The short answer – yes. Sustainable homes don't just offer benefits to the environment, but they offer multiple benefits to owners as well. They reduce their environmental footprint while providing a comfortable and healthy living space.
Let's see what makes a home sustainable and why it's becoming a popular choice for many Australians.
The short answer – yes. Sustainable homes don't just offer benefits to the environment, but they offer multiple benefits to owners as well. They reduce their environmental footprint while providing a comfortable and healthy living space.
Let's see what makes a home sustainable and why it's becoming a popular choice for many Australians.
What is sustainable housing?
Sustainable housing refers to homes designed specifically to minimise their impacts on the environment. They have special accommodations to run efficiently, produce less waste, and promote healthy living to their occupants compared to traditional housing.
In a world that's becoming more environmentally aware, sustainable homes are also becoming more popular. Australia is not an exception, where sustainable housing has been gaining traction for the last couple of years.
The Sustainability Awards, which first launched in 2010, celebrate sustainably built homes. This year's winning roster includes the Passive House designed by Zen Architects, and the Huff 'n' Puff Haus designed by Envirotecture.
This trend is reflective of a growing consciousness in people about their carbon footprints and their desire for more eco-friendly living options.
What makes a home sustainable?
For a home to be considered sustainable, it needs to incorporate elements that are deemed sustainable as well.
Orientation
Proper orientation in a house is part of a passive design technique that aims to maximise its comfortability through natural light and ventilation.
For example, homes that face north in Australia tend to receive more sunlight in the winter meaning they don't consume as much heating resources. Additionally, there's less need for lighting if the sun's rays can already streak through the windows.
And in the summer when the sun is high, north-facing homes have the benefit of getting shaded by roof eaves.
Pros & Cons: Benefits include lower energy bills and improved indoor comfort. That said, do know that the ideal orientation may not be easy to achieve depending on your plot of land.
Cost: Minimal costs if you're still at the planning and design stage.
Building Materials
Using sustainable building materials, such as recycled timber, bamboo, and rammed earth, for your house construction reduces the impacts on the environment. If these are taken from local sources, it also means there are lower transportation emissions.
Pros & Cons: Besides being environmentally friendly, these materials offer more insulation. The bad part about it is that it can be expensive and difficult to buy, depending on your location.
Cost: Can be high or low, depending on your location. Of course, like ecologically friendly materials, they may cost much upfront but can save you in the long run.
Size of the House
Small homes require fewer resources for building and maintenance making them more sustainable. They also, by nature, use less energy to heat and cool.
Pros & Cons: Because small dwellings are compacted, they deplete fewer resources in maintenance and construction than larger ones. Unfortunately, they may not be accommodating to the spatial needs of a bigger family.
Cost: Lower than large homes in general.
Heating & Cooling
Sustainable homes employ efficient cooling and heating systems. Including heat pumps and solar heating, these are designed to lessen energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases.
Pros & Cons: Energy-saving systems lower your utility bill and carbon footprint. It can lead to savings in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint.
Cost: Initial high cost, but it's good for long-run savings.
Water Collection & Usage
Rainwater tanks and greywater systems collect and recycle water meant for use in the garden, toilets, and laundry. This, in effect, is a cost reduction on water bills. It also eases some of the burdens on the public water supply.
Pros & Cons: Reduce water bills and ease the burden on public water supply. But it requires large space for installation and high maintenance.
Cost: Ranges from moderate to very high, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
Waste Management
Sustainable housing also accounts for waste management systems, waste separation bins, and composting toilets. This minimises the waste going to landfills and encourages recycling.
Pros & Cons: Can reduce waste, and can possibly produce something useful even by-product, like compost. That said, they may need behaviour changes and ongoing management.
Cost: Low to moderate, depending on the system.
Appliances
Energy-efficient products like Energy-Star-rated appliances reduce the use of electricity and water. The more stars, the better. By using them, though, the environmental impact of the home is reduced.
Pros & Cons: Lower utility bills and reduced carbon footprint. Energy-efficient appliances can be more expensive upfront.
Cost: Higher initial cost, but lower operating costs.
Lighting
LED lighting and smart lighting systems use less energy and they last much longer than incandescent bulbs. They even save on cooling costs, because they emit virtually no heat.
Pros & Cons: Significant energy savings and lower replacement costs. The biggest hindrance for most people is their initial cost since they can cost significantly higher than conventional bulbs.
Cost: Higher compared to other lighting options, but with long-term savings.
Roofing
Sustainable roofing materials include green roofs, cool roofs, and solar shingles. These materials can secure better efficiency with energy by avoiding heat gain. Besides, they have a provision for rainwater harvesting and may help in increasing insulation.
Pros & Cons: Increased efficiency with energy having the potential for renewable energy. However, they can be expensive to install and maintain.
Cost: High initial cost with potential long-term savings.
Irrigation
Efficient irrigation systems, ranging from drip irrigation to smart controllers, can help in eliminating water wastage. If you have plants, they can also help keep your plants well-watered without your manual input.
Pros & Cons: Conserves water and promotes healthy plant growth. That said, they can be too technical and expensive in terms of acquisition and installation.
Cost: Moderate, with potential water savings.
Solar
Solar panels generate electricity from the sunlight so you won't have to rely on fossil fuels alone. reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy bills. Battery storage systems can store excess energy for later use.
Pros & Cons: Significant reduction in energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. High initial cost and dependent on sunlight availability.
Cost: High initial cost, with long-term savings.
Insulation
High-quality insulation in walls, roofs, and floors helps keep indoor temperatures comfortable. The most common material for insulation is foam, but there are other options like cellulose and fibreglass.
Pros & Cons: Offers better energy efficiency and improves indoor comfort. It is very expensive but saves money in the long run in terms of energy.
Cost: Moderate to high, with long-term energy savings.
Sustainability in the future
With increasing environmental concerns, sustainable housing has become a concern and highlight in current and future markets.
Sustainable housing has many benefits such as less overall environmental impact, less utility bill payments, and better indoor comfort.
Major considerations when developing an eco-friendly living space include proper orientation, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials in terms that are both sensible and cost-effective.
One thing we don't doubt is that going green in the home will not just serve Mother Earth but will also guarantee a healthier and more comfortable space for all.
