economic benefits of the home

Over time, a sustainable home will be more cost effective. There appears to be a common belief that sustainable housing is expensive. At the Sustainable Home Brisbane, you’ll see first hand that conserving water and energy, and incorporating universal design saves you money. By implementing some of the sustainable initiatives demonstrated at the House, you will reduce your electricity and water bills. And, your home will be more comfortable. Using good design, low-maintenance materials, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances reduces the ongoing costs of running your home.

Incorporating sustainable design adds only 3% to building costs. And yet, the savings to your running costs over a 10-year period equate to up to $20,000. Simply by installing water pressure-limiting devices alone, you could save around 8,600L of water per year, and if you also have water efficient appliances you could save $500 in running costs.

Help reduce global warming... An eco-friendly house – it’s a way of life we can all choose.

free or low-cost solutions

• Include passive design at the planning stage.
• Shade east- and west-facing windows with an external blind in summer.
• In the tropics, shade all windows with an external blind in summer.
• Plant shade trees or trellises with vines.
• Deciduous trees and vines give shade in summer, and leaves lost in winter.
• Use heavy drapes with pelmet boxes to reduce heating and cooling requirements.
• Avoid exposed concrete around the house, as this reflects the sun.
• Buy green power where available.
• Check energy efficiency rating of all white goods.
• Seal all doors and windows to stop draughts.
• Orientate new homes correctly relative to the sun and prevailing winds.
• Build a compact home that will suit your needs, and reduce building costs and ongoing running costs.
• Replace existing light globes with compact fluorescent globes.
• Install electric timers and movement sensors for lights.
• Encourage the family to wash-up on weekends rather than use the dishwasher.
• Install a water-proof timer in the shower to limit shower times.

medium-cost solutions

• Add an extension to collect winter sun and cool summer breezes.
• Install photovoltaic panels – solar panels last 20 years.
• Install insulated skylights to capture natural light.
• Add adequate insulation for the Brisbane climate.
• Install a solar hot water system with a gas booster for cloudy days.
• Recycle your waste water
• Install new windows or doors when renovation to improve light and ventilation.
• Use high performance windows to decrease energy bills and increase comfort.
• Add insulation to save on heating and cooling bills and improve comfort levels.

Renewable energy systems from the sun, wind, or water with fewer greenhouse emissions. Low power bills offset the cost of installation.

The Queensland Government provides rebates for many energy-saving initiatives.
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For further information about how to implement renewable energy systems at your place:
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