Sustainable
Homes program builds momentum across Queensland
May 4, 2006
The Hon Desley Boyle to Launch Sustainable Home Brisbane
November 1, 2005
Sustainable
Homes program builds momentum across Queensland
Joint Statement The Hon Desley Boyle and The Hon
Robert Schwarten
In an Australian
first, the Queensland Government, local councils and key housing
industry stakeholders have partnered to design and build 22 display
homes across the state to showcase the benefits of sustainable housing.
Housing Minister
Robert Schwarten and Environment Minister Desley Boyle said the display
homes were being built as part of the Sustainable Homes program and
highlight the need for homes and buildings to better meet the needs of
their inhabitants.
"The Sustainable Homes
program is a great initiative because it will show industry and the
public how sustainable design features can be incorporated into new or
existing homes to maximise the benefits for occupants," Mr Schwarten
said.
Ms Boyle said: "These
homes will be designed and built to save money by using less water and
power and will suit occupants through all stages of their life".
Once completed, the
homes will be open for public inspection for at least six months to
allow people from all over Queensland to see and experience the benefits
of sustainable housing.
Mr Schwarten said 22
individual projects were underway, with at least one located in each of
Queensland's four climate zones as defined under the Building Code of
Australia.
"The interest and commitment from all over Queensland has been
overwhelming, and everyone involved in the program should be
congratulated for the part they are playing in championing the case for
sustainable housing," he said.
"Project participants
are not only positioning the homes as a new benchmark in their local
housing market, more importantly they are also promoting their knowledge
and skills about sustainable design and practices within their
communities."
Environment Minister
Desley Boyle said the homes would provide real life examples of how to
effectively incorporate Queensland's new sustainable housing design
standards.
"The Queensland
Government introduced laws on 1 March this year to make cost-effective,
environmentally friendly appliances and fixtures such as
energy-efficient hot water systems and lighting, and water-efficient
shower roses, pressure-limiting devices and dual-flush toilets
compulsory for all new homes," Ms Boyle said.
"These display homes,
however, go beyond these minimum design standards and will be even more
efficient in their use of water and energy.
"They will feature
good 'passive design' elements such as being positioned on the block to
take full advantage of the sun's warmth during cooler months, and cross
ventilation and larger eaves to keep the homes cooler during warmer
months.
"Homes will also be
fitted with energy- and water-efficient appliances, and will have
rainwater tanks to supplement the household's regular water needs.
"They will also be
designed with people's comfort, ease of movement and security in mind,
so they will be safer, more secure and allow for easier access for
occupants throughout all stages of their lives, which is an emerging
issue with our ageing population.
"Built effectively, a
sustainable home will benefit the environment by conserving power and
water, save money in the process, and be comfortable throughout its
life," Ms Boyle said.
A key objective of the
program is to promote the importance of investing in sustainable design,
and increase awareness and demand from homeowners, builders and
developers.
These display homes will educate people about how they can easily
include sustainable housing features in their own homes.
Sustainable homes look
like normal homes but they are more responsive to the local climate
making them more comfortable to live in, cheaper to run and more
responsive to people's needs now and into the future.
The demonstration
homes opening throughout the state during 2006 will show the building
industry and the public the considerable lifestyle and economic benefits
that can be achieved through smart, climate-sensitive housing design.
Once opened for public
display, the homes will also host local community education sessions and
industry events related to sustainable housing.
The first home
completed under the program, Sustainable Home Gold Coast, was officially
opened in February 2006. Sustainable Homes in both Brisbane and Zilzie
(near Yeppoon) will be open for public inspection shortly.
Sustainable Homes in
Toowoomba, Murgon, Hervey Bay, Cairns, Emerald, Moranbah, Livingstone,
Thuringowa and Kirwan are also in their final planning stages, while
homes in other locations, including Gladstone, Mackay, Redlands and
Caboolture are also progressing.
Key partners of the
Sustainable Homes program are:
- Department of
Housing - Planning Institute of Australia
- Environmental
Protection Agency - Royal Australian Institute of Architects
- Department of Public
Works - Queensland Master Builders Association
- Australian Green
Development Forum - Housing Industry Association
- Bendigo Bank -
Illuminating Engineering Society
- Urban Development
Institute of Australia - Participating Local Governments
For more information on the program and the location of all individual
projects visit:
www.sustainable-homes.org.au
Media contact
Minister Boyle:
3227 8819
Media
contact Minister Schwarten:
3237 1832
