Good design can slash energy consumption

Clever, inexpensive design can slash energy consumption in new homes by up to 80 percent, says a new study. Wendy Miller from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, who has completed her PhD on sustainable housing, found that good design, solar hot water and energy efficient appliances can lower energy use by 50-80 percent in households. She said the key to reducing a home’s carbon footprint was to build a home that was naturally comfortable to live in, eliminating the need for air conditioning, according to a Queensland statement. “The study found the best houses in The Ecovillage used 80 percent less energy, (with) the average electricity consumption (being) less than 50 percent of the average home in Queensland,” Miller said. “These houses were built under guidelines which specified they use natural breezes, energy efficient appliances, solar power, solar hot water and no air conditioning,” added Miller. Miller said these same results were possible in regular housing estates, providing the land was used well. “Good architecture is essential, but green houses are also dependent on good urban planning,” she said.