Originally a small magazine, printed and distributed locally in Melbourne, it was first published by the Alternative Energy Co-operative (subsequently renamed the Alternative Technology Association, and now also known as Renew) in 1980 as Soft Technology: Alternative Energy in Australia.
Although it sold for a cover price of only 85 cents, the magazine's circulation increased so rapidly that by issue 35, published in February 1991, it included a full-color cover.
The price was increased from $2.50 to $3 and national distribution rights were secured for issue 40, published in June of the following year.
Renew magazine currently has an estimated readership of around 69,000 (from around printed 21,000 copies and over 2000 digital copies each quarter), covering topics such as energy-efficient appliances for home heating and cooling, water heating, water-saving products and techniques, electric vehicles, sustainable building products and designs, resource recycling and more.
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