1 May 2009
New housing and renovations designed to comply with the national six star design sustainability codes to be compulsory by 2011 will provide their owners with a long term re-sale value as costs of energy and water are expected to rise.
 David Hallett |
Archicentre,
the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects
said, not only would six star design code provide a monetary return it
will also provide benefits in lifestyle and health. |
Mr Hallett said that in a recent poll, Archicentre asked its member architects to name the biggest industry change over the last five years and 25% said sustainability. They were also asked what the next big trend in renovating was and 71% said sustainability. Australians seem to agree universally that green is good.
Trends in Energy-Saving
from the survey showed extra insulation is the number one energy saving trend
with almost nine out of ten homeowners (86%) taking it up. Double-glazing is
less popular (57.5%) because homeowners now have the option of removing the
window and replacing it with high-performance glass that is thicker and non-reflective.
Traditional light globes are being phased out and replaced by compact fluorescent
globes that cost a little extra but last ten times as long and conserve energy.
Rainwater tanks are an essential part of any renovation (92%). The long running
drought has prompted Australians to take up government rebates and install rainwater
tanks. Nine out of ten Archicentre clients have requested a rainwater tank,
a number that indicates people are putting sustainability at the forefront of
every home improvement project.
Media
Enquiries:
David Hallett General Manager Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate
Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201