Sustainable House Day, Pennant Hills, NSW

Pennant Hills Townhouse Duplex house built in 1996/7 as part of a small (13 house) complex.    The house has been retrofitted over the past 3-6 years by the current owners to improve the energy and water efficiency of the property. 
New or Retrofit: Retrofit. No active energy saving features were built into the house, despite it being only 11-12 years old.
Climate Zone: Eastern Sydney – BCA Climate Zone 5, Nathers Climate Zone 56.

Unique Sustainable Elements featured in this home

Water Harvesting Systems
We have recently installed a 3000 L rainwater tank which is connected to the downstairs toilet and washing machine. 
Various water conservation measures throughout. Water flow restrictors on all taps. Water saving showerheads on both showers. Tap attached to main showerhead to stop flow without adjusting temperature. BB Selecta Flush used on all toilets to stop flush as soon as button is not pressed.     

External Walls  
Brick veneer.

Internal Walls
Standard Plasterboard

Roof
Grey slate roof with a steep pitch, insulated with treated recycled newspaper. 3 whirlybirds installed to reduce heat in summer and prevent mildew in winter.

Floor
House constructed on a concrete slab, with downstairs recently converted to bamboo flooring (much quicker to replenish than wood).

Window Treatments
Secondary glazing recently added to standard single glazing to improve thermal performance. Window blinds used to provide shade in summer.  Heavy, block-out curtains in the bedrooms, and pelmets in the kid’s room.

Solar or Wind Power Generation
1.5 KW Grid connected Solar panel system. Green energy used for additional power. 

Heating & Cooling
Gas flued space heater and electric fan heaters in the bedrooms as necessary. Fan to push down hot air in winter and assist cooling in summer. Draught excluders on all doors.  Ducted air conditioning used as a last resort. Screen door allows air to flow through house in spring\autumn
Water Heating Gas boosted Solar Hot Water system

Appliances
Gas cooker and hob, Kleenmaid KFL1600 Washing machine (TESAW Winner), Traditional clothes airer in the garage, 4.5 star Fridge Freezer, 4 star water efficient dishwasher

Other Unique Features
CFL Lights throughout. Using timers and behavioural change to minimise energy has reduced our electricity consumption by approx 50%. Worm farms and composter. Pre-loved furniture, toys, books etc. We recycle most of our waste. Toyota Prius has halved petrol use. Washable nappies reduce our landfill and CO2.