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Today, more than ever before, we as residents of this planet have the responsibility to safeguard the earth so that there will be one left for our children. If this move does not start in the home then it may never gather the momentum that it needs. There are a number of eco-friendly technologies and developments designed specifically for homes and it’s time that we investigated some of them and what they bring to the table.

Perhaps the best known innovations, or at least the most commonly see, are things like low-flow toilets, solar heating and energy efficient appliances. These developments have come a long way in past years and were some of the original “green home” products. They helped to form the basis of what would become a revolution in home building and in the way we think about the construction of a home. One of the newest ways of thinking about “green homes” is the idea of thinking about a home as a system unto itself. That is that in altering or changing one aspect of a home it is impossible not to affect other parts of the system. This systems is comprised of five, sometimes 6 distinct systems if there is a fireplace(s).

There are some really exciting things happening in the world of “green Homes.” People are discovering new ways to drastically reduce their monthly energy bills on an ongoing basis. This is all part of a move by home owners and real estate professionals to show that there is an alternative to our reliance on forms of energy that are both detrimental to our environment and non-renewable. Eventually we will all have to consider these new ways of supplying power to our homes as we are leaving a trail of devastation in our wake in a ecological sense. What kind of planet are we leaving behind for the next generations? One that is devoid of clean water and organic foods? One that is getting hotter every summer and colder every winter? One that is so polluted that we cannot ever hope to clean the air that we breathe? It’s not an attractive prospect and it will be our children that have to deal with the results.

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Like most people, you probably don’t look forward to tax season. However, I have some good news for you that might make that time of year just a little brighter for you! Did you know that you can actually save money on your taxes just by using “green” eco-friendly products when doing home improvement projects? Well, it’s true, and I will be more than happy to share some tips and tricks with you on how you can go about doing this!Have you and your family always wanted a hot tub or swimming pool? If so, I think you will be pretty excited about what I have to tell you! If you were to install either a hot tub or swimming pool at your home that is powered by solar energy, you can receive a tax credit of up to 30% of what you spent on that! Well, technically, you would only get up to a 30% credit if you spent no more than $2,000 on your pool or hot tub. If you spent over $2,000 on it, the maximum tax credit you’d be entitled to would be capped at $2,000. Either way though, I am sure you would agree that it’s a great deal! Does your roof need replacing? If so, I would highly encourage you to look into replacing it with a metal Energy-Star roof. Doing this will not only make your home look great, but you can also receive up to a $500.00 tax credit for doing this! Replacing your exterior doors is another way to give your home a great new look, and if you install eco-friendly ones can also net you a $500.00 tax credit.Have you been thinking about possibly installing some skylights in your home? If so, you will be happy to know that doing so can get you a tax credit of up to $200.00, just as long as they meet certain “green” standards. You can also receive tax credits just by changing the type of cooling and/or heating systems that you use in your home! For example, by installing an eco-friendly air conditioning unit and/or a “green” oil or propane water heater, you can receive a tax credit of up to $300.00! Best of luck to you, and I hope that you are able to use the tips that I provided to help you save a lot of money on your taxes!

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Looking to buy or rent a green home? These days, lots of green homes are going on the market as sellers and landlords recognise they’re in demand. But how is one to know which homes are truly green?

Here’s a checklist of features to look out for and questions to ask to determine the green quality of your next home.

Eco Home Tip #7 Location Location Location – pick a location that’s convenient and easy to get to. Close to shops, amenities and public transport will reduce the amount of emissions that come from getting around. Inquire about the council’s recycling program.

Eco Home Tip #8 Orient yourself with the right orientation – if a house is to have good eco principles, it will designed with the right orientation. This means that the living areas will face due north, to make the most of the winter sun while allowing the hotter summer sun to pass overhead. Sleeping rooms, meanwhile, will be oriented towards to the South to capture cool summer breezes.

Eco Home tip #9 Cosy is not a four letter word – consider how the space is used as much as the size of it. Oversized houses utilises more resources in both construction and maintenance, while smaller dwellings are cleverly conceived can feel quite spacious.

Eco Home Tip #10 Inquire about insulation – ask about the insulation. Higher R values means the house will better protected against extreme weather elements. See if the windows are double glazed. While you’re at it, ask about other green home features such as solar panels and solar hot water. Make your message loud and clear!

Eco Home Tip #11 Good green help – there are a few Australian green realtors, such as ecoproperty, who specialise in green listings. Check the Green Pages green directory for real estate agents who will help you find the perfect green home.

The important thing is to ask before you buy. Even if the real estate agent can’t tell you upfront, it’s important to let the market know that buyers and renters are looking for this bit of information. While no single home will have all of the sustainable features listed, at least you can get a clear picture of what the potential home has to offer.

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According to the Australian Burean of Statistics, around 56 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the home. While it is important that we pressure business and government for sustainable initiatives, some of the easiest changes can be made in our own dwellings. From simple lifestyle changes such as adopting the Green Pages Top 50 tips to a more substantial investment in your home’s design features.

For many, building a sustainable home may seem too challenging, too daunting or just not feasible. Many people claim ‘we can’t afford it’, ‘I already own a home (and am still paying it off!)’, or ‘I’m renting’; these are all ready made excuses that make even the most die-hard greenie resistant to making a more substantial investment in a sustainable home.

‘Money is always one of the major impediments to investing in a sustainable home,’ says Julien Laclave, renewable energy promotions officer for Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZES). A green home can save a family thousands of dollars a year. ‘We can’t force people to invest in a sustainable renovation or a new home, but we can show them that it really pays off.’ Reduced energy bills from renewable energy sources and more comfortable living conditions that don’t require artificial heating or cooling are just some of the benefits of a sustainably designed home.

Lacave is also the project manager of the ANZES Sustainable House Day, a nationwide event that showcases a number of sutainable homes to the public. This year, over 100 homes were on diplsay and visitors could speak directly with the owners and get first hand information about the home and its sustinable features. Lacave finds taht many attendees come to sources ideas for their own projects. ‘People who visit the homes find it very inspiring. It’s very unique to be able to talk wiht the residents,’ he says.
So what’s behind good green design?

Essentially, building a ‘green home’ is to ensure a house is as ’self sustaining’ as possible. Key features include minimising energy use, rainwater harvesting, managing waste water disposal and even sustaining its inhabitants with a lush green garden. Renowned celebrities such as Csate Blanchett have brough popularity to green residences. Sustainable home design is reaching the mainstream. People are realising eco homes make good sense. Households can lower their energy bills by as much as 50 per cent and save on their water bills. Green homes stay comfortable throughout the year without the aid of artificial heating and cooling, which make them a real pleasure to live in. ‘A sustainable house is just a house that is well designed and cleverly thought out’, says Lacave.

For more information on the green home visit the Green Pages, Australia’s leading directory for all things green.

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