Consider Green buildings Energy efficiency when buying a property By Andrew Johnson
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wareness of information is essential when making decisions, so we can best understand the consequences of our choices, and have minimal regrets in the future.
“A green building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life.” (The World Green Building Council, www.worldgbc.org)
If the information is a new area of research for you, please consider the Green Building Council of Australia, www.gbca.org.au, which has some useful information covering commercial and residential projects. When looking at existing buildings as a home or an investment, those that stand out from the pack are those where the previous owner has understood ‘green’. This means that the owner included what they could and enjoyed a comfortable property. The efficient use of energy, namely electricity, gas and water are important when considering the ongoing running costs and comfort in your home or investment. Consider renewable energy, which in most cases could be solar energy on the roof. There is potential to add more in the future, so check your utilities or even to look at options to put back into the grid. It is always good to consider pollution and waste reducing measures in and around the building and enabling of reuse and recycling. Look at what exists at present and what else you wish to do.
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Look for good indoor environmental air quality, which is maybe simply having good crossventilation. When the property is closed-up, it is good to have ventilation options, air conditioning or systems available. It can be useful to ask about the experiences of the existing tenants and history of the property to obtain further clarity in order to decide. When inspecting a home, look at the materials used throughout – ideally non-toxic, ethical and sustainable, which may not be as obvious but ask the questions of the agent or owner and take notes. Look around the property – how does its design, operation and construction work with the environment and locality; how does it make you feel? Practising foresight and imagining yourself living in the property is really worthwhile when considering its design, construction and how everything works in operation. Consider the design of the building that can adapt to a changing environment – does it offer the flexibility and options needed for the future? My thoughts on green buildings and energy efficiency are a product of my history, experience and interest in the topic throughout my life and career across multiple industries and business sectors. My earlier career working for 13 years with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) spanned areas such as design, energy efficiency and tariff advice. These and many others were all important when helping customers make efficient and pragmatic decisions. When I walk through a home, investment or consider a design, I am always interested in the ‘why’, ‘how’, ‘when’, ‘where’ and ‘what’ about the property. I am interested in how it makes me feel and what resonates as I walk in, through and around the property.
