Water scarcity has always been a huge problem in Australia. However, there are ways to help ease this problem for many Australians. Rainwater tanks have been used for a long time to manage water use by preserving rainwater that can be stored and later used for drinking and other home use. In addition, new advancements in greywater systems mean that homes can potentially recycle just over half of their total household water use, which is usually hundreds of litres of water a day.
As part of the $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan, the Government is delivering the $250 million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to help people use water wisely in their everyday lives.
The Australian Government is providing:
Rebates of up to $500 for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems.
Grants to surf life saving clubs of up to $10,000 to install a rainwater tank or undertake a larger water saving project.
The National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative offers household rebates of up to $500 for new rainwater tanks or greywater systems purchased after 30 January 2009. Applications for rebates will only be accepted from 1 March 2009. For more information check out www.environment.gov.au.
With the impacts of climate change and global warming widely accepted as a reality, all levels of Australian governments have responded to the challenge by setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To help meet these targets the Australian Building Codes Board have introduced energy efficiency measures for new houses into the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Check out www.environment.gov.au for more information about these changes.
All states currently impose a minimum energy rating requirement of 5 stars or a similar equivalent on all new homes being built. However, proposed amendments of the 2010 edition of the BCA will be raising the 5 star minimum, which is expected to take effect from May 1, 2010. The amendments hope to achieve greater energy efficiency in the residential building sector by upgrading the minimum energy standard to 6 stars or equivalent by 2011 and phasing in mandatory disclosure of residential building energy, greenhouse and water performance at the time of sale or lease. What does this mean for potential renters and leasees? Well, rent estimates and property values will now consider a building’s energy efficiency rating as a determining factor in what a building will fetch in the market. For more information about home energy efficiency ratings in Australia check out www.yourhome.gov.au
With the impacts of climate change and global warming widely accepted as a reality, all levels of Australian governments have responded to the challenge by setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To help meet these targets the Australian Building Codes Board have introduced energy efficiency measures for new houses into the Building Code of Australia (BCA). All states currently impose a minimum energy rating requirement of 5 stars or a similar equivalent on all new homes being built. However, proposed amendments of the 2010 edition of the BCA will be raising the 5 star minimum, which is expected to take effect from May 1, 2010. The amendments hope to achieve greater energy efficiency in the residential building sector by upgrading the minimum energy standard to 6 stars or equivalent by 2011 and phasing in mandatory disclosure of residential building energy, greenhouse and water performance at the time of sale or lease.
With a 0.50%pa reduction on the Bank’s current residential variable rate and no monthly service fee, a Generation Green™ Home Loan makes building or buying a ‘green’ home more affordable. In fact, you could save more than $51,000 over the life of your loan*.
And if that’s not reason enough to consider a ‘green’ home, remember you might also save on energy and water bills and further reduce your impact on the environment
The Commonwealth Government’s economic stimulus package is offering home owners up to $1600 cash back for roof insulation on owner occupied homes. They are also offering a $1000 insulation rebate for landlords on each property that they own. These initiatives are geared towards making homes in Australia more energy efficient. In addition to these incentives many Australians may also be eligible to receive free ceiling insulation as well.
What is green housing? A green house is a home that uses sustainable building materials and energy efficient design. The concept of SUSTAINABILITY involves RENEWABLE ENERGY and CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES.
A green home promotes a natural sense of well-being, better health and greater economic prosperity through affordable and efficient use of energy and natural resources. Each step we take to minimize the human impact on our environment is a step to improve the lives of all living things.
There are many benefits of ‘Green’ Sustainable homes and below are just a few of the very real benefits. According to the 2006 McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Green Building SmartMarket Report; ‘Green’ homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by 2010, up from 2% in 2005. Owning or renting a ‘Green’ home is good for your wallet, your health and our environment.
Month to month, people who live in ‘Green’ homes save money by consuming 40% less energy and 50% less water than standard homes. Over the years that adds up to big savings.
Some ‘Green’ homes further reduce our dependence on conventional energy sources as they generate some or all of their energy needs through alternative energy sources like the sun, wind, geothermal energy and biomass.
