Designing a 7-star energy-efficient home is a remarkable achievement, and we’re thrilled to have our home featured by Trend Windows boasting a coveted 7-star energy-efficiency rating. In this article, we’ll delve into the strategies behind achieving this rating and highlight one of our key partners in providing essential materials for energy-efficient homes.
The Builder and The Scientist
Meet Mick Fabar, the visionary CEO who laid the foundation for Green Homes in 2006, a pioneering sustainable design and construction enterprise that has soared to unprecedented heights since its inception. Collaborating with engineer and ecologist, Ash Bland, in the early stages, their synergy ignited a journey of innovation and eco-consciousness.
Despite misconceptions, constructing a high-performing, energy-efficient home can be accomplished for a mere fraction more than its less sustainable counterpart.
7 Star rating Home – New Trend for your Home
“7 Stars is a considerable step up from 6 Stars” – Mick Fabar, CEO, Green Homes Australia
Homes receive a star rating ranging from 0 to 10, indicating their comfort level and running costs. Constructing a 7-star rated home doesn’t have to be expensive or intricate. Simple design elements and material selections can significantly enhance energy efficiency and rating outcomes. According to Ash, the star rating indicates the balance of energy that goes in and out of the home, based on the amount of energy needed to maintain thermal comfort between 19 and 24 degrees.
What makes our home a 7-star rating
Orientation.
“The first question you must ask is: ‘How can I use the natural conditions to heat and cool my home for free?’ Wherever you are in Australia, that’s what you should be thinking,” Ash says, “The answer to this will influence the orientation of the home.”
The orientation of your home, including window placements, tailored to its location and climate, stands as the cornerstone of designing a 7-star, thermally efficient home – a crucial initial step that cannot be overlooked.
“If you reside in hot regions, focus on strategies to keep the heat outside your home. For coastal areas, optimize cooling breezes. And in colder climates, leverage the sun’s energy to heat your home naturally,” emphasizes Ash.
“Once orientation is set, attention can then turn to insulation, thermal mass, shading, and other refinements,” Ash continues. “Yet, a misstep in orientation is irremediable.
Material Matter.
When considering materials, performance takes precedence. However, for those with a sustainable ethos extending beyond home performance, extra attention must be given to how materials impact the environment.
“If you want your biggest bang for your buck, you’ve got to look at the windows, That’s where you can make the biggest difference to your comfort.
Why windows are important in building energy-efficient homes? Windows plays a crucial role in building energy-efficient homes for several reasons:
- Natural Light: Well-placed windows allow ample natural light to enter the home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This not only lowers energy consumption but also enhances the overall ambiance and comfort of the living space.
- Passive Solar Heating: Strategic placement of windows can harness solar heat during the winter months, reducing the need for artificial heating. South-facing windows, in particular, can capture sunlight and help warm interior spaces, thus improving thermal comfort and reducing heating costs.
- Daylighting and Ventilation: Properly sized and positioned windows facilitate effective daylighting and natural ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality and reducing reliance on mechanical HVAC systems. This improves occupant comfort and reduces energy consumption associated with artificial lighting and air conditioning.
- Energy Efficiency: High-performance windows with features such as low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, multiple glazing layers, and insulated frames can minimize heat transfer, helping to maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round. This reduces heating and cooling loads, resulting in lower energy bills and decreased environmental impact.
- Solar Control: Windows with shading devices or coatings can mitigate solar heat gain during the summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning and improving thermal comfort. This prevents overheating of interior spaces and enhances energy efficiency.
Properly selected and installed windows contribute to lower energy consumption, improved comfort, and a more sustainable built environment.
Work with Professionals like Green Homes Australia:
Ready to create your own energy-efficient dream home? Partner with professionals like Green Homes Australia to turn your vision into reality. Their expertise, knowledge, and integrated design approach ensure compliance with green building standards, optimise performance and cost savings, and provide quality assurance and risk management throughout the construction process. Let’s work together to build a sustainable future for you and the environment.