What is a sustainable home?
A sustainable home is one built with the environment in mind, with climate-friendly considerations such as insulation, recycling, orientation, energy-efficient appliances, and passive heating and cooling. When implemented correctly, these features can make a huge difference to your home’s overall comfort levels, as well as saving you money in the long run.
Why should I build sustainably?
Building a sustainable home comes with many aesthetic and money-saving benefits, which is a win-win! With an emphasis on natural light, ventilation and passive heating and cooling, you won’t have to rely on artificial heating and cooling as much, reducing your energy consumption. Features like solar panels and energy-efficient appliances will also go a long way in reducing costs.
Sustainable features help to maintain a year-round comfort in your home, while also improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort – in other words; you’ll never be too hot or cold!
How can I build sustainably?
Energy Efficiency
Creating an energy-efficient home is one of the hallmarks of building sustainably because it helps to reduce consumption and as a result, bills. Start with the correct orientation of your home – it should be positioned on your block to capture the most winter sun possible while preventing over-heating in summer. From there, look at elements like thermal mass, ventilation and insulation – all key aspects when it comes to living in year-round comfort.
Material Choice
When building your new home, you can aim to re-use as many materials as possible, whether they’re timber, steel or brick. The versatility of these resources means they can be used time and time again, and perhaps evolve from their original purpose. When choosing other materials, opt for sustainable timber, natural stone, concrete, rammed earth, bamboo or cork – all environmentally friendly choices.
Solar Energy
Solar panel technology is ever-improving, so it makes sense to harness some of that Melbourne sunshine to power your home. You’ll reduce or completely eliminate your reliance on the grid for electricity while also leaving a lower impact on the environment. Solar panels are now available in many shapes and sizes, so it’s likely that you’ll find a spot for even a couple of them to make a contribution to better sustainability.
Glazing and Shading
Windows and glass doors are brilliant for letting light in, but they can cause other issues – up to 40% of heating energy can be lost and 87% gained through single-glazed windows. As such, double or triple glazed windows can have a significant effect on your home’s thermal abilities, helping to keep rooms at a consistent temperature, no matter the weather.
Intelligent shading design can also make a great contribution to the sustainability of your home, helping to block the hot sun in summer while still allowing warm sunlight in winter. Choose between a mix of fixed and adjustable options depending on your orientation.
If you’re thinking about renovating and want to incorporate sustainable elements into your home, we’d love to talk with you! Contact us today and let’s start the conversation.
