INSPIRATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
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THE CHOCOLATE LILY (pictured) is an award winning sustainable home in Sedgwick constructed by local builder Justin Gee.
Adjoining independent bed and breakfast accommodation, this property has been built with specific sustainable features to be as self-sufficient as possible and to have minimum impact on the environment.
Where possible, materials in the house have been sourced locally, reducing the carbon footprint during construction. Timbercrete blocks produced in Undera, Victoria provide a stable temperature internally through excellent insulation properties.
Solar electricity feeds excess power back into the grid, and hot water is attained through an air sourced heat pump water heater. The wood heaters are manufactured in Australia and timber is collected from permit zones in State Forests.
All rainwater is collected in tanks and a dam. Waste is recycled through a worm toilet system and chickens produce eggs from kitchen scraps. An orchard and vegetable patch, enriched by green waste from the garden through composting, supply a year round harvest of organic produce with no food miles.
Seasonally, livestock are agisted to reduce pasture growth. The property has been revegetated for biodiversity to create wildlife corridors linking old growth remnants.
Winner of MBA Most Energy Efficient Home in NW Victoria 2013 plus Sustainable Regional Australia Silver Award for small business in Retail and Hospitality 2012, it was also highly commended in the Bendigo Community Sustainability Awards 2011.
INCENTIVES
Inducements for upgrading your property to incorporate sustainable living design details are greater than ever before. However, incentives from government grants are just a small part of the picture.
As buyers increasingly request information regarding the efficiency rating and environmentally friendly aspects of a home, agents are now actively marketing these assets. In the past these matters were of little interest to purchasers, but now these attributes are sought after features.
Consequently, new homes are now often constructed not just to meet but to exceed building regulations for energy ratings.
INVESTMENT
Motivation for this change has obviously been given momentum by ever increasing energy costs. Furthermore, the general growth of green consciousness has risen proportionately to wider distribution of information about environmental issues.
Financial advantages from energy efficiency directly benefit property owners. Stimulated by the current real estate market, the potential to increase the value of your property is also evident. For some, the desire to become more environmentally friendly is enough impetus in itself.
Even investors reap the rewards. Investment in an environmentally friendly property adds value to eventual resale, plus maintains lower vacancy rates as these homes become ever more popular with tenants.
PERIOD HOMES
Many older homes are being upgraded too. Buyers continue to prize the character of period homes, though now ask questions like, ‘Does the property have double glazing, insulation or rainwater tanks?’ Solar generated hot water and electricity are also highly valued.
NEW TREND
A trend for smarter, smaller, high tech as well as low tech homes is emerging as savvy home owners see the rewards in trading size for quality. Huge savings can be made with less space therefore money wasted on heating or cooling hallways and enormous rooms that often remain under utilised.
CHANGING STREETSCAPES
Passive solar design also means more living areas in new homes optimally face north, rather than just whichever way looks best from the street. This alters entire streetscapes, with the transition from traditional style suburbia to modern methods creating new challenges for architects, town planners and landscapers alike.
INFORMATION
Tower Hill Eco-demonstration Centre in Swan Hill, run by Sustainability Victoria, has an inspiring nine star home open to the public. It aims to drive sustainable building practices.
STAY TUNED
Currently in the process of designing an eight star residence, a local architecture firm has a new concept on the drawing board. They are starting construction on their first eight star home later this year.
INVESTORS TOP TAX TIP #1
When you own a property, renting out part or all of your property, as well as improving or repairing your property can affect your tax.