Energy Use (34%):
...to reduce the rate at which fossil fuels are depleted by targeting both appliance and whole building energy efficiency.
SPECIFICS:
- Insulating the house at least 35% better than current requirements (equivalent to the 'Better insulation and better windows' category in Standards New Zealand publication SNZ PAS 4244)
- Positioning the living areas to face north
- Including mass (i.e. concrete/stone) in the structure to be used as a heat sink
- Utilizing renewables (such as the sun or wind) for the home's hot water and space heating
More Sustainable Materials (19%):
...to support the use of renewables resources and the careful management of non-renewables.
SPECIFICS:
- Specifying sustainably grown timbers for an integral part of the buildings structure
- Using coating systems/carpets/thermal insulation which have a reduced environmental impact, compared to standard products
- Incorporating some major building items which are recycled products
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Water Economy (18%):
...to encourage the everyday and ongoing better management of a precious resource.
SPECIFICS:
- Sourcing of water from supplies which are independent of the town supply (e.g. harvesting rainwater, river water or ground-bore).
- Including water efficient devices in the home, such as AAA-rated products, grey-water recycling systems etc.
Health Related Issues (11%):
...to provide a healthy living environment for all.
SPECIFICS:
- Providing extract fans for minimising the spread of pollutants, odours and moisture from service areas
- Providing extra methods for preventing injury and property damage caused by fire, above that required by the current Building Code e.g. hardwiring of smoke detectors.
Other Issues (18%):
...to ensure that the issues covered are comprehensive enough to provide an accurate indication of the house designs overall environmental performance.
SPECIFICS:
- Providing a recycling station for sorting household recyclables
- Being in close proximity to public transport/key amenities
- The development of an especially innovative measure or system which demonstrates good sustainable design
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