The Key Elements to Consider When Building a Sustainable Home in Melbourne
08 March 2023Builders, architects, and homeowners all prioritise sustainability, and many are looking for ways to do so while still saving money. Earth-friendly practices must be included holistically, beginning with design, orientation, and location and concluding with renewable technologies and eco-friendly materials. A sustainable home attempts to lessen its environmental impact through thoughtful architectural elements, cutting-edge technology, and efficient materials. Beginning with the very first stages, this considers aspects like location, size, and orientation to allow for passive heating and cooling as well as natural lighting.
But building a sustainable home might be intimidating without knowing where to start. And that’s where we step in. We’ve constructed our fair share of sustainable homes as a reputable builder contractor in Melbourne. But where do you begin when incorporating sustainability into your new home when there are so many options? We should prioritise the following essentials below because they will have the biggest effects and guarantee healthier and more comfortable living conditions for years to come.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Choose electrical appliances for your home with the highest Energy Star rating available to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Other examples include water heaters, televisions, laptops, washing machines, dishwashers, and microwaves, going beyond only refrigerators and stoves.
Passive Solar Design
No matter how advanced your home’s cooling and heating systems are, without passive solar design, you won’t be able to reduce your energy costs significantly. This idea is introduced early in the building process, using two totally free resources: the sun and the breeze! With your builder, decide on the direction to promote passive heating and cooling, cross-ventilation, and natural lighting.
Natural Resources
Australia receives plenty of sunshine, so why not use rooftop solar panels to generate electricity? Depending on where you live, your home might run on solar energy, reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and lowering your energy costs. A win for the environment and your wallet! If solar is not an option, your local energy supplier can provide alternatives, such as wind energy or geothermal heat. A rainwater tank installation is also an excellent way to collect rainwater, minimising your reliance on the city’s water supply and promoting sustainability.
Insulation and Thermal Mass
Thermal mass should be a top goal for any excellent builder or architect to create a sustainable home, as it can significantly affect maintaining a home’s temperature. This entails ensuring the building envelope is airtight and that there are no gaps where air leaks could threaten the temperature inside. Every new sustainable home should include great insulation as part of this. When properly placed, it will keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer, minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling systems.
High-Performance Windows
Windows can lose a significant amount of energy. Thus, it is worthwhile to invest in double glazing and non-conductive frames. The temperature may also influence your window selection in your town or city. Low-solar gain windows are best for warm areas, while triple-glazing and insulated frames are recommended in colder regions.
If you’re considering building a sustainable home, Melbourne-based builder contractor Michael Worth has over 35 years of experience in the building design and construction industry. We offer our services for both large and small-scale projects. Contact us at +61 3 9687 0722 or +61 408 819 610 to arrange a time to discuss your plans for building a sustainable home in Melbourne.
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