- BGC Home and Pilco Energy hosted Sustainability Expo last week in Perth
- All of BGC's homes have a minimum six-star energy rating
- Practical knowledge from the day included five top tips
More and more buyers and builders are considering sustainability issues when building new homes.
Last weekend, BGC Home and Plico Energy hosted a free Sustainability Expo in Perth.
During the event, guest speakers presented practical knowledge and tips on how to integrate sustainability into their homes.
The event included workshops and educational children’s activities such as a make-your-own bird feeder station.
“At BGC Home we are embracing the sustainability trend of using large windows to allow more natural light flow in housing,” said Tess Nyanjom, BGC Home Showroom Manager.
“We are so lucky here in WA to have really good light source for a majority of the year, so a lot of customers can reduce the need for electric light consumption. “
Tess Nyanjom, BGC Home Showroom Manager
Ms Nyanjom noted that all BGC Housing Group homes are designed with a minimum six-star energy rating.
She cites benefits such as a six-star home using 24% less energy on heating and cooling compared to four or five-star ones, less impact on the environment by reducing carbon footprint, while saving on energy bills and improving the chances the higher resale value in the future.
Five tips for six-star homes
1) Home Orientation
Before building, the orientation of the block should be considered, given that it can increase the energy efficiency of your home, which makes it more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run.
2) Glass
Glass can be used dynamically to divide the indoor and outdoor living areas, and to allow natural light sources to flow indoors.
Glass has the advantage of generating minimal environmental impact and is made of many non-polluting raw materials.
Additionally, its manufacturing process is highly energy-efficient and requires low amounts of water and generates little waste. These factors are unsurprising why it is a product of choice for sustainable buildings.
3) Smart furniture
Smart furniture continues to emerge thanks to products designed to save time, space, clutter and energy. Examples include a coffee table with a build-in fridge drawer and power source or a multimedia side table that charges devices and plays music. The lovechild of Ikea and Tesla.
4) Deciduous trees
Planning for passive lighting, heating and cooling for both a home design and landscaping can ease air conditioning costs. By utilising seasonal and deciduous flora at passive light, heat sources will allow winter sun in during cooler months while providing shade and protection in the summer.
5) Multi-purpose spaces
Open spaces that can functions areas allows the home design to have fewer divisions. This includes open plan living, dining and cooking which can cut down on isolating heating and cooling while increasing natural airflow and light – which, generally, makes spaces feel larger.
“We are really proud to have Plico as a partner at BGC Home, their approach to solar power is truly underpinned by the three pillars of sustainability; people, planet and profit,” said Ms Nyanjom.
“The sustainability expo was a great way for us to showcase the sustainability technology accessible to Western Australians. “
