Friday 13 August 2010
PERTH eco architect Mr Garry Baverstock today said Australians
need to return to smaller dwellings.
Mr Baverstock said Australians had gone through a long phase of
building bigger and more energy-consuming homes and it was time to
return to smaller dwellings.
"Smaller houses cost less to build, are cheaper to run and
enable the plot on which the house stands to have more natural
vegetation," said Mr Baverstock.
"First home buyers, investors, retirees and families downsizing
are all likely to be interested in smaller homes," he said.
Mr Baverstock said about 70 per cent of materials consumed on
the planet go into the construction industry so the quickest way to
decrease energy and water use was to reduce the size of the home
and have water wise gardens.
He said building and living in smaller dwellings mitigated the
impact of climate change and was considered socially and
environmentally responsible.
"People today are more environmentally conscious and aware of
the relationship between living in climate sensible homes and
reduced energy costs," he said.
"Houses that do not require artificial lighting to be used
during the day, are insulated and which have doors and windows in
locations that allow the easy in and out flow of air and breezes
tend to be more energy efficient," said Mr Baverstock.
Mr Baverstock said people keen to reduce energy consumption in
the home should have a sustainability assessment report
conducted.
... / Ends
Further Information
Mr Garry Baverstock: Tel: 0419 965227 or 08-9286 3811
(Journalist) Jacinta Goerke: Tel: 0412 338813