Designing an energy efficient house

When you're trying to create a sustainable new home or renovation energy efficiency is a key consideration. In this section you'll find:

• What drives energy efficiency
• Tips for temperate climates
• Tips for cool climates
• Tips for warm humid climates
• Tips for hot humid climates
• Tips for hot dry, cold winter climates

What drives energy efficiency

A house is really like a football team - there are a number of interdependent components that work together to create thermal comfort and efficiency. However just like a football team, there are some star players, and some weaker ones.

Not all building components contribute equally to the energy efficiency of a house. Research shows that the biggest contributor to improved winter performance is an insulated roof and ceiling. After that, floors carry more weight than walls - from a thermal perspective - and glazing is the weakest link in the house.

This short video gives some tips on how to design an energy efficient home.

This article explains what drives energy efficiency

Designing for climate

Once you understand the basic drivers of energy efficiency though, there are different strategies for each climate - from temperate Sydney, to cool Hobart to tropical Brisbane.

Steve King, former Associate Director of the UNSW Centre for a Sustainable Built Environment, explains:

He also provides some design tips for each individual climate:

This article provides a specific recommendation for each climate - temperate, cool, warm humid, hot humid and hot dry, cold winter.

Designing for climate