Economic Stimulus Plan fast tracks six-star energy efficient homes

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has taken the initiative to build six-star energy efficient homes for Defence families with funding from the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan (NB-ESP).

The construction of DHA’s first six-star home is currently underway in Toowoomba, Queensland. Further contracts have already been signed to deliver energy efficient homes in other Defence Housing locations around the country.

DHA’s six-star construction initiative is in advance of the Federal Government’s plan, through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), to introduce a six-star energy rating in the Building Code of Australia by May 2010.

For Mr Darryl Meehan, General Manager of Prospero Homes in Queensland, overlooking the construction of the first six-star energy efficient house for DHA has created new opportunities.

“It has been less of a challenge and more of an education process for myself and the builders,” said Mr Meehan.

“We are looking at the sustainability of every house and this goes hand in glove with our dealings with the public,” he said. “People are now far more aware of energy ratings, and now as builders, we are providing a service to the customer and have to be on the ball.”

For DHA the construction of these homes has been made easier through NB-ESP with the additional funding enabling exploration into long term energy efficient options.

Mr Meehan believes this funding has fast tracked the process of building to these new standards.

“We’ve taken this on board quickly and now it is becoming the norm to build to these ratings, which helps not only us but our customers,” he said. “Feedback from our customers has proven that living in a more natural habitat, that requires less artificial heating and cooling, has made this type of home more comfortable.”

In building these homes DHA and Prospero Homes have considered the orientation of the home to maximise air-flow and sunlight; an increased level of insulation in ceilings, walls and suspended floors; the use of wide eaves and awnings for shade; and tinted glazing on the windows.

The use of natural lighting; energy and water efficient appliances; and light coloured building materials to minimise any reflected heat will also be a feature of the homes.

North Lakes in Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba and Adelaide will be some of the locations that further six-star energy efficient homes will be built. The construction of all properties is expected to be completed this year.

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