The Sustainable Home Renovation Guide is a practical guide packed with help and answers to making your home more sustainable. We’ve put together the most important practical information, plus easy wins, to make your home renovation better for today and tomorrow.
For home improvement:
1. Install multi-directional flow ceiling fans (clockwise and counterclockwise).
Why is this important ?Ceiling fans are an inexpensive way to provide better ventilation in your home and reduce your reliance on air conditioning. In the winter, the fan will push excess heat toward the occupied part of the room, and in the summer, it will let the heat rise. This means you’ll feel more comfortable all year round.
2. Carry out draft-blocking work, including insulating doors and windows, installing dampers on vents, and sealing gaps/cracks.
Why is this important? It is estimated that uncontrolled air movement through a home causes 25% (1) of heat loss in the winter, which increases energy consumption and leads to higher bills. Draft insulation will improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and acoustics.
3. Go key locksmith plan
Why is this important? key locksmith is a government-recognized renewable energy source that allows you to purchase 10-100% of your electricity from renewable sources. This is a great alternative if you can’t get solar power in your home or live in an apartment.
4. Use door mats or keep your home show-free.
Why is this important? Pollution and dust can be carried into homes on shoes and accumulate in carpets, which can be a direct problem for young children on the floor and reduce air quality.
5. Prioritize native plants in your garden.
Why is this important? The average home uses 40% of its total water consumption for outdoor purposes, mostly for gardens and lawns (2). By choosing plants native to your area, you are not only creating a resilient garden, but you are also providing local habitat and increasing biodiversity.
For major renovations:
1. Consider the layout of your home, and make sure that the main living spaces and windows face north when practical.
Why is this important? The way the sun moves through different seasons can be used to provide free heat (in winter) and reduce excess heat (in summer).
2. Insulate walls, ceilings, and suspended floors in all new buildings.
Why is this important? Insulation helps prevent heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home. This can allow your heater/air conditioner to run more efficiently, or in some cases, not need to run at all.
3. Choose all electrical appliances and air conditioners that are high efficiency, including avoiding induction cooktops and gas ovens/stoves.
Why is this important? Gas cooking is estimated to account for 12% of the burden of childhood asthma in Australia. Replacing these appliances may be more expensive than before, but investing in all-electric appliances will save you money in the long run.
4. Install a rainwater tank and consider flushing toilets and clothes.
Why is this important? Installing tanks is a good strategy to reduce drinking water use. It is best to place them in high places as gravity will reduce the pumping force.
5. Simplify the roof line and install light-coloured metal roofing sheets.
Why is this important? Reduce the chance of debris and embers accumulating. Metal roofing sheets offer greater fire protection than tiled roofs because they are tightly secured and sealed at the junctions. Having a light-colored roof will also reflect the sun’s heat and protect you from extreme heat.
