Sustainable House Day

Sustainable House Day is on again!

Sunday 13th September 2009. Houses open between 10am and 4pm

Visit an open home on Sustainable House Day and go to www.livinggreener.gov.au to find out the practical and often easy steps you can take to reduce your impact on the environment as well as your energy and water bills.

House 1
Canberra & surrounds ACT
Daryl & Hugh Lawrence 2629
2629 Barton Highway MURRUMBATEMAN NSW 2582
click here for more information

House 2
Canberra & surrounds ACT
Alan Kerlin
133 Nullabor Ave HARRISON ACT 2914
click here for more information

House 3
Canberra & surrounds ACT
Gillian & Keith Helyar
67 Roma Mitchell Cres WATSON ACT 2602
click here for more information

House 4
Canberra & surrounds ACT
Delwyn & Duncan Craig
15 Roma Mitchell St North Watson 2603
click here for information

House 5
Canberra & surrounds ACT
Penney & David Nettlefold
1 Ningaloo St HARRISON ACT 2914
click here for more information

House 6
Canberra & surrounds ACT
Martin Helmreich & Belinda Pratten
128 Goyder St NARRABUNDAH ACT 2604
click here for more information

House 7
Canberra & surrounds ACT
8 Wuruma Pl DUFFY ACT 2611
click here for more information

House 8
Canberra & surrounds ACT
Matthew Driver & Melissa Fellows
67 Archibald St LYNEHAM ACT 2602
click here for more information

Solar Power Rebates

Eligibility

• Rebates and grants are available for the purchase and installation of major equipment items. Equipment must be new and not second-hand.
• Residential rebates are for photovoltaic systems that are connected to a main-grid or are very close to a main-grid.
• Any system eligible for a rebate under the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program is ineligible for the Solar Homes and Communities Plan; applicants should discuss which rebate to apply for with an accredited designer and installer.
• The person who carries out the installation must be accredited for design and installation of photovoltaic systems.
• Applicant's household taxable income must be less than $100,000.
• Applications close June 30 2009.

How to apply

All applicants should send completed forms by mail to:

Solar Homes and Communities Plan Manager Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts PO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2600 For more information on how to apply, contact the national information line on 1800 808 571.

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For More information you can check out Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts.

Australian Climate Zones

There are eight climate zones for thermal design within Australia.

Canberra falls into the "Cool Temperate" Zone. 

Main characteristics:

Low humidity, high diurnal range.

Four distinct seasons. Summer and winter exceed human comfort range, variable spring and autumn conditions.

Cold to very cold winters with majority of rainfall. Hot dry summers.

Recommended use of these passive solar principles. 

High thermal mass is strongly recommended.  Insulate thermal mass including slab edges.  Maximise north facing walls and glazing, especially in living areas with passive solar access.   Minimise east, west and south facing glazing.  Use adjustable shading.  Use double glazing, insulating frames and/or heavy drapes with sealed pelmets to insulate glass in winter.  Minimise external wall areas (especially east and west).  Use cross ventilation and night time cooling in summer.   Site new homes for solar access, exposure to cooling breezes and protection from cold winds.   Draught seal thoroughly and provide airlocks to entries.  Install auxiliary heating in extreme climates. Use renewable energy sources.   Use reflective insulation to keep out heat in summer.  Use bulk insulation to keep heat in during winter. Bulk insulate walls, ceilings and exposed floors.

Paton Constructions

Design and siting are crucial to building an energy efficient home in the Canberra region.  By making use of our clear, sunny winter days and relatively cool summer nights it is possible to build a comfortable home that does not require active sources of heating and cooling.In wintertime this means maximising north facing window areas to allow the sun’s energy (warmth) into your home.  This energy must then be stored in internal thermal mass such as a concrete slab floor or areas of internal brickwork.  The stored energy needs to be retained through the use of good insulation in the external walls and ceilings.

In summertime this means minimising the effect of the hot summer sun through use of roof overhang to shade windows.  West facing windows should be minimised and well shaded and external walls and ceilings need to be well insulated.  Cooling the home’s internal thermal mass overnight through good cross-ventilation helps to keep the interior cool the following day.

Using these simple criteria will keep a house warm in winter (15-25°C) and cool in summer (20-28°C) without the need for heating or air conditioning.

Today there are also many new appliances and fittings available that will enhance the energy efficiency of your home such assolar hot water systems, water efficient fittings and back to grid solar panels.

Visit our website to view the gallery of homes we have built here in Canberra.