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Environmentally Friendly Home

From mid-2005, Australian homes will need to comply with new energy efficient regulations. New South Wales has introduced the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) which means as of July 1, 2005 new homes must use 40 percent less water and 25 percent less energy than the average house of the same size, and from October 2005 all renovations will have to comply with these new energy regulations. The other Australian states will be expected to soon follow the example of NSW.

With the water crisis, global warming, the increase in greenhouse gases, and the pressure of larger cities, the new sustainable house aims to combat the growth of project homes and eventually save 40 percent more energy and water nationwide, eventually to help relieve the pressure on Australia's dwindling supplies.

Houses over 35 squares and new apartment blocks will be the first to meet the terms as most of them in their current state would very much struggle to meet the requirements. New structures will have to consider factors such as the natural environment, water supply, and the position of the sun before building.

The cost of implementing these changes is relatively inexpensive and is estimated at only costing $5000 to $8000 extra - the predicted savings are projected to be up to $600 a year on energy and water bills per household.

BASIX provides on an online service that helps you decide what modifications to make when building your home. The test takes into consideration the natural climate surrounding your home and what is planned for the site. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and can calculate the projected savings for your home.

As yet the BASIX system is untried, however shows more promise than any systems the other states are yet to employ. The system involves the following requirements, the mix of which is flexible providing the plan meets energy and water saving targets:

• Native plants in the garden to cut water use
• A rainwater tank for watering the garden and toilet flushing
• Water efficient showerheads, taps and dual flush toilets
• Insulation in all ceilings, walls and the roof
• All opposite and adjacent walls must have windows to improve airflow
• The windows on the west side of the house should be smaller to save on air-conditioning costs
• All windows must have eaves for shade
• The roof should be a light colour
• Ceiling fans in all rooms
• A skylight should be in the kitchen
• Halogen lights instead of some standard globes
   

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