The threat of global warming is as real as it gets. Governments are pushing for the use of renewable energy as carbon emissions continue to destroy our world.
How does this Impact Homes?
Houses need to be eco-friendly. Houses are now required to utilize techniques that benefit from renewable energy sources such as solar energy. Although this has been a slow upward trend, it is now being pushed to be a requirement. Installation of solar panels and water tanks is now seen as a necessary addition to any home. By choosing to go for solar energy, you are not only helping the environment but also help yourself save your money.
What are the benefits?
The upfront cost of installing solar panels might be a bit expensive, but there are government subsidies that make the installation of solar panels more affordable. Having a home powered by renewable energy doesn’t only reduce your carbon footprint, it reduces your utility bill as well. It also saves you money in the long run. Solar Choice gives a good estimate of how much the installation would cost and how long it takes before it pays for itself.
Is there a need to go eco-friendly?
Australia’s government is indeed pushing for eco-friendly solutions and is already funding renewable energy projects. The government also gives out incentives and benefits under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) that helps with the purchase cost. Using and getting eco-friendly products to help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, lessen utility bills, and reduce the negative impact on our planet.
Development Progress
There’s a steady increase in green building efforts and companies are developing more systems that would further reduce carbon emissions. Green products are now becoming more transparent and accessible.
Some of these products are:
- Living Wall or Green Wall is essentially one part of the interior wall that is covered with living plants. They are vertical gardens inside a property that offers healthier indoor air, offers a mental rest area, and provides a healthier indoor climate.
- Eco-Friendly Lighting such as LED has been around since the early 1960s. Although the technology isn’t new, it is now improved to have better output using less electricity.
- Better Building Insulation keeps the building at the desired temperature. Newer innovations such as a Cellulose Insulation for Poultry, Triple Glazed windows, and Structural Insulated Panels or SIP’s are only some of the innovations that have emerged due to a higher demand for sustainable properties.
- Solar Power is one of the oldest forms of sustainable and natural energy that we use. The main problem before was the price, Solar panels and batteries were expensive and often broke. Today, installing and using solar energy is cheaper and can save you a considerable amount on your utility bills.
- Water Tanks are used to collect rainwater which is used as a source of drinkable water in rural parts of Australia. Much of Australia’s water comes from streams, rivers, and reservoirs that are replenished by rainfall, though Perth takes about 50% from groundwater. A small portion of the water used by Australia comes from desalinated water.
People are gradually shifting to employ green solutions in their everyday lives. The constant threat of global warming has led to companies racing for better alternative ways to sustain the ever-increasing demand to fuel technology and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Modern house designs take inspiration from being efficient and making use of renewable sources such as natural light and making use of collected rainwater.