Results Summary
Project Features
Photovoltaic System
The building has a 5kW PV system, which still takes advantage of the feed-in tariff price of 8 cents per kW hour. The system is able to supply nearly 70% of all the building integrated electrical loads, and much of the predicted appliance energy.
Energy Efficiency
High energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, and energy monitoring systems help to significantly lower the operational energy impact of the home.
Gas Cooking and HWS
Gas as an energy source has a lower carbon intensity compared to electricity in WA. However in some other states or countries where the electricity grid is produced with cleaner means, electricity would be the more efficient system.
Black Water Treatment System
A 7.1kL black water system is used to treat all the waste water produced from the shower, toilet, laundry and kitchen. The treated water is then re-distributed on the property thus making savings on the associated waste water treatment impacts.
Rainwater Tank
Carbon emissions associated with water supply use on landscape irrigation are off-set by a 22.5kL rain water tank, which will save an estimated 14 tonnes of CO2 equivalents over the life of the building. There is room for additional savings if the rainwater is also plumbed an used inside the building.
Low Carbon Structure
Most of the walls of the building is built from timber stud frame which has lower embodied energy compared to masonry.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a very efficient form of providing cooling in a house at a low monetary and environmental cost.
This assessment was conducted by Fei