Living in Australia we have grown up enjoying one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments. Any Australian will tell you that, as caretakers of this land, we need to do everything within our power to protect our natural landscape, minimise our carbon footprint and protect our beautiful planet.
If you’re on the market for a new home there’s a lot to consider, from where you want to live, to how much you can afford to borrow from your financial institution (if you’re looking for help in this department, you can check out this online tool to get a rough idea of how much you need to borrow - calculate here), to the sort of future you see for yourself in your new home.
Another thing you have to consider is how to make sure you’re making your new house a home whilst keeping our collective responsibility to the planet at the front of your mind.
Here are some easy to apply tactics to make sure your new home is as sustainable as possible.
Heating Sustainably
Heating and cooling your home contributes to on average 40% of household energy use, so it’s no surprise that switching to sustainable heating and cooling systems will not only help to make your house more environmentally conscious but will help cut down your monthly energy bill. There are a few small design changes that you can implement to help make sure that your house is heated and cooled effectively and sustainably. If you haven’t yet bought your home you should look for homes that include the following features or, if you’re looking to modify your existing home, you’ll be glad to learn these additions are relatively cheap and easy.
Double glazing your windows and stepping up the quality of your insulation is a great way to make sure that your home is not losing heat or cold air through your windows which means that you’re going to be able to make the most of the heat and cold air that is coming out of your existing heating and cooling system. Draught proofing your home by investing in high quality seals for your doors and windows will help you to avoid the energy wastage that comes from air gaps around doors, windows, vents and powerpoints.
If you’re looking to buy a new sustainable home you should also look for homes with cross-flow ventilation and underfloor heating systems which will significantly cut down the need for even turning on your traditional air conditioning and heating systems.
Lighting Sustainably
Another sustainable way to cut down your carbon footprint and energy consumption is to find sustainable ways to use your electricity and to light your home without electricity. If you’re on the market for a new home look for a north-facing property. North facing walls and windows receive more solar radiation in winter than in summer and the position of the sun in relation to the house allows you to make the most of the sun in wintertime and easily create shade in summertime with simple horizontal awnings.
Installing a smart meter, energy efficient light bulbs (typically fluorescent lights although you can easily ask your electrician about the best choice for your house), and installing solar panels can also cut your energy usage significantly. If you have a heritage listed or older home and you’re looking for more information about passive solar and how to keep your home sustainable, you can head here for more information.
Sustainable Water Usage
Australia is a country that’s often plagued by drought. A dry, desert country or, to borrow from Dorothea MacKellar, a ‘sunburnt’ one - in Australia we know the importance of water. Because water can easily become a scarcity, it’s important to conserve water wherever you can. Start by installing water tanks in your garden to catch rainwater for your own personal use. Then, in your garden consider installing drip irrigation and water wise plants. To learn more about how to optimise your garden for low water use, check out this government resource.
Whilst we’re on the topic of gardens, you might consider cutting down on your food bill and dependence on big supermarket chains by growing some of your own produce. Most herbs and vegetables can thrive in a backyard garden when given a little bit of love and care. Look after your plants and cut down on your carbon footprint by composting your food scraps. There are plenty of great local government schemes designed to promote composting, do some research into the initiatives in your local community and start today!
As you and your family gear up to make your new house a home, we collectively thank you for doing your part to make sure you live sustainably. We only have one planet and it’s important to protect it! If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable living, check out this amazing resource.
To know more:
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/water/outdoor-water-use
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/renewable-energy
Envirotech Education is an Australian Registered Training organization (RTO) registered by the Australian Skill Quality Authority (ASQA) and produces graduates knowledgeable and skilled in designing, developing, and implementing Marine, Environment and Sustainability programs.
