Queenslanders thinking of building a new home have become a little greener.
From March 1 mandatory sustainability measures came into force for all new homes in Queens-land.
The five requirements include: 1. Greenhouse efficient hot water systems (such as gas or solar); 2. Energy-efficient lighting (fluorescent or compact fluoros to light at least 40% of internal floor space); 3. AAA-rated shower roses in reticulated town water areas; 4. Dual-flush toilets and water pressure-limiting devices; and 5. Local council discretion for the use of rain water tanks.
These requirements will be easily incorporated in new homes and are a soft, politically acceptable option. The standards are similar to those already implemented in New South Wales and Victoria.
Expect the industry sector to wail about extra costs in housing but the reality is that developers will source these items in bulk and prices may well reduce. All of these items are already manufactured by the leading suppliers.
The sustainability benefits of using less power and water will multiply across the 40,000 new homes which are estimated to be built each year for the continuing growth in Queensland. In the long term these measures will reduce the need for more costly public infrastructure that we end up paying for in extra rates and taxes.
