Sustainability
Good environmental outcomes are the result of getting many large and small details right.
Passive solar design (PSD)
PSD is using the natural environment to heat and cool homes so they are a naturally comfortable place to live. In coastal NSW (one of the mildest climates in the world) little or no mechanical cooling and little heating is required with good design.
Inland Australia generally does require some mechanical heating and cooling as the climate is much more extreme but good design can dramatically reduce the number of days and hours these energy consuming heating and cooling appliances need to be used.
Solar Power
Australia is famous for having many sunny days which is of course the perfect environment for solar power and solar hot water heating.
In urban areas, a grid connected photovoltaic panel solar power system is often the best solution as it can power your electrical appliances during the day and/or return power to the grid, and receive power from the grid at night.
When selecting solar hot water heaters it’s important to match the right type of solar hot water system with your environment and roof orientation to achieve maximum efficiency.
Water Harvesting
NSW would have plenty of water if we all collected our storm water. Sustainable Homes always maximizes the storage and reuse of this precious resource. Grey water recycling for toilets and gardens is also encouraged.
Renewable/recyclable materials
We only specify renewable plantation sourced timber in our designs. Recyclable materials are also used where available. The best manufactures use recycled materials in their products and pick up construction waste from building sites to recycle in their manufacturing plants.
Air quality & non toxic materials
Good ventilation and the proper selection of products, materials and finishes are the keys to healthier homes. Products and materials without volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are specified where possible.
Thermal Mass
The importance of adequate thermal mass (materials with high specific heat) within a house is often underestimated. This is especially the case in non coastal houses that don’t have the benefit of the cooling effect of summer afternoon sea breezes. In summer, the thermal mass (stone, brick or concrete) absorbs heat during the day and releases this heat at night, dramatically reducing the need for air-conditioning.
The current popularity of timber flooring has made thermal mass internal walls a sustainable necessity in many houses. Even in coastal environments there are real benefits of having thermal mass within your house because in winter the thermal mass acts as a medium for storing heat.
Minimise the disturbance of the natural habitat
Essential for green field sites and should be considered where appropriate on all sites:-
- Choose sites that have already been cleared
- Limit clearing outside the building footprint
- Only excavate if you have no real alternative
- Any excavation should be minimised
- Rehabilitate disturbed areas
- Use indigenous species in your garden
- Adopt erosion and sediment controls