ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECO-FRIENDLY SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION RECYCLING

Sustainable Construction Waste conserves resources, and provides quality recycled materials for DIY enthusiasts and the professional construction industry.

Recycled materials such as Concrete, Bricks, Asphalt, Topsoil, Road Bases, Aggregates and more, are available at up to 50% less, than equivalent quarried products.

Over the past 30+ years CCR has saved millions of tonnes of waste from going to landfill in the A.C.T. The direct result of this means less landfill sites being established — a proven source of air and water pollution. An added bonus is, valuable space being left free for positive activities.

Sustainability is an important consideration when you are designing your new home. You should consider factors such as the amount and type of vegetation to be cleared or retained, solar orientation, energy efficiency, the methods of heating and cooling, and the choice of building materials. All of these factors can impact on the ongoing operating costs and the overall environmental impact of building your new home.

Energy efficiency standards exist in the Building Code of Australia, but these are only minimum standards. In the ACT, before you start building, your certifier will require proof that your building will meet the mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards that exist in the ACT. It is expected that the minimum standard in the ACT will soon be 7 stars.

If you are interested in ensuring your home is sustainable, there are a number of builders, architects and designers who specialise in sustainable construction. There are also a range of ideas that you could incorporate to make your new home or renovation more sustainable and energy efficient:

• Use renewable energy sources (the sun) and solar panels

• Consider the design and colour of your roof and walls

• Position your windows and doors to allow for cross-ventilation and incorporate passive design throughout your home

• Check that the glazing and types of frames on your windows and doors are appropriate for their location and perspective

• Include space for a rainwater tank (compulsory in the ACT) – and use it

• Install quality insulation

• Consider using recycled materials throughout the construction of your home

If achieving optimal energy efficiency and sustainability are key objectives for you, you should speak with your builder, designer and architect early in the design process to ensure this can be achieved for you. More information for consumers on battery and solar, including sourcing an accredited installer may be found on the Clean Energy Council website.