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Climate Friendly Sustainable Building
Where do we stand
“If you are building or renovating, you have the perfect opportunity
to reduce your household’s contribution to climate change.”
— An Inconvenient Truth ¹
In an effort to make homes more sustainable, the NSW Government has introduced BASIX (Building Sustainability Index), a web-based tool that ensures homes and renovations use less water, produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, are less expensive to run and more comfortable to live in.
A BASIX Certificate is now needed for all new homes and for renovations of $50,000 or more. To obtain a certificate, an assessment of the home's size, location, construction materials, water supply and fittings needs to be undertaken during the design stage.
The introduction of BASIX has set a new minimum standard for sustainable building features but by going beyond the minimum you can further cut your energy bills and improve your comfort.
Your architect, designer or builder can also help you to get the best energy and greenhouse performance from your new home or renovation.
Above: Annabele's Child Care Centre, Pacific Palms.
Great changes in the Great Lakes
Annabele's Childcare Centre at Pacific Palms has recently relocated to a new, modern, purpose-built facility on the Coomba Road, just off the Lakes Way. Local company, Barron & Carroll Building Design, incorporated many sustainable features into the building design within the designated budget for the project.
The centre's orientation and eaves maximise winter sun and minimise summer sun. Sun exposure to the westerly side of the building is reduced further by a row of deciduous trees.
The roof design is a fully integrated, lightweight system with high strength, durability, and excellent thermal insulation. This pre-fabricated system incorporates a finished ceiling, and allows the centre to have a large unsupported span with significant cantilevers, reducing the need for expensive support structures.
The centre's design involves three core interconnecting learning areas, all of which have high ceilings, wall fans and clerestory louver windows to maximise natural light and cross ventilation, removing the need for air conditioning. An energy-efficient, electric heat pump system provides the centre with all of its hot water, and fluorescent wall lighting is used throughout the centre.
On-site effluent is treated using a biolytic septic tank system, and dual flush toilets and water efficient taps have been installed.
All core learning areas lead to a large outdoor verandah, allowing the children to play or be taught outside under cover.
The garden, designed by Darren Golbey, uses recycled materials, drought-tolerant plants and deciduous trees to create a stimulating outside environment, and shade awnings to protect the children from the summer sun.
Over to you
Solar orientation
Bedrooms should be away from the hot afternoon sun and living areas located to receive winter sun but with protection from summer heat and strong winds. Also consider ventilation with options for ceiling/wall fans where needed.Insulation
Proper insulation can reduce your energy requirements for heating and cooling by up to 50 per cent, improve your comfort, save you hundreds of dollars each year, and reduce your carbon emissions. Consider putting it both in the wall and ceiling cavities.Choose the right products
Why not check out the many eco-friendly products, materials, and systems such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified plantation timber products. There are also low toxic paints and finishes available and insulation made from wool or recycled materials. Composting or biological toilets are also another eco-friendly option. Alternative building materials such as thermal-efficient building blocks, rammed earth, straw bales and mud bricks are also becoming more and more popular.Also remember to select durable materials preferably made and sold locally — long distance transportation wastes energy.
Above: Rainwater tank, pipes supplying rainwater, home greywater plant filtration system. Images from www.basix.nsw.gov.au.
Water wise
Installing rainwater tanks plumbed to the toilet, laundry and garden (except tanks providing a dedicated water supply in case of fire) is another way you can help reduce your household’s contribution to climate change. Also consider on-site waste water, also referred to as grey water, which can be plumbed to the toilet and garden. While council development approval is not required for grey water diversion devices on connected homes, any installation connected permanently to the house drainage is required to be inspected by Midcoast Water.Waste not, want not
Minimise on-site wastage with appropriate storage of building materials, as well as recycling of existing materials such as timber, bricks, and windows.
Find out more
Websites
The latest information on State government budget incentives includes:
- Up to $1500 for approved rainwater tank plumbed into a toilet or washing machine.
- Up to $300 to convert from electricity to an approved gas hot water system.
- Up to $300 to install energy-efficient home insulation.
- Up to $1200 for an approved solar hot water system.
- Upto $150 for buying a 4.5 star or higher WELS rated washing machine
Additionally, a subsidy of up to $1600 for the installation of ceiling insulation is available under the Federal government's 2009 Insulating Australian Households program: www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation.html.
Your Home is a great resource for anyone wanting to build or renovate a home that has low greenhouse impact, is water-wise and achieves other environmental goals. Find it at www.yourhome.gov.au.
BASIX – for more information visit www.basix.nsw.gov.au or contact the BASIX help line on 1300 650 908.
The Australian Government's Photovoltaic Rebate Programme provides rebates to householders who install solar panels to supply their electricity. You must apply for a rebate before buying a system, and conditions apply. Visit www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv/ or telephone 1300 138 122.
Australian Windows Council Inc. has a Window Energy Rating Scheme and most windows are rated to this scheme. Visit www.wers.net.
The NSW Department of Water and Energy incorporates most of the functions of the former Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability. The website for this new department is under development but, in the meantime, you can access information at www.deus.nsw.gov.au.
Bushfire protection requirements for a new development are outlined at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plansforaction/bushfireguidelines.asp.
www.fsc.org – The Forest Stewardship Council.
Above, left to right: Detail of BASIX brochure cover; Your Home booklet cover; Window Energy Rating logo.
Books
Sustainable House by Michael Mobbs
Green By Design — Creating a home for sustainable living
by Angela Dean
Warm House Cool House by Nick Hollo
Making Your Home Sustainable by Derek Wrigley
Next: Sustainable Building Local Directory
