Designing Greener Homes
Harris Building Design uses the HIA GreenSmart principles in their custom designs. The GreenSmart program aims to improve environmental performance in the housing industry through responsible design principles, practices and technologies.
The goals of a GreenSmart home are to:
- Improve energy, resource and water efficiency
- Help home owners to waste less and recycle more
- Reduce the waste in the building process
- Create healthier homes
- Improve site management during construction
The benefits of building a home around the GreenSmart principles include:
- Homes that are warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which reduces energy bills
- More efficient water consumption reduces water bills
- Helping the environment by lowering waste in the building process which in turn saves costs.
To maximise Solar Passive Design, the following elements are considered in the design process;
Orientation
Insulation
Thermal Mass
Ventilation
Flooring
Green Initiatives in our office
In our office we have taken steps to apply the principals of the three R's:- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
- We have installed low energy efficient lighting throughout the office
- Our ducted air conditioning is rated 4 stars
- We only use 100% recycled copy paper for all printing
- All paperwaste is shredded and/or recycled by either;
- Given to community groups for packaging
- Given to local pet stores
- Given away for composting, or
- Placed in the recycle bin
Wherever possible, materials used in our display area have been sourced from offcuts which might otherwise have gone to landfill.
Harris Building Design Services designs meet with council and government requirements for sustainability.
The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX)
This index ensures homes are designed to use less potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for house and units. Click on the image for more information.
NSW Department of Planning
Click on the image for more information.
