Media Statements - New guide encourages project homebuyers to make more sustainable choices

5/2/08

Project homebuyers will be able to make more informed choices to reduce their impact on the environment thanks to a launch of a new State Government-funded homebuyer’s guide.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today launched ‘Your Home Buyer’s Guide’, an innovative publication which leads buyers through the house purchasing process, educating them about choosing a more comfortable home which reduces running costs and increases the longer-term value of the house.

Ms MacTiernan said the guide was a major initiative in promoting both sustainable and affordable housing as well as encouraging project home buyers to consider issues such as orientation and ventilation and options such as solar hot water systems and energy-efficient lighting.

“Per capita, Australia is the biggest greenhouse gas producer in the world,” the Minister said.

“Almost one-fifth of the country’s greenhouse gases are produced by the everyday activities of households, with the energy needs of the average family home responsible for more than eight tonnes of emissions each year.

“We have to start considering the cost of running a home - not just the cost of purchasing it.

“Making a few small changes around the home can lead to big reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as cutting power and water bills and improving a house’s sale price.

“Your Home Buyer’s Guide provides practical advice on how each of us can easily and inexpensively reduce our carbon footprint.”

Energy-saving features such as eaves and insulation are highlighted in the guide’s 10 key steps, which detail what homebuyers should consider in their home purchase. The guide was developed by Clarendon Residential Group in partnership with State and Federal Government agencies.

Research undertaken for Clarendon Residential Group indicates that 24 per cent of new homeowners could not correctly pinpoint the direction of ‘north’ after they had been in their homes for a year and new homebuyers were generally not aware of the cost savings of sustainability features such as solar hot water.

Clarendon Group executive Robert Lynch said the guide was a useful tool for homebuyers to navigate the complex path to homebuying, including house design, colour selection and sustainable materials and inclusions.

“We know our clients want to be better educated about the impact of their choices on the sustainability of their homes,” Mr Lynch said.

“We are committed to providing leadership by providing quality information and educated sales people who can assist buyers in their choices.

“Customers also need to demand sustainability from their homes. They need to consider how spending more upfront on features such as eaves or better insulation will make their homes more comfortable and will save them money in the long run, especially given the impact of climate change.

“The guide has been prepared with the sustainability expertise of the Institute for Sustainable Futures and RMIT Centre for Design and the in-house expertise and understanding of the project home market of Clarendon staff.”

The guide is available online at http://www.yourhome.gov.au or http://www.clarendon.com.au

Minister's office - 9213 6400