Zero-emissions home constructed

Energy efficiency and demand management

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry The Honourable Richard Marles MP launched a zero-emissions demonstration home called AusZEH in Melbourne in April. The home at Laurimar in Melbourne’s north-east plans to set a precedent for sustainable living in Australia and is expected to use up to 70% less energy than a traditional home of similar size.

Designed and constructed by Henley Property Group in consultation with CSIRO, Delfin Lend Lease and Sustainability Victoria, the home will be able to produce enough ‘zero-emission’ renewable energy on site to supply all the operating energy needs of the household so its net total CO₂ or other greenhouse gas emissions is zero.

Zero emissions is achieved through a combination of energy efficiency and demand reduction measures, on-site renewable energy supply and the application of a home energy management system, and not through any carbon offset programs.

The home’s performance will be evaluated against other homes within Laurimar to gauge the success of the project and help identify key areas for further improvement.

Delfin Lend Lease Chief Executive Officer Toni Milis said the project proved zero-emission housing could be affordable and designed for ordinary families today and for tomorrow’s generation.

“Delfin Lend Lease has a national commitment to being sustainable, so we’re proud to have been involved in the development of the zero-emission house, the first of its kind in Australia,” Milis said.

“Families right across our 25 communities are telling us they want to be green and they want to reduce their carbon footprint, but they want it to be affordable.

“The home will now be open as a display home and we will search for a family to occupy the home for six months while CSIRO monitors the home’s emissions.

“By investing in a scientific trial, we are making sure that zero-emission housing is a reality for all Australians and that it’s designed and delivered in the best possible and most affordable way, so it can be rolled out across Australia.

“We congratulate CSIRO, Sustainability Victoria and Henley Property Group for their efforts in reducing emissions.”

Henley Property Group Managing Director Peter Hayes said the home set a precedent for sustainable living in Australia.

“This home has been designed and constructed so the ordinary Australian family can live in an affordable and sustainable home and pave the way for future generations to enjoy the same resources,” he said.

The project is part of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship’s Low Emission Distributed Energy research program, which focuses on developing low-emission technologies and solutions for a quick response to climate change.

Laurimar is a 324-hectare community which is already home to over 2000 residents in 500 homes. Delfin Lend Lease will develop the remaining 200 hectares.

Upon completion, Laurimar will be home to an estimated 9000 residents in 2300 homes.

Delfin Lend Lease

www.delfinlendlease.com.au