Sustainable Home Ideas to Celebrate and Embrace

To mark the Australian Solar Energy Society's Sustainable House Day 2014, we take a look at ways to add a hint of 'green' to your scheme

Bryna Howes 12 September 2014

Houzz Contributor based in Sydney. Fashion- and lifestyle-obsessed freelance writer with a laptop jam-packed with home and decor ideas for next home update,

Houzz Contributor based in Sydney. Fashion- and lifestyle-obsessed freelance writer... More

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In 2001 the Australian Solar Council (then known as the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) began Sustainable House Day, an initiative designed to encourage 200 eco-conscious homeowners to open their doors to the public, inspiring more Australians to embrace renewable energy, recycling and other practices in order to lessen our impact on the environment. With continued success, the next set of doors open this Sunday 14th September. Find a home near you here.

With ‘going green’ a popular topic of conversation, and climate change a recurring theme on the political agenda, it makes sense for homeowners to look to ways they can make their spaces more sustainable. There is no better time to get your thinking caps on and figure out how you can make a few long-lasting changes. Whether you start small by using a compost bin or go big by installing rainwater tanks, it’s worth remembering that every little bit you do helps the environment.

Scott Weston Architecture Design PL

Install a washing line
While once upon a time the washing line was a mainstay in Aussie homes, clothes dryers have replaced it in many households. Well, it’s time to change that! These days you can buy discreet washing lines that can be folded up or hidden when they are not in use. Use Australia’s great climate to dry your clothes and you’ll be playing your part.

Here are some fresh ideas for your clothesline

Kimberley Bryan

Start composting
Utilising a compost bin for kitchen scraps is a great way to begin going green in your home. Buy a dedicated compost bin and place it somewhere out of the way in the garden, as they do tend to attract bugs. Then, simply add all of your kitchen scraps and garden waste, avoiding all animal products such as meat and dairy scraps.

Use double-glazed glass
Using double-glazed glass on windows and doors is a massive energy saver. Double-glazing helps to keep the temperature in your home consistent all year round. That means in summer you can reduce the need for air-conditioning, and likewise in winter you can reduce the need for heating. Not only will your energy bills be more friendly on the hip pocket, but the environment will benefit, too.

sustainable garden design perth

Plant a vegie garden
Next time you are doing your grocery shopping, pay attention to the herbs and vegetables on repeat. Maybe it is time you start growing your favourites at home? This is a triple attack, really. It helps you cut back on your grocery bills, it gives you a new earth-friendly hobby to try, and it gives you organic and fresh vegetables all year round. It’s a win-win-win situation.

More: Easy Vegetable Gardens for Black Thumbs

Horton & Co

Buy energy-efficient appliances
When it comes to buying appliances, try to balance your needs and budget with the energy efficiency of the appliance. Before you buy, it is also worth reading reviews on the longevity of your product. After all, even if it is the most highly efficient appliance on the market, if it has a short life span, it will end up costing you – and more importantly, the environment – more in the long run.

Jeni Lee

Source locally
It’s not always easy but make an effort to source any building products locally. You may need to get creative, but it helps to cut down on energy costs, among other things. As an example, this beautiful open-air Balinese house uses sustainable materials, all of which were gathered within three kilometres of the house.

Contemporary Exterior Contemporary Exterior

Use a rainwater tank
If you are building a house from scratch it is well worth discussing the possibility of adding rainwater tanks. Generally speaking, these are used to supply water to your bathroom and garden, which means that you can bypass any current water restrictions in the garden as long as your tank has water in it.

Danny Broe Architect

Position yourself
Again, if you are building a new house from scratch, you should look into positioning all of your living areas – the kitchen, lounge room and dining room – so they are north facing. This way you can make the most of the sunlight, which will ensure the rooms you use the most are also the ones that retain heat once the sun goes down.

TELL US
How have you utilised sustainable living ideas in your home? Share your tricks and tips with fellow Houzzers in the comments section.

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