Sustainable Home Design

Sustainable Home Checklist

Discover the three most important decisions when building a home. Learn about the basic design principles of sustainable home design.
 

View the checklist

We all need to make changes to the way we live! Increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the cost of energy use and concerns about the impacts of climate change is affecting everyone, but there is something you can do.

Are you planning to renovate or build a new home, or simply wanting to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle while renting - think Sustainable House Designs! A sustainable home will considerably reduce your environmental footprint, minimising energy and greenhouse gas emissions. It saves you money by reducing the need for artificial heating, cooling and lighting and provides a more naturally comfortable living environment. And the best part, efficient sustainable designs don’t have to be more expensive, let us show you how!

We’ve provided some handy hints below to help you on your sustainable home journey.

Building a sustainable home - three most important decisionsHouse designs for sustainability

Renewable / solar energy

Installing a Photovoltaic (PV) system can be beneficial to both the environment and homeowners. It not only produces energy from a renewable resource (the sun) and reduces your carbon emissions, but can also increase the value of your home and provide you with a level of energy security.

How do solar panels work?What size solar system will I need?

Appliances and fittings

Energy efficient appliances will improve the sustainability of your home. Check the water and energy rating of appliances before you buy them and aim for the stars (the more stars, the more efficient).

Gas-boosted solar hot water systems or heat pump systems will save hundreds of dollars off your energy bills annually, compared to standard electric systems. By locating your hot water system near the bathrooms, laundry and kitchen you can reduce the amount of cold water that needs to be run while waiting for hot water to arrive at taps and shower heads.

Rainwater tanks can also help you to save water, but make sure you check the City’s guidelines on water tanks before you install one.

Renovating for sustainabilitySustainable living for renters15 ways to sustainable living in Cockburn

For more information and contact

For more information on sustainable living, please contact the City’s Sustainability Officer on 08 9411 3444 or email customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodjar
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

The City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar Boodjar. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to Land, Waters and Culture and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.