People often think that building an energy efficient house costs a lot more than standard construction. But there are some straightforward steps to take when you’re planning your project that will pay off in the future.

Design for the climate, sun and site

You can save significantly on energy use for heating and cooling if your house has good access to the sun in winter and has been oriented to take advantage of natural light, air and shade. There are more limitations with orientation when you’re renovating, but clever design can still make the best of northern light. To achieve the best results, housing design and construction materials should be also be appropriate to the climate in the region where you live.   More on orientation and site layout

Zone the floor plan

Grouping rooms with similar uses in the same area of the house allows you to only heat or cool the rooms that are being used.

Other internal planning tips include:

• place daytime living areas on the north side of the house where north windows can heat these spaces
• place bedrooms to the south with good cross ventilation to keep cool on summer nights
• use utility spaces and garages as a buffer to the harsh summer sun on the east and west
• keep the laundry, bathroom and kitchen together to reduce hot water pipe lengths and heat loss
• use a door to separate the renovated, more energy efficient section of the home from the old section
• install efficient heating systems that heat zones rather than the whole house.

More on internal layout

Be smart with natural light

Natural light, air and views are an essential part of any home. But it is important to have windows that are the right size and face the right direction.

Energy smart window design involves three basic principles:

• maximise winter heat gain
• minimise winter heat loss
• minimise summer heat gain.

More on window design

Control air movement

Knowing how air moves through your home will help you to reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter:

• find out where the good breezes come from
• plan the interior so air can flow freely
• design window and door location to maximise cross ventilation
• keep ceilings heights to a maximum of 2.7 metres to reduce heating requirements
• install ceiling fans to help circulate warm air that collects near low ceilings
• look for sources of draughts and air leakage.

More on air movement

Improve comfort through landscape

Effective landscape and planting around your home can do more than change the appearance and value of your property. It can also improve the energy efficiency of the building by providing shade in summer and light in winter.

More on landscape design

Maximise your star rating

Victorian building standards require that all new homes meet a 5 Star energy rating, but it is possible to go beyond this rating. Ask your designer or builder how.

More on 5 Star Homes

Find an energy smart builder or designer

Many industry associations covering builders and tradespeople now offer their members training and accreditation in green practices. If your builder or a tradesperson is participating in an industry accredited program, they will be able to give you valuable advice.