Achieving Zero Emissions will be a result of:
SMART DESIGN
ENERGY SAVING AND EFFICIENCY
SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION
Key environmental and market outcomes:
The house is expected to use 70% less energy than a traditional home of similar size! Currently, 13% of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia come from energy used in our homes.
The smart design and building principles will be applied to mass market housing in the future.
An energy management and monitoring system enables households to make the right decisions to significantly reduce their energy consumption and consequently, their greenhouse gas emissions.
Use data from the research program and the energy monitoring system to identify key areas for further development and improvement.
View the LaTrobe University video talking about the home energy management system
8 Star Smart Design
The ZEH achieves an 8 star energy rating using the AccuRate assessment tool. Developed by CSIRO, AccuRate has been designed to simulate the heating and cooling energy efficiency of residential buildings. Currently, most new homes in Australia are required to achieve a 5 star rating, so to achieve 8 stars the ZEH relies on the combination of the following features:
northern orientation, extended eaves and
retractable shading options
brick construction with high levels of insulation
to the walls and ceiling
double glazing to all windows and sliding doors
insulated waffle pod concrete slab
