Main Content
The Benefits of Sustainability
There are a number of benefits in adopting sustainable principles within the built form. Some initiatives are less expensive than others, some have higher capital costs but lower running costs, some directly improve the comfort of the building and other products may already be included within your project costs. It is important to liaise with your developer during the design of your building or home to ensure that it maximises the opportunity to achieve a more comfortable environment whilst reducing its impact on the surrounding environment and reducing the building's running costs.
It is vital to examine the life cycle costs of products when designing your development. Cheaper products may not necessarily reflect the true running costs of the product and may result in higher water or energy bills, costing more in the long run.
'It's the little things!'...
The Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) reports that the cost of running a 75W incandescent light for just 4 hours a day has an estimated annual running cost of $15. Replacing this with an 18W compact fluorescent lamp for example has an annual running cost estimated at $4. This alone is a saving of $11 each year per light.
SEDO reports that if all of WA households replaced just one 75W incandescent globe used for four hours each day with an 18W compact fluorescent lamp, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by over 55,000 tonnes each year. This is equivalent to taking over 12,000 cars off the road.
.. 'and the bigger things!'
Hot water can account for one third of an average Perth household's consumption. There is no denying that the cost of installing a solar hot water system is more expensive than an electric system for example, but the higher running costs of an electric hot water system should also be considered. SEDO report that the running cost of a 100L electric tank to accommodate a 4 person family will cost approximately $630 per annum. A solar electric boosted system, however, will cost approximately $160, with a solar gas boosted system costing only approximately $90 per annum. Generous rebates are available to contribute toward the cost of SHW systems. More information on hot water is contained in the guidance notes.