Buying, building or renovating your property? It’s a big financial investment, so why not protect it for the long term by maximising its sustainability and minimising its environmental impact? With Australians increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change, you can do your part by focusing on eco-friendly solutions in your home.
So whether you’re building a brand-new house or renovating an existing property, sustainable home design can reduce your carbon footprint while increasing the liveability of your property. Here are six ways to get started.
1. Use green materials for your home
Speak to your builder about using green materials for your new home or renovation. Not only is it an easy way to help the environment, but it can protect you and your family’s ongoing health as well – non-toxic materials, low-VOC paints and renewable sourced fabrics are hugely popular at the moment.
You can also put a unique spin on your interiors with salvaged tiles for your kitchen, bamboo for striking wood features or sustainably sourced hardwoods for your outdoor deck. The green options are endless!
2. Install energy-efficient appliances
The initial outlay of buying and installing energy-efficient appliances with a high star rating could very easily pay for itself over the long term. Think beyond just dishwashers and washing machines – you can purchase efficient light bulbs, cooling systems, fridges and even efficient TVs.
When your gas and electricity bills arrive, you might be surprised by just how much you end up saving.
3. Choose a ‘green’ suburb
An eco-friendly location is about more than having lush surroundings and low-emission neighbours. There are multiple factors that contribute to a ‘green’ suburb. You can reduce your footprint by living close to all your essential amenities (meaning less time driving around town), and nearby public transport can streamline your commute.
Also, look for master-planned communities where land is never wasted thanks to intelligent town planning. You’ll get exactly that in a boutique address like Savana, where you can find a range of house and land packages or purchase land for sale to build your dream eco-friendly home.
4. Leverage the power of renewable energy
In addition to installing energy-efficient appliances in your home, you can also take advantage of renewable energy through solar panels and battery storage systems. You can get all your water-heating needs supplied through renewable resources, as well as reduce your overall energy consumption (and bills!).
And if you’re building a new home, think about employing passive design elements that take advantage of the sun’s trajectory to help heat or cool your home naturally.
5. Understand your climate and landscape accordingly
Are you looking to build your home in a part of the country affected by drought? Or does the harsh Australian sun transform parts of your home into an oven during summer – hence the need to renovate? It’s important to understand the weather and use plants to your advantage.
In Australia, it’s wise to plant drought-resistant flora that doesn’t require constant and expensive watering to thrive. You can also reduce the effects of urban heat islands by using vines and large canopied trees to provide much-needed shade over your home.
6. Focus on insulation and tight seals
What’s the best way to maintain steady temperatures for warmth in winter and cool air in summer? Insulation. More importantly, choose non-toxic insulating materials that come from natural sources like cotton or high R-value recycled materials.
Similarly, ensure your builder adequately seals all windows and doors in your home. In summer it’s very easy to have hot air seep into your home, and likewise in winter any loose doors or windows will lead to heat loss.
As a boutique village address that offers an exceptional location and a true sense of neighbourhood spirit, it all comes together at Savana. You can start your new journey by purchasing land at Savana, so enquire today.