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environmental
benefits of the home
A
sustainable home is resource efficient
because it considers water, energy, and
waste management, as well as passive
solar design features including
orientation, insulation, ventilation,
and shading with eaves and undercover
outdoor living areas.
The Sustainable Home Brisbane’s many
clever features ensure environmental
sustainability. Bio-diversity, clean
water, air and soil, and adequate energy
are essential elements for healthy
living. Applying environmentally sound
principles to housing is a simple and
cost-effective solution for protecting
the environment.
The National Strategy for
Ecologically Sustainable Development
defines ecologically sustainable
development as ‘development that aims to
meet the needs of Australians today,
while conserving our ecosystems for the
benefit of future generations’.
Smarter Energy
Use
By optimising the Home’s passive
design, we have created a more stable
indoor air temperature. Passive design
simply makes the most of local
conditions to make your home more
comfortable while reducing your bills.
Passive design costs no more when
included at the planning stage.
The House is cooler in summer and
warmer in winter without the need for
mechanical air conditioning and heating.
This significantly reduces electricity
bills, and expensive cooling and heating
units won’t be needed. Climate change is
caused by green-house emissions from
burning fossil fuels to deliver power.
By reducing the amount of electricity
used, we can lessen our impact on the
environment.
Passive
design features include:
Climate-responsive
design
North-south orientation
Appropriate insulation
within roof and walls
Windows and entrances
protected from direct
sunlight
Rooms designed for natural
direct and cross ventilation
Permanently covered outdoor
areas
Roof ventilation system
Ceiling fans in every room
Secure windows for night
flushing
Cool-colour roof for heat
reflection
High ceilings for improved
ventilation
House optimised for
north-east breezes
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Minimising energy
to operate the House:
Appliances have
4-star energy rating
Low-energy lighting
Optimised use of daylight
and indirect daylight
Gas-boosted solar hot water
system
Gas cook-top and oven rather
than electric
Photovoltaic/solar-powered
external lighting
Smart meter installed to
monitor energy and water use
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Water
Conservation
The Home’s water-wise features will
enable the occupants to significantly
reduce the amount of water they use. By
reusing greywater, capturing stormwater,
and installing flow restrictors and
water-saving appliances and devices, the
House will lower the demand on
South-East Queensland’s precious water
resources.
Fresh water is essential for our
existence; it enables us to produce
food, manufacture goods, and sustain our
health.
Global water consumption has risen
almost tenfold since 1900 and many parts
of the world are now reaching the limits
of their supply. One third of the
world's population are already facing
problems due to both water shortages and
poor drinking water quality.
Water saving
features:
Gradated flick
mixer taps to sinks and
basins
Thermostatic mixers to
showers
Rainwater tanks plumbed to
toilet and laundry
Flow reducers on all water
outlets
Minimum AAA efficiency rated
fittings and fixtures
Smart meter installed
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You’ll find AAA
rated:
Showerheads
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Dual-flush toilets (latest
are AAAA rated)
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Outdoor water
conservation :
Installation of
rainwater tanks
Native plants – these don’t
require as much water
Well-mulched garden beds to
prevent drying
Treated greywater for garden
irrigation
Smart meter installed to
meter irrigation
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The
Queensland Government is
offering cash rebates to
help households save
water and money. From 1
July 2006 you can get
the following cash
rebates through the Home
WaterWise Rebate Scheme:
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Rebate |
Rebate elements |
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Up to $1000 |
Purchase and
installation of
rainwater tank(s),
including
connections for
home and/or
garden use,
connections to
swimming pools
and the use of
pool water in
the home |
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$200 |
4-star (or
better) water
efficient
washing machines
(one per
household) |
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$150 |
Dual-flush
toilet suites,
including
installation
(maximum of two
toilets) |
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50% of purchase
cost up to $30
each |
3-star (or
better)
showerheads
(maximum of
three
showerheads) |
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50% of plumbing
cost up to $200 |
Plumbing to
divert laundry,
bath and shower
greywater onto
gardens |
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$500 |
Council approved
greywater
below-ground
irrigations
systems
(including
installation) |
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$200 |
Pool covers with
roller (minimum
25m2 – if your
council does not
offer a rebate) |
Financial
arrangements will vary
from council to council.
Existing council rebates
may also apply. Please
check with your local
council.
Home WaterWise Rebate
Scheme 1800 243 585
Home
WaterWise
Service
You can get $150
worth of
services for
just $20.
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Through our new
in-home plumbing
service, a
licensed plumber
will visit your
home, install a
range of water
efficient
devices and
provide advice
on water saving
strategies. |
Home WaterWise Service
1300 287 462
For further information
on the rebate scheme or
information on saving
water in your home visit
Natural Resources and
Water
website
Information from Premier
Beattie's
website
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Ecological
Impact
The Brisbane Sustainable Home
project team have considered the
ecological impact of the development at
every level. The entire Fort Road
Development has retained existing trees
wherever possible. The House orientation
was designed to use trees for shade and
insulation and catch the north-east
breezes for air movement.
Topsoil will be protected during the
construction phase by working with the
natural contours of the land. The
landscaping will include vegetable
gardens and fruit bearing trees, and
habitats that attract wildlife.
Materials
Appropriate building materials are part
of good home design; materials should be
strong and lasting. They should be low
maintenance and free of toxins that
could harm you or your environment.
Energy is required to make all
building materials, but some require
less energy than others. The energy used
to collect raw materials and manufacture
products is called embodied energy.
Low-embodied energy materials such as
recycled timber and aggregate, flyash
concrete, and recycled concrete for
paving will be used in construction.
Examples of renewable materials being
used include wool insulation, bamboo
flooring, plywood external cladding and
lining, timber-framed doors and windows.
Old and new growth Australian hardwoods
and endangered rainforest timber will
not be used.
Maunsell Australia have
developed a waste management plan will
be implemented on-site during the
construction phase. Waste disposal will
be monitored, excess materials will be
donated for reuse, and construction
waste will be separated and recycled
wherever possible to minimise
environmental damage.
All of these measures reduce the
impact on the environment both locally
and globally.
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