Most domestic and commercial buildings are not designed to save
energy, and this is indicative in today's high energy consumption
growth.
Simple changes to domestic and commercial buildings can achieve
energy reductions - and this results in an investment return.
An energy efficient building is designed and built to allow cool
breezes, thermal comfort and shade in summer, whilst making the
most of solar warmth in winter.
You can control the following factors for both existing buildings
and new designs :
Being energy efficient does not mean you have to compromise on
lifestyle !
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Hot Water
Solar and Heat Pump water heating systems can reduce your hot
water energy by up to 70%. See
products section for more information
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Insulation
Insulating the walls and ceilings of a building can control
heat gains and losses, making your home warmer in winter and
cooler in summer - reducing your energy bills.
Insulating your hot water pipe-work with good quality insulating
material will also considerably reduce heat losses and save
you money. Most off-the-shelf pre-insulated pipe-work intended
for use in hot water systems are not intended as insulating
heat barriers, more so as a burn protection barrier. Simply
put - if you can feel heat, its being lost.
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Heating & Cooling
An informed choice will result in the most suitable low-energy
option for your home or commercial building. Thoughtful design,
i.e. window coverings, glazing techniques, draught extruders,
smart controls, passive solar (north facing, shading), landscaping,
seasonal vegetation - can all result in considerable energy
savings.
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Water Usage
Reduce your building's water usage by installing dual flush
toilets, flow control in tap-ware, pressure balancing. Use recycled
water for irrigation, plant a low maintenance drought tolerant
garden, washing machine with variable water level (check energy
star rating of appliance).
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Sewage
Reduce sewage wastage through water reduction methods above.
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Lighting
Well-designed natural lighting where possible.
Low energy compact fluorescent lighting uses a fifth of the
electricity of ordinary globes and lasts considerably longer.
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Electricity
Grid connected solar systems provide a marvellous opportunity
to generate your own electricity saving hundreds of dollars
and reducing green house emissions whilst remaining connected
to the electrical network and receiving credits when feeding
power back to the grid. Take advantage of generous government
rebates of up to $15,900 to purchase your own solar power
system.
Also, ask your electricity supplier about Green Power.
Green power costs a little more, but you will be buying your
electricity from clean renewable sources such as the sun,
wind and water.
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Appliances
Check the energy star rating of your appliance choices. The
more stars, the more energy efficient the product (fridges,
washing machines, dishwashers).
The initial cost is more expensive, but you will benefit from
a return on your investment via reduced energy usage and lower
energy bills.
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