Windows Media Player or some other MPEG player on your system - if they don't start check your system configuration, locate and install a player and try again.

Sustainable Communities uses role play to negotiate understanding of the importance of placing environment at the forefront of planning and negotiation. It is designed to break deadlocks where people’s jobs are threatened resulting in confrontation. It is hoped to help the community achieve compassion, cooperation and valuing.

Ecosleuth has recently been adapted as a single session role play tool for adults, particularly in councils and community groups. It fosters the understanding of complex environmental issues through the non threatening medium of role play. The characters are often in opposition to the player's personal beliefs and offer an opportunity through this medium, to explore emotional attachments which are sometimes responsible for stifling compromise and understanding.