House renovations with sustainable design in mind

So if you're planning house renovations, there's every possibility you're thinking about ways in which you can be sustainable with your designs. It's not an easy task, as expert Kevin Starling explains, unless you make it a part of your everyday lifestyle.

What is the best way to heat a home sustainably?

Using passive solar design principles to harness the sun's energy dramatically reduces the need for non-renewable energy, and it's economical. Allowing solar radiation through north-facing windows to heat internal exposed concrete and brickwork will slowly release free natural warmth at night.

What else should you do to get the best out of passive heating?

Ensure your house is well sealed from draughts with insulation in the ceilings and walls, and use heavy drapes and pelmets on windows or have high-performance double glazing. It's also just as important to provide passive shading to prevent overheating in summer.

Which 'active' forms of sustainable heating do you recommend?

Gas and wood heaters produce less greenhouse gas than electric heaters. Zoned solar hydronic heating or ducted natural gas systems are also better. For smaller rooms, go for slow combustion wood heaters, gas space heaters, high-efficiency reverse-cycle airconditioners or heat pumps.

Do you have any other heating recommendations?

Use 'heat shifters' to move warm air to cooler areas of the house. These consist of an in-line fan enclosed in insulated ducting and are economical to install and run. They also work well with solar conservatories, which are like sunrooms and act as solar collectors.

What is the best single unit that both heats and cools?

Zoned ducted reverse-cycle systems for large areas are the main option, but these are expensive. For smaller rooms, fixed reverse-cycle split airconditioners with inverter systems that adjust by picking up on body temperature are good, but some are not as efficient as they claim, so check first.

Are there any passive cooling systems you would suggest?

Design for climate so the building responds to cool breezes, and maximise cross-flow ventilation in conjunction with fans. Roof ventilators are economical to install and great at purging heat from ceiling spaces. Also use shading devices such as pergolas, shade sails or eaves and plant deciduous trees.

Contact a house renovations expert in your area to find out how you can make your home sustainable: