Make yours a green home

Project home buyers are able to make more informed choices to reduce their impact on the environment with the launch of the Your Home Buyers Guide in December 2007 in Sydney.

The guide, produced in a partnership between the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, Clarendon Residential Group, Landcom, the federal government and others, steps readers through the project home purchase process, providing education about choosing a comfortable home which reduces running costs and increases the longer-term value of the house.

Energy saving features such as eaves and insulation are highlighted in the guide's 10 key steps that detail what home buyers should consider in their home purchase.

NSW Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water, the Hon. Verity Firth said the guide was a major initiative to promote both sustainable and affordable housing, encouraging project home buyers to consider issues such as orientation and ventilation and options such as solar hot water systems and energy efficient lighting.

"Per capita, Australia is the biggest greenhouse gas producer in the world.

"And almost one-fifth of the country's greenhouse gases are produced by the everyday activities of households, with the energy needs of the average family home responsible for over 8 tonnes of emissions each year.

"Making a few small changes around the home can lead to a big reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – as well as cut your power and water bills, and improve the house's sale price," Ms Firth said.

For more information:

• visit www.yourhome.gov.au
• download the Your Home Buyers Guide

For help greening your existing home, rebates to help you make your home more water and energy efficient are available under the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund.

You can get up to $1500 for a rainwater tank, up to $1200 for a greenhouse-friendly hot water system and up to $300 for ceiling insulation through the Residential Rebate Program.

Download Residential Rebate Program information now or for further details phone 1300 361 967.