STATE TO BECOME GREENSMART ABOUT SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today in Brisbane launched a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Housing Industry Association of Queensland (HIA) that will help Queenslanders to become GreenSmart about sustainable housing.

Ms Nelson-Carr said GreenSmart was an accredited training program that educated builders, manufacturers, suppliers and consumers about sustainable housing design and construction.

The Queensland Government has provided $90,000 to HIA to help run the GreenSmart program and appoint a coordinator.

“As Queensland’s population and housing needs continue to grow, with more than 35,000 new homes being approved last year alone, builders and home owners are quickly realising that sustainable homes are a smart housing choice,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Not only are they designed to be more naturally comfortable to live in, they can also provide long-term savings with cheaper water and energy bills thereby using our natural resources more wisely.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the HIA GreenSmart program promoted best practice building standards that encouraged energy and water efficiencies, reduced waste from building processes and improved site management during construction.

“In this way, sustainable housing provides long term benefits for the homeowner, the community and the environment.

“I’m very excited to be working in partnership with the HIA on the GreenSmart program, and look forward to seeing it gain a greater presence across Queensland.”

HIA executive director Warwick Temby said he welcomed the strong support the Queensland Government had given to the GreenSmart program.

“HIA’s GreenSmart program is already recognised as a leading tool among builders, others in the construction industry and consumers,” Mr Temby said.

“This partnership will elevate Greensmart’s profile in training Queensland’s builders and professionals and, at the same time, it will raise consumer awareness of the benefits of sustainable housing.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said a GreenSmart-designed home could save up to 50 per cent on greenhouse gas emissions a year when compared with a conventional home.

For more information about GreenSmart go to: www.greensmart.com.au

Media contact: Andie Gatti 3336 8002