Global warming is a major issue, even if some governments seem to want to ignore it. So what can you do around your home to help?

Well help is at hand, the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency’s Sustainable Industries Division promotes the development and uptake of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency initiatives in Queensland.

Partnerships with industry promote and facilitate the implementation of sustainable energy practices and technologies, addressing both business practice and building design. The Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund, a joint project with industry, provides assistance in developing products and services that encourage the efficient and sustainable production and use of energy in Queensland.

The Energy Advisory Service provides impartial, professional advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy for householders, educators and small business people. The services offered include:

• demonstrating ways to make a home or building more energy efficient, using a combination of simple design principles, insulation and ventilation, appropriate building materials, window protection and shading
• providing a house plan energy assessment and rating service (by arrangement only)
• helping householders and small businesses save on their energy costs for lighting, heating/cooling, appliances, hot water, office equipment
• developing energy audit kits for householders, small business and schools
• promoting the use of renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, water, biomass, cogeneration
• advising on the Queensland and Commonwealth Government rebate schemes that encourage the use of renewable resources, including the Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme, the Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) Rebate Scheme, the Working Property Rebate Scheme, the Photovoltaic Rebate programme for community buildings and for residential purposes
• providing a list of suppliers of energy efficient products and energy management services
• providing student resources and a reference collection.

Energy Advisory Service
Web: www.env.qld.gov.au

Some key pointers we can plan into your home design are

1) Insulation

2) Double glazed windows

3) Water tanks

4) Solar powered water heating

5) Direction and layout of home to optimise natural light, cooling, circulation, heat capture/minimisation.

All of our homes come energy rated and insulated which is the first step, we offer all other energy saving options as options on Nu-Steel homes for builders and owner builders.