Why should you be thinking about sustainable design?

Sustainable design is fast becoming accepted business practice in a society faced with power shortages and scarce resources.

CONTEXT Architects often works with people building in bush environments. Many are looking to minimise the impact on their surrounds, reduce power consumption and recycle waste.

Many simple things – that don't cost a lot more - can be incorporated into a design to make it more environmentally friendly. These include:

• Passive solar heating and ventilation to collect and disperse heat
• Positioning the building for maximum use of light and sun
• Thermal insulation and double glazing to reduce heating costs in Winter and cooling costs in Summer
• Reverse cycle inverter-type heat pumps for heating and cooling
• Solar hot water heating
• Reuse of water from the roof and impermeable areas
• Use of energy efficient lighting including occupancy sensors that only turn on when needed
• Energy efficient building materials
• Water efficiency solutions including low flow taps

We also look to use locally sourced materials and recyclable building materials where possible.

CONTEXT Architects has a recycling and waste management policy which is adhered to for every project.