Checklist for building a sustainable home

When building your new home, it is important to consider building sustainably. There are several things to think about when building a sustainable home, and things that need to be considered during the design phase when speaking with your builder or architect.

Grand Design Australia identified 6 key areas that can be discussed with your builder or architect to help you build a sustainable home:

1. Location – What is the position of your home? Discuss privacy, views and your home’s access to the sun.
2. Floor Plan – Is your floor plan the best fit for the block and is it designed to make the most of your home’s access to sun?
3. Heating and Cooling – Consider the size of your household and ongoing running costs when making decisions about the type of hot water system to use (Solar often pays for itself with time). Do you have gas or electric? Can good design features reduce your reliance on heating and cooling appliances? What appliances can you use that are energy efficient?
4. Fittings and Appliances – Does your home make the best use of natural light? What are your lighting requirements? Chart the ongoing running costs of using energy saving globes such as LED. Think about your major energy using appliances in the home – the energy star rating of your fridge, the water star rating of your washing machine and so on.
5. Colours and Finishes – some flooring is more sustainable than others, some paints and varnishes are less toxic and lower in emissions. You can also choose building materials that are either more natural or lower in emissions.
6. Outdoor Living – Don’t forget about your garden when building a new sustainable home! The plan of your outdoor area can help to control the amount of sun your home gets in winter and shade in summer, which in turn can affect your energy usage. Installing a rainwater tank and using native plants can help to save water. You might also consider a grey water system so that you can re-use your waste water.

When building a new home, there are other things you need to consider to ensure that your home will comply with the Building Sustainable Index (BASIX). Read our article on What BASIX requirements are there for new homes? to find out what you need to be aware of.

If you know someone who is building a new home, share this article with them – that will thank you for it!

Source: Lifestyle.com.au http://www.lifestyle.com.au/property/sustainability-guide-building-a-new-sustainable-home.aspx