What makes a GreenSmart home?
GreenSmart accredited Homes are a showcase of environmentally sustainable housing design. The main goals are:

• to improve the energy, resource and water efficiency of the homes;
• to enable home-owners to waste less and recycle more;
• to reduce the waste from the building process;
• to create healthier homes for occupants; and
• to improve site management during construction.

Benefits of a GreenSmart home include lower energy and water bills, a warmer house in winter, a cooler house in summer, a healthier home for the occupants and less waste going to landfill.

Improving Energy Efficiency

• Passive solar design features are incorporated into homes to minimise the need for mechanical heating and cooling.
• Energy saving lights, tinted windows, insulation products, sealing of gaps, energy efficient appliances and both solar and gas hot water systems can be used to save energy.
• Improving Water Efficiency
• Landscape with water wise plant and turf species, mulches, soil conditioners and sensored irrigation systems.
• Install hot water recirculation systems.
• Use dual flush toilets, taps and shower heads that have the most stars.
• Install rainwater tanks and greywater systems for internal and external use.

Recycling and Waste Management

• Maximise use of prefabricated building components.
• Minimise waste through accurate ordering procedures.
• Optimise recycling opportunities and the use of recycled product or product with a recycled content in both the construction of the houses and landscaping works.

Creating Healthy Homes

• Select materials and paints that have low volatile organic compounds.
• Design homes that incorporate natural ventilation.
• Mechanically connect carpet fittings in place of adhesives.
• Locate flue outlets for gas, water heaters and room heaters away from open windows.

Improving Overall Site Management

• Minimise site cut and soil exposure time to climatic elements.
• Incorporate clean site construction practices to reduce soil erosion.
• Maintain waste in an orderly fashion.
• Identify and use one site entry and access point for sediment control.

Source: www.hia.com.au