The Terraces
An Archicentre Year of the Built Environment project in partnership with the Building Commission and the City of Melbourne

13 October 2004

Green Renovations Create Lifestyle Benefits

Green renovations can lead to long term lifestyle benefits and healthier living conditions according to Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Mr David Hallett, State Manager Victoria of Archicentre said, "The focus on environmental gains has often played down the many valuable lifestyle and health benefits which can be delivered through sustainable residential design."


Rainwater tank in the roof at The Terraces

The Terraces, a Year of the Built Environment 2004 demonstration project in partnership with the Building Commission and the City of Melbourne, provides a unique opportunity to showcase some of the aspects of sustainable 5 Star design which has been made compulsory for new homes in Victoria from 1 July 2004.

Building Commissioner Tony Arnel said, "The Victorian 5 Star standard, whilst not yet compulsory in renovations, provides an excellent guide for renovators who want to make cost savings on heating, cooling and water consumption as well as add long term value to their homes."

Information on the 5 Star standard can be found at www.5starhouse.vic.gov.au

Mr Hallett said, the potential for greatest performance improvement through sustainable building commences with an understanding of principles and skilful design, including the selection of materials and the construction specification.

"Effectively controlling the environment within the home also requires that attention be given to orientation, window selection, weather sealing, insulation and heating/cooling systems. In choosing any systems it is vital to ensure that they are of an appropriate size for the task, have a high energy efficiency rating and can be easily serviced."

Mr Hallett said a major key to success is blending and optimising the use of natural resources such as solar energy, fresh air and water into the operating system of the home to reduce energy consumption and cost to the consumer.

Water use in a home can be minimised by restricting flow rates through the use of specified water efficient shower heads, taps and dual flush toilets. Demand on the mains water supply can further be reduced by reusing collected rainwater or recycling 'grey water'.

An inefficient shower head passes up to 22 litres a minute - a Triple A rated showerhead passes just 8 litres a minute. A three person household using 294 litres day could cut their daily water consumption to just 168 litres simply by changing showerheads.

With simple plumbing and the use of a holding tank, rain water can be used to flush toilets, supply a hot water service or water the garden.

Mr Hallett said that in the case of The Terraces project, water saving initiatives which have been built into the renovation design include:
* Water efficient tap ware and showerheads;
* Low flush toilets;
* Flow reduction and pressure balancing systems.
* Rainwater harvesting from the roof for toilet flushing (1000 litre tank provided to each property)

Typical Water Use:

 

Average Amount used each time (litres)

Av Amount used per year per person (litres)

Average Amount used per year Family of 4 (litres)

Average Shower (AAA)
1 per day for 7 mins each

7 litres per min
49 litres per day

17,885

71,540

Average Shower (old style)
1 per day for 7 mins each

15 - 20 litres per min
105 - 140 litres per day

38,325 - 51,100

153,300 - 204,400

Toilet (6/3 dual flush)
6 flushes per day

3.5 litres per flush
21 litres per day

7,665

30,660

Toilet (single flush)
6 flushes per day

11 litres per flush
66 litres per day

24,090

96,360

Washing machine (Top Loader)

135 litres per load

24,570
(3.5 loads per week)

49,275
(1 load per day)

Washing machine (Front Loader)

115 litres per load

20,930
(3.5 loads per week)

41,975
(1 load per day)

Automatic Dishwasher

35 litres per load

4,258
(1 load every 3 days)

12,775
(1 load per day)

Dripping tap

22 litres per day

NA

8,030

Garden hose, sprinkler or running tap (Average household usage)

over 16 litres per minute or
about 1000 litres per hour

NA

75,000

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
David Hallett State Manager VIC Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700