Your levels of comfort should not be at the mercy of the
ever increasing energy markets. Why not utilize what nature provides to your advantage and enjoy the benefits of a home that works in with the environment, not against it.
Select a Passive Energy Feature
Reduce your energy foot print
According to the Climate Change website, Australian households are directly responsible for around one-fifth of Australia's greenhouse emissions. Furthermore to this, the average family home produces approximately 7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. This is not suprising considering the influx of more affordable but less efficient appliances as consumers feel the strain of ever increasing energy rates. Passive Edge's commitment is to educate people on smarter design choices with their project in mind by increasing the
reliance on renewal resources to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering
if not eliminating the need for typical artificial heating and cooling measures. Again, on site production of renewable energy will come at a cost upfront for example photovoltaic systems but rebates and other financial incentives soon outweigh the associated running costs over the lifecycle of the building. Principles to keep in mind when designing or refurbishing your current project can be found below.
To find out more about your new
home design & build contact us now.
Prevailing Breezes
Cross ventilation when combined with convective air movements is a practical, cheap and environmentally economical way to cool your home in the warmer months. Not only does it cost nothing but the inside temperature of a home can be lowered in no time at all.
- Drastically improved natural living conditions
- Cool your home for no cost at all
- Eliminate musty and dull odors
- Significantly reduce energy consumption
Winter Sun
Deciduous trees planted in the correct positions around a home (not the western elevations) allow solar heat gains when it's needed most in the cooler months of the year. Combined with the benefits of thermal mass this produces welcomed radiant heat.
- Free heating
- Polished concrete is appealing
- Tiles also prove practical in these areas and have the same effect
- Reflected light can also transform spaces
Summer Sun
You cannot shade your entire roof just in the summer months so you need to utilize the direct energy gained to your benefit. Solar panels, solar hot water units for not only household use but pool heating applications to assist gas boosted models. Solar lit outdoor features such as garden lights and fans are a worthwhile investment to.
Thermal Mass
Thermal mass located in the correct areas of your home enables the material to store heat during the winter months and re release it as the internal temperature cools of a night. Careful planning must be taken into account though. If unwanted summer sun enters the home it can quickly overheat the building proving difficult to cool.
- Reduce heating energy requirements
- Pleasant indoor temperatures
- Free heat when it's needed
- A variety of solutions available
