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Selecting environmentally responsible materials and construction methods
will help lower environmental impacts of material usage. For example, using
low emission paints and sealants on surfaces in your home will help lower
your environmental impact. Similarly selecting light-to-medium roof colours
will help minimise heat absorption, and keep your house nice and cool
during the summertime.
Planting native plants, will not only help protect the native ecosystem and
ecological function of degraded sites but will help with the establishment
and growth of your garden. If you’re not sure where to start, our design
guidelines include a list of native plant species that are carefully selected
by a landscape architect.
Implementing measures to optimise energy reduction in your home, will not
only dramatically reduce your carbon footprint but may also have financial
benefits as well. Selecting energy efficient appliances with good star ratings
such as lights, gas ovens, air-conditioning and gas heating will reduce the
amount of carbon your household produces. Similarly installing a solar
system with 3kW, will not only provide a natural power source for your
home, but will help you save money on electricity bills.
Implementation of measures which reduce the use of potable drinking water
in your home, may also have some financial benefits. Using recycled water
in your garden and purchasing water-efficient fixtures and appliances will
help you reduce your water consumption and maximise savings on your
water bill.
At Dacland we encourage residents to live healthy and active lifestyles and
engage in community spirit. You can reduce your environmental impact by
considering alternative transport modes to get around your community
such as walking, cycling, or car-pooling with a friend.
Implementing waste management procedures and practices to reduce the
amount of waste sent to landfill and recycling efforts, is a wonderful way to
start reducing your environmental footprint. During construction, you can
reduce waste by using skip bins to collect rubbish, ensuring that your builders
transport all waste to a licensed recycling centre and by selecting materials
that incorporate recycled packaging or are of standard sizes in your design
dwellings.
Once you have moved into your home, you will need to understand your
local council’s waste collection schedule as well as local tip and recycling
facilities. At this point, adding recycling practices to your routine, will help
reduce the amount of waste your household produces.
Materials
Eco-systems
Energy
Water
Community
Waste
irodevelopment
Page 7 ~ Winter 2017
A Real Sense Of Place / Free