IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF YOUR PROPERTY
Many heritage properties were designed to be energy efficient, for example, through materials, orientation, sun shading, natural ventilation, or the use of high thermal mass. These systems can often be supported through maintenance and minor changes. Repairing and retaining original materials can also represent environmental advantages.
However, you might also wish to improve the environmental performance and comfort of your heritage property with new services or technologies.
Learn more Passive House is an approach to building design which aims to use existing building structure, fabric and systems to improve environmental performance and comfort. It uses a combination of high levels of insulation and building seal together with natural ventilation. Find out more at Australian Passive House Association, passivehouseaustralia.org
Principles DO – Repair damaged doors or windows and leaking taps or pipes
– Install door or window seals, energy efficient appliances, water saving showerheads and taps, and/or shade devices, such as reversible screens or awnings – Plant trees or creepers for shade to the north or west of buildings – Install energy efficient hot-water systems, solar panels, rainwater tanks and greywater collection systems in discreet locations, without damaging or obscuring significant fabric – When installing solar panels ensure that: • the supporting structure can support the installation • fixing holes in heritage fabric are minimised, and • care is taken with original roofing fabric during installation – Install double or secondary glazing or high performance glazing to reduce heat gain and loss, where appropriate to the character and significance of windows
MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR HERITAGE PROPERTY
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