Published Friday, 03 August, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
CHECKLIST HELPS BUYERS CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
Homebuyers can quickly and easily identify houses that are best suited to the Queensland climate, thanks to a new GreenSmart Consumer Checklist launched today by Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Multiculturalism Michael Choi.
Mr Choi said the EPA-HIA checklist will help new home buyers identify the sustainability features that have been incorporated into a house design so that they can make an informed choice.
Developed by the Housing Industry Association (Queensland) (HIA) in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has contributed $140,000, the GreenSmart checklist aims to boost sustainable housing efforts across Queensland.
“The list will also be useful for buyers of existing homes to help them choose or upgrade a house that will be more comfortable and economic to own by ticking off all the characteristics of a GreenSmart house,” Mr Choi said.
“GreenSmart is an accredited training program that educates builders, tradespeople and other industry practitioners about sustainable housing design and construction.
“A GreenSmart-designed home can also save up to 50 percent on greenhouse gas emissions per year when compared to a conventional home.
“Queensland has 1.4 million existing homes. These homes can be expected to last more than 60 years - improving their resource consumption will repay owners’ efforts to retrofit and upgrade them.”
HIA’s Executive Director Mr Warwick Temby said GreenSmart was already recognised as a leading tool amongst builders, manufacturers, suppliers and consumers.
“This new partnership will elevate Greensmart’s profile among Queensland’s builders and housing professionals,” Mr Temby said.
“The checklist will also assist consumers to untangle the mass of information directed at them on sustainability measures. Builders will also be able to use the checklist to help clients identify the benefits of purchasing one of their homes.”
GreenSmart houses exceed these standards, promoting additional sustainable housing features, such as passive design that can make them naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter and, therefore, more comfortable to live in. These features lower running costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The HIA and EPA will also provide GreenSmart information sessions for consumers who are becoming increasingly interested about sustainable housing design and products largely driven by their concerns with the drought and global warming.
The HIA has developed a GreenSmart renovation course, which gives builders and tradespeople information about incorporating sustainability features into existing homes.
For more information on GreenSmart go to: www.greensmart.com.au
Media contact: Karla Steen 33336 8004
Mr Choi said the EPA-HIA checklist will help new home buyers identify the sustainability features that have been incorporated into a house design so that they can make an informed choice.
Developed by the Housing Industry Association (Queensland) (HIA) in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has contributed $140,000, the GreenSmart checklist aims to boost sustainable housing efforts across Queensland.
“The list will also be useful for buyers of existing homes to help them choose or upgrade a house that will be more comfortable and economic to own by ticking off all the characteristics of a GreenSmart house,” Mr Choi said.
“GreenSmart is an accredited training program that educates builders, tradespeople and other industry practitioners about sustainable housing design and construction.
“A GreenSmart-designed home can also save up to 50 percent on greenhouse gas emissions per year when compared to a conventional home.
“Queensland has 1.4 million existing homes. These homes can be expected to last more than 60 years - improving their resource consumption will repay owners’ efforts to retrofit and upgrade them.”
HIA’s Executive Director Mr Warwick Temby said GreenSmart was already recognised as a leading tool amongst builders, manufacturers, suppliers and consumers.
“This new partnership will elevate Greensmart’s profile among Queensland’s builders and housing professionals,” Mr Temby said.
“The checklist will also assist consumers to untangle the mass of information directed at them on sustainability measures. Builders will also be able to use the checklist to help clients identify the benefits of purchasing one of their homes.”
GreenSmart houses exceed these standards, promoting additional sustainable housing features, such as passive design that can make them naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter and, therefore, more comfortable to live in. These features lower running costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The HIA and EPA will also provide GreenSmart information sessions for consumers who are becoming increasingly interested about sustainable housing design and products largely driven by their concerns with the drought and global warming.
The HIA has developed a GreenSmart renovation course, which gives builders and tradespeople information about incorporating sustainability features into existing homes.
For more information on GreenSmart go to: www.greensmart.com.au
Media contact: Karla Steen 33336 8004