We Build Energy Efficient Homes in Brisbane
Building a Greener Future
Sustainable homes not only help lower your carbon footprint, but they reduce electricity bills and provide healthier, cleaner living conditions. At Brisbane Backyard Bungalows, we build energy-efficient homes and granny flats for clients throughout Brisbane, including Mount Gravatt, Capalaba and Eight Mile Plains.
Our buildings are rated by the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), which takes into consideration appliances, renewable energy such as solar and batteries, as well as the star rating for the building shell.
By working to meet these guidelines, we build energy-efficient, resilient and comfortable homes that cost less to run, while providing a range of environmental benefits. For more information, contact our builders on 0439 334 903.
What Makes a Building Energy Efficient?
We are highly experienced in building greener homes that meet the NatHERS guidelines for sustainability and energy ratings. To achieve this, we:
- Consider your site and its orientation, then adapt your new home design to suit where possible.
- Consider the type, location and size of glazing to reduce heat gain.
- Use passive solar heating when sunlight is readily available.
- Use roof cavities as a thermal buffer zone by ventilating them in summer and sealing them in winter.
- Use passive solar shading on northerly windows and shade all east and west-facing glass in summer.
- Use bulk and reflective insulation in ceilings and all walls where possible.
- Ensure all spaces are effectively air-sealed to stop draughts and assist with heat loss during winter.
- Use ceiling fans (reversible if possible) in all living and sleeping areas.
- Choose light-coloured roof materials to reflect heat rather than absorb it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of living in an energy-efficient home?
Choosing an energy-efficient home brings a wide array of benefits:
- Environmental Impact: Energy-efficient homes generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to their traditional counterparts. These homes greatly reduce your carbon footprint, offering a practical solution for those looking to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Enhanced Comfort: The strategic use of insulation, effective window placement and overall design maximise the benefits of natural elements like sunlight and wind. This ensures a consistent indoor temperature, reducing reliance on air conditioning systems and creating a more comfortable living environment.
- Improved Health: Better construction materials and techniques, combined with proper ventilation, decrease moisture levels and limit the growth of mould and dust mites, leading to an improvement in indoor air quality and, potentially, the health of the occupants.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes have a higher market value. Therefore, investing in these homes can increase the future resale value of your property.
What measures are taken to ensure the homes are energy efficient?
A range of innovative techniques and industry best practices are used to create energy-efficient homes. These include:
- Insulation: High-quality insulation is installed in the walls, floors and ceilings to mitigate heat transfer. This keeps the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year.
- Energy-Efficient Windows: Double-glazed or even triple-glazed windows are installed to minimise heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, further contributing to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
- Highly Efficient Appliances: Homes are fitted with energy-efficient appliances and lighting that use less power and have a lower impact on the environment. This includes everything from kitchen appliances to heating and cooling systems and lighting fixtures.
- Light-Coloured Roofing Materials: Energy-efficient homes often feature light-coloured roofing materials. Lighter shades reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than darker ones, contributing to cooler indoor temperatures in summer.
Do the homes include renewable energy solutions like solar panels and batteries?
Absolutely. Renewable energy solutions are a key component of our approach to creating sustainable and energy-efficient homes. Our homes are often equipped with solar panels, which capture the abundant sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.
In addition to solar panels, we also incorporate energy storage solutions, such as solar batteries, wherever feasible. These systems store excess power generated by the solar panels for use during the night or during power outages, further enhancing the home’s self-dependence and resilience.
How do energy-efficient homes help reduce electricity bills?
Energy-efficient homes can significantly reduce electricity bills, providing savings that can add up to a significant amount over the years. The energy-saving appliances and lighting in our homes require less energy to operate, thereby directly reducing your electricity consumption.
The use of passive design principles also plays an important role in minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling, which typically constitute a substantial portion of household energy costs. Lastly, the incorporation of renewable energy solutions like solar panels can generate electricity to power your home, reducing your reliance on grid electricity and, subsequently, your electricity bill.
Can existing homes be retrofitted to become more energy efficient?
Certainly, while it is easier and more cost-effective to incorporate energy efficiency into the design and construction phases of a new home, existing homes can also be retrofitted to enhance their energy efficiency.
This can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as improving insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and lighting, installing solar panels and replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazed ones. At Brisbane Backyard Bungalows, we provide advice and support on the most suitable energy-saving measures for your existing home.
