Experience sustainable living first hand

Sustainable House Day (SHD) is a national open house day for sustainably designed houses organised by the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES). The 6th annual event will be held 8 "“ 9 September 2007.

The event aims to demonstrate how good design can virtually eliminate the need for heating and cooling and thus save money and the environment. It's an opportunity to talk to homeowners, architects and designers who have created sustainable living environments, often on modest budgets.

As part of the national event, NSW will be showcasing 30 homes on the one day. For further information about these homes contact Rob Kemp.

There are now a range of substantial government incentives to make homes more sustainable. From September, the Australian government's new rebates for installing solar hot water (rebate value $1000) and solar electricity systems (rebate value up to up $8000) come into effect. Many state government water authorities also have cash incentives for installing rainwater tanks and grey water systems.

It is estimated that each Australian, on average, is responsible for the emission of more than 25 tonnes of Greenhouse gases per year (Source: Ecological Homes, 2005) &mdash the highest emissions per capita of any country on the planet.

The event was originally known as Solar House Day. The name change reflects the fact that most participating houses also include water-saving design features with heightened interest in domestic water management due to widespread drought conditions and associated water restrictions.

The new and renovated homes on show all have examples of "˜passive' solar design and many also feature "˜active' solar measures such as solar hot water and solar electricity generated via photoelectric roof panels.

According to the National Sustainable House Day Coordinator, Julien Lacave, the five key issues in passive solar design are:

• orientating the house correctly
• gauging the appropriate levels of insulation
• correct glazing with appropriate shading
• the correct use of thermal mass, and
• natural ventilation.

At each house visitors will receive a comprehensive information kit full of sustainability information and directions to houses involved in the day in that region. House visitors will learn how homes are energy-rated and be able to interact with designers and householders who will speak on their experience of designing, building and living in low-energy homes.

"Sustainable House Day is all about encouraging and empowering people to act locally, namely at home. The need to address the issue increases daily. Incorporating passive solar design principles in a new home or renovation project substantially reduces household greenhouse gas emissions and saves money at the same time. If more Australians adopted sustainable practices, our power demands could be met within existing resources and there would be no need for talk of nuclear power alternatives," the chair of ANZSES, Arthur Zawadski, said.

For further information, visit www.sustainablehouseday.com.