Sustainable house building — it’s more than just a trend; it’s a commitment to a greener, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient future. As we all become more conscious of how the way we live impacts our environment, building a sustainable house is no longer just a choice — it should become the norm.

But what many people aren’t aware of is exactly how to build a sustainable house. That’s what Townsville builders Keir Constructions are here to help you with. In this guide to sustainable house building, we’ll take you through the most important considerations if you’re looking to build a new home.  

What is Sustainable House Building? 

Building a sustainable house is all about minimising your impact on the environment and maximising energy efficiency. This is easier said than done and varies between regions. For example, Townsville is prone to unique weather challenges such as high heat and humidity, so it’s the perfect location to prioritise sustainable house building. Read on to find out how exactly you can do that. 

Key Considerations for Building a Sustainable House

At Keir Constructions, we pride ourselves on building sustainable homes across Townsville. In our years of experience, here are 7 key considerations that we recommend you prioritise for your sustainable home:

1. Choose an Optimal Location

You’ve doubtless heard the old real estate motto: Location, location, location. It rings even truer for sustainable house building. For example, our sunny city of Townsville is known for its hot North Queensland climate, with plenty of natural sunlight. If you’re looking for a location to build your new home, choose a site that receives plenty of sunlight and ventilation.

2. Design with Natural Elements

Next, you’ll want your builder to take advantage of those elements in the house design. Designing a home with natural elements includes large windows and open spaces that allow the natural lighting and airflow to flood your house with goodness — this will also reduce your reliance on electronic lighting and ventilation, increasing the sustainability of your home.  

3. Use Eco-Friendly Materials 

With the design out of the way, it’s time to get building. Consult with your home builder to choose your home’s materials, and make sure to choose sustainable building materials to minimise your environmental impact. This includes natural and ethically sourced timbers, recycled metal, and reclaimed wood.

4. Install Water-Saving Features 

A feature that dovetails with the design and construction processes, it’s important to install water-efficient fixtures and irrigation systems to conserve your precious water and avoid wastage.

5. Choose Energy-Efficient Systems and Appliances

When your home is built, you’ll probably start looking for appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning to add the finishing touches. Make sure you select high-efficiency HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) systems for minimal energy consumption, as well as energy star-rated appliances for reduced power usage. It’s also a good opportunity to take advantage of the greatest provider of energy: the sun. Consider getting a solar panel system installed to reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources. 

6. Prioritise Insulation

Staying cool in summer is always a struggle in Tonwsville’s tropical heat — but you needn’t crank up the AC. Ensuring that your home is built using materials with high insulation can help you regulate the temperature inside and reduce energy loss. Insulation comes in the form of walls, doors, windows — they all help to withstand the heat and reduce the need for artificial cooling.

7. Consider Smart Home Technology 

Keeping up with modern technology can be a struggle, but one area we recommend diving into is smart home technology. You can install home automation and energy monitoring systems. These smart home devices can provide you with smart thermostats, lighting, and security — and allow you to track energy consumption patterns to stay on top of your power usage and reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

Financing and Incentives for Sustainable House Building

Sustainable house building is an investment that pays off in the long run. Firstly, you may be eligible for financial incentives like government grants and tax benefits. That’s not even mentioning the cost savings you’ll benefit from by employing sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption. It’s worth doing a little bit of research before getting started to see how building a sustainable house can benefit not just the environment, but your wallet, as well. 

Build with Keir Constructions in Townsville

Building a sustainable house in Townsville is only possible through partnering with experienced designers, builders, and sustainability experts. And that’s where Keir Constructions can help you excel. As the most awarded home builder in Townsville, we’re experts in building to take advantage of Townsville’s unique climate. Our home designs prioritise sustainability, so you can rely on us to help you reduce your environmental footprint while creating a new home that offers you comfort, innovation, and a brighter, greener future.