SUSTAINABILITY

Level 1

These are simple things that can be incorporated into practically any design.
They often go unnoticed.

• Five-star appliances and equipment
• Australian-made products
• Plantation softwoods for structural timbers
• "Green" power from electricity supplier
• Natural gas appliances and heating rather than electrical
• Compact fluorescent and LED low energy light globes
• Consideration of solar orientation, natural ventilation, and natural daylighting
• Deciduous shading from summer sun
• Extra insulation especially in the ceiling/roof
• 5+ star rating House Energy Rating
• Weather seals at doors and windows
• Solar hot water
• Composting and recycling systems
• Water-saving taps, shower heads etc
• Maximise natural porous ground (i.e. minimise paving and roof area)
• Refrigerator kept in an unheated room

Level 2

These are a bit more involved than level 1 items, and the building will take on
a bit more of a "green" feeling.

• Recycled timbers - especially cabinets, joinery items, and floor boards
• "Natural" finishes rather than standard paints and polyurethane
• Internal thermal mass in walls and/or floors
• Double-glazed windows
• Tank water collected from roof to service all or part of water usage
• Grey-water reused in garden (i.e. from bath or laundry) STCA
• Recycled materials (i.e. doors, brick paving etc.)

Level 3

These are more expensive and involved. In a rural setting, they may be imperative.
In an urban setting, they might be considered the "glamour items" of green building.

• Grid-interactive solar power system
• On-site sewage treatment plant