BUILD 2025: Maximising energy efficiency

Maximising energy efficiency

Canberra is blessed to experience four distinct seasons, marked by hot summers and cool winters. These seasonal variations make it essential to design a home that effectively manages temperature fluctuations and minimises energy use. Here are our top tips for building for energy efficiency.

ORIENTATION AND SHADING

Position your house to maximise natural light and minimise solar gain.

INSULATION

Proper insulation in walls, roofs, and floors is critical. High-performance insulation materials, like mineral wool or cellulose, can significantly reduce heat transfer.

NATURAL VENTILATION

Using natural ventilation strategies, such as cross-ventilation, passive stack effect and strategically placed windows can significantly reduce the need for mechanical cooling.

CHOOSE HIGH-PERFORMANCE WINDOWS

Energy-efficient windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and argon gas filling can drastically reduce heat loss and gain.

OPT FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

Choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. This includes refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and even lighting.

SMART THERMOSTATS

Programmable thermostats allow for precise temperature control, reducing energy waste during unoccupied periods.