Solar Home Australia will soon be launching into the area of sustianable building and home renovation. Whether you are building or renovating, here are ten tips to consider when creating a more sustainable home.

1. Water conservation 
Use water efficient appliances and fittings, such as 3-star ( or more) showerheads and water pressure-limiting devices, and include a rainwater tanks to supply water for use with gardens, toilets and laundry.

2. Natural heating and cooling (passive solar design) Good passive solar design allows your home to respond to its local climate through natural heating in winter and cooling in summer e.g. good orientation and room zoning, capturing breezes for cross-ventilation, appropriate insulation, shading (e.g. sufficient eaves), building materials (lightweight construction/thermal mass), and fixtures and finishes (e.g. skylights and window treatment). Incorporation of passive design reduces the need to rely on air conditioners/heaters. It can also indirectly promote natural daylighting and improve indoor air quality with circulating breezes providing fresh air inside the home.

3. Energy and greenhouse efficient water heating Install a solaror natural gas hot water system to lower energy bills and reduce the single largest source of greenhouse emissions in the household.

4. Solar electricity The abundance of sun in Queensland means that the ability to generate atleast 50% of your households electrcity need can be easily done with a solar electricty system. Not only will you be reducing the use of coal powered electrcity but your system will continue to reduce your power bills over its 20+ years life.

5. Safe floors Design floors and showers to be step-free (hobless). Use floor surfaces that are slip resistant to guard against injuries.

6. Address the streetAn easy to read house number at the front of your property makes it easy to find. Good external lighting and separated driveway and pedestrian entries also makes it safer.

7. Casual surveillanceDesign your home to have easy surveillance to play areas and the street from the main living area and kitchen for better security.

8. Long-term maintenanceReduce the repair and ongoing maintenance costs of your home by using low maintenance materials.

9. Indoor air qualityAvoid materials that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), such as paints/finishes and adhesives, which can cause irritation and allergies, and impact poorly on your health.