ASSIGNMENT 1 SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

MMP112 – SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

ASSIGNMENT 1
RAPHAEL FAVAS
214291151

UNIT CHAIR
NEVILLE HURST
JAMIE LAMPARD

Table of Contents –

Introduction______________________________________ 3 Executive Summary ____________________________ 4

Analysis of 8 Technologies___________________5

Rainwater Tank_________________________________________5
Solar Heating___________________________________________6
Double Glazed Windows_____________________________7
LED Lighting_________________________________________7
Natural Shading____________________________________8
Skylights__________________________________________9
Dual Flush______________________________________9
Efficient Appliances_______________________10

Analysis of 3 Technologies______________________11 Rainwater Tank________________________________________11
Energy Efficient Appliances__________________________12
LED Lighting__________________________________________12

Analysis of Subject Property____________________13

Dual Flush_______________________________________________13
Skylights________________________________________________13
Solar Pool Heating____________________________________14

References__________________________________________15

Introduction –

Over the last decade society has increased its push in creating a sustainable future for the globe, the push begins in the domestic home.

The purpose of this report is to draw attention to energy efficient technologies that are available in a domestic setting.

In the first part of the report 8 technologies available to the home in increasing sustainability and energy efficiency will be discussed. In the second part, the subject property 165 Centre Dandenong RD Dingley, 3172 is analysed for its energy efficient features.

In the third part, three of the technologies discussed in the first part of the report, will be analysed for their cost saving and environmental benefits.

Executive Summary –

The following report has been commissioned in an effort to expose, investigate and analyse the economic and environmental benefits that energy efficient and sustainable technology provides.

The report draws attention to the following technologies,
Rainwater tanks
Sky lighting
Solar heating
Dual flush toilets
Double glazed windows
LED Lighting
Natural Shading
Energy efficient appliances

Each technology was analysed and the advantages and disadvantages of installation of each was discussed. The report concluded that significant cost savings can be realised however the long payback periods and upfront cost are a factor that must be considered and may deter some consumers.

Also included in the report was the analysis of 165 Centre Dandenong RD Dingley Village, 3172. The property was analysed and it was found that Skylights, Solar pool heating and dual flush toilets were the three main energy efficient technologies that the home had installed currently.

In the third part of the report, in finer detail significant cost saving benefits associated with the installation of LED Lighting, Rainwater tanks and energy efficient appliances.

Analysis of 8 Technologies

Rainwater Tank –

A rainwater tank, consisting of a cylindrical barrel generally made of steel, concrete, fibreglass or plastic. The purpose a rainwater tank serves in a domestic format is essentially to capture fallen rainwater for the purpose of recycling. Rain water tank uses in a domestic setting include but are not limited to, Toilet flushing
Clothes washing
Replenishing pools
Car washing
Supplying the hot water system
Ventilation
Protecting homes from bushfires
(Health.gov.au, 2011)

According to South East Water, the independent supplier of water to the southeast region of Melbourne, water, per kilolitre on average commands a price of $3.00 per kilolitre (South East Water, 2015). The price will subsequently increase once a certain quota of water is used. The installation of a rainwater tank can aid in minimising the amount of water that is used by the water supplier to the bare essentials (Running drinking water, showering). The remainder of necessary uses of water in the household can all be sourced from the rainwater tank.

Having discussed the cost saving advantages of the installation of a rainwater tank, the price of purchase and installation are two factors that must be considered. Rainwater tanks can range from around $700 to $2000, starting from a small, freestanding model without pump or extras, to large, custom-built models. Costs may vary depending on size, shape and the materials used in construction (Choice.com.au, 2014).

Solar Heating -

Solar panels are boards, which absorb power sourced from the sun. The light from the sun is converted into electricity. The power can be used to power the home.

Solar powered homes can realize real cost saving benefits. The main incentive when focusing on cost saving is the reduction in electricity bills each month. The installation of solar panels in turn mean the household electricity consumption decreases and hence electricity bills decrease as well. An average 2-kilowatt system produces around 2,847 kWh per annum (Clean Energy Council, 2014). This is approximately 40% of the average household consumption, which translates into a decreased reliance on retailer provided electricity.

Solar panels are reliant on the sun and hence only are producing electricity when the sun is shining. This could be an issue in areas, which experience little sun, and as a result an increased reliance in retailer-derived electricity is needed. As a result the payback time is extended.

Solar panels also require a significant initial investment,

Figure 1 – Choice.com.au, 2015

As evident in the above diagram the initial time between investment and cost saving may take up to 10 years depending on state/territory where installation occurs.

Double Glazed Windows –

Double glazed windows essentially are two panels of glass with a vacuum of air between them. Double-glazing windows means that heat cannot enter through the glaze nor can it be lost, as it cannot escape out of the window. Normal windows generally tend to allow easy access of heat into and out of the home, which can adversely affect the temperature of the home.

Double glazing windows carries the benefit of reducing the overall energy bills in the home as it has the effect of lowering the need to use the air conditioning in the summer time or the ducted heating system in the winter time. These artificial heating and cooling systems carry a significant cost compared to naturally preventing heat loss and gain through natural methods such as double-glazing.

According to HIpages.com.au, the cost of double-glazing windows generally can cost upwards of 25% of the cost of normal single panel windows. This added cost might deter some homeowners looking to install the panels. The approximate payback time can take up to 5 years to recoup the original start up funds needed to install the windows.

LED Lighting –

LED Lighting is a variation of light, which can be used in the household. LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diode’, a semiconductor device that converts electricity into light.

Led lights are arguably the most energy efficient source of lighting in the home. LED Lighting provides a number of benefits to the household, in the below table LED Lighting will be compared to CFL Lighting and Incandescent light,
Figure 2 – EarthEasy, 2014

As evident in the above table, the average lifespan of LED Lights equates to approx. 50,000 hours, this is in contrast to CFL lighting at 10,000 and incandescent at 1,200 hours. The translated benefits of such a long lifespan means that the cost of replacing light bulbs every 1,200 hours will equate to a cost saving of $266.75 over 50,000 hours.

Another added benefit of the installation of LED’s is the price of using this lighting source. At .10 cents per KWh, the household can expect a total cost of $50.00 compared to 70 for CFL and $300.00 when using incandescent.

Installing LED light bulbs can mean quite a high cost for households considering installing these. The average price per bulb at $35.95 compared to $3.95 for CFL and $1.25 for incandescent. When considering installing these around the entire home and using 30 bulbs per home as a guide the price would equate $1100 approx, a price that may deter the homeowner.

Natural Shading –

The uses of shading essentially means the construction of artificial buildings, which prevent heat loss or gain these, include verandas, pergolas, or eaves. Shading can also be used through natural sources such as the erection of trees which during the summer time provide shading through the leaves on branches however during winter allow sun to pass through due to abscission.

Effective shading can block up to 90% of heat (Yourhome, 2013). An unprotected home is usually the reason for heat gain during the summer time. This lack of protection means the home will rely more heavily on air-conditioning which will add a significant cost to the family energy bill.
Figure 3 – YourHome, 2013

As evident in Figure 3, this natural source of shading provides the perfect shading for the summer time as well as the ability to allow sun to enter the home during the wintertime. Unfortunately if the tree is not already erected and fully grown, the time taken to grow the tree will prevent the ability for any shading to be experienced until the tree has fully grown.

Skylights –

Skylights can be used in the household as a natural light source. They are placed on the top of the home roof in order to allow light to pass throughout the daytime. Skylights are placed strategically in line with the latitudinal angle of the sun so that maximal light can be passed into the room where it is placed.

Skylights have the ability to reduce or even make the use of normal lighting not necessary. This in turn means the family can save a considerable amount in artificial lighting costs.

Skylights are generally considerably difficult to clean due to the height that they are placed as well as the angle, which they have been erected. Costs may have to be incurred by hiring a professional window cleaner to clean them with the appropriate equipment.

Dual Flush Toilet –

A dual flush toilet essentially is a toilet, which has two choices for the user, one which is a full flush which uses the maximum amount of water, and the half flush which uses half the amount of the full option.

Switching from a single flush to a 4-star Dual flush toilet up to 35,000 litres of water every year (SouthEastWater, 2015). Dual flush toilets provide the benefit of the ability to reduce the amount of water being used and over time reduce the amount of water being used in the household significantly. Installing a dual flush toilet may also grant you a rebate depending on your state, currently South East Water in Melbourne is offering a $100.00 on the spot rebate for converting your toilet to a dual flush.

Dual flush toilets do command a higher price compared to normal up to 25% the price of a single flush toilet. There are also costs associated with the removal of the old toilet and the installation of the new toilet (tile removal, plumbing costs, installation costs…).

Efficient Appliances –

According to Yourhome.gov.au, appliances and equipment including refrigeration and cooking makes up 33% of total energy usage in the home. Considering this is around 1/3 of entire household energy usage, the ability to streamline and reduce this usage can provide significant cost saving benefits to the user.

Common appliances using the highest amount of energy –

Fridge/Freezer (18%)
TV (19%)
Microwave (2%)
Pool and Spa (5%)
Cooking (15%
(Yourhome, 2013)

The first question that must be asked by the household is, which are the appliances that I can live without? Before purchasing these items consider whether they are a necessity. This will eliminate unnecessary costs and as a result reduce the cost that they would command in electricity.

When purchasing appliances ensure the appliances come with an energy or water rating, the more stars on the label the greater the energy or water efficiency

Products that carry a high energy or water rating are generally more expensive than the standard appliances on sale. These products are generally 25-50% more expensive.

Analysis of 3 technologies –

Rainwater tanks –

Rainwater tanks was chosen as one of the three technologies due to the fact that it can effectively replace a significant amount of reliance of charged mains water. It also naturally helps reduce Australia’s reliance on one of our scarcest resources, water.

Outdoor water use accounts for around 20% and toilet flushing around 14% of total use of water in the household (Yarracity.gov.au, 2011). Considering that 34% of total water use is being used solely on toilet flushing and outdoor use, the household can realise significant cost saving benefits and not have to rely on the use of water that is being billed by the kilolitre.

According to South East Water the average price of water by the kilolitre stands at approx. $3.00. Rainwater tanks can be purchased in a number of different sizes, the larger the tank the greater the ability to accommodate rainwater. The size that is required is dependant on the amount of rainfall experienced in the area it is placed.

Figure 4 – Yourhome.gov.au

As evident in the table above, rainwater tanks can be used to facilitate gardening, toilet flushing, clothes washing, showering, bathing and in some cases even for drinking water.

The average home uses, 4.5 litres on a flush of the toilet, 80 litres for a half full bath, 18 litres of water when using a modern dishwasher and up to 200 litres per 12 minutes washing a car (Yarra Valley Water, 2015). All of these common uses of water in the home can be supplied by rainwater. With the replacement of normal mains water to rain water to facilitate these uses of water, the household can experience a significant decrease in water charges each month through the reliance of natural rainwater.

Energy efficient appliances -

Energy efficient appliances were chosen as one of the three technologies due to the enormous amount of energy they demand when in use.

The home being studied in Part 2, experienced issues in terms of owning very dated models of household appliances that demanded a significant amount of electricity compared to more modern versions that exist today. The subject property relied on dated models of microwaves, toasters, coffee machines and kettles, however due to lack of knowledge did not understand that these out dated models were costing them significantly more than if they had replaced them.

The subject property had an Everdure dishwasher, with a 2-star energy rating. According to E3 Efficiency calculator, over a 5 year period the dishwasher is costing them approx $141 to use. This can be compared to a 6-star model, which demands only $82 dollars over a 5-year period to use.

The subject property can realise significant cost savings when converting to new appliances, however the upfront costs of converting may be something, which deter the family for some time.

LED Lighting –

The third technology, which was chosen, is LED Lighting in the home. This technology was chosen due to the fact that a significant cost saving could be realised by the home in converting to this lighting option. Considering the subject property is a relatively large family home the savings are even more prevalent due to the house having approx. 50-60 incandescent light bulbs currently fitted.

In order for the entire home to be converted to LED’s a cost of approx. $1750.00 would need to be spent in order to begin to realise cost saving for the family. The family as a result of converting will notice a reduction in the amount of electricity used and in the long term will last up to 40x longer than their current incandescent lighting.

Analysis of subject property –

The subject property under analysis, 165 Centre Dandenong Rd Dingley Village, 3172.

The subject property is a 4 bedroom double storey home built in the 1970’s; the home is on a 532sqm block of land. The home includes a sauna and an indoor pool.

Dual Flush Toilet –

The subject property has 3 toilets throughout the home all of which have been fitted with Caroma dual flush toilet suites. The toilets are considerably dated however still do offer the choice of a 4.5l/9l flush.

Due to lack of knowledge, the family generally chooses the full flush unaware of the cost saving benefits available by choosing the 4.5l half flush.

Sky Lighting -

The home under analysis had a large wall situated in the middle of the home. At the top of the wall looking onto the top balcony of the second storey featured three large windows. According to the residents of the property the windows allowed maximal light to be passed through, the family mentioned in the summer time it prevented the need to use any artificial lighting sources.

The family also mentioned that the lighting allowed heat to be passed through into the home. The shading used was to prevent heat being passed through in the summer time and heating the home excessively.

Solar pool heating –

The family pool is being heated by Sunbather solar pool heating. The technology used the heat the pool sits on the roof of the home where sun tubes are used to capture water and through the sun heat the water, which is then passed through a filter to heat the pool.

The family experiences significant cost savings in particular in the summer time where the solar pump is being used at an increased rate as in the wintertime. The family mentioned that the solar installation was considerably more expensive when installed however were not aware exactly how much the technology cost.

Reference List -

Choice.com.au, Solar panels payback times, retrieved on the 28/03/15, https://www.choice.com.au/home-improvement/energy-saving/solar/articles/solar-panel-payback-times Clean Energy Council, Solar Guide 2014, retrieved on the 28/03/15, http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/cec/resourcecentre/Consumer-Info/solarPV-guide.html Commonwealth of Australia, Rain Water Tanks, March 2011, retrieved 26/03/2015, http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/0D71DB86E9DA7CF1CA257BF0001CBF2F/$File/enhealth-raintank.pdf Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). 2008. Energy use in the Australian residential sector 1986–2020. Canberra. www.energyrating.gov.au

E3 Energy Efficiency Calc, retrieved on the 5/03/15, http://reg.energyrating.gov.au/comparator/product_types/41/search/?&page=1 Home improvement pages, Double glazing cost (2015), retrieved on the 30/03/15, http://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/article/how_much_does_double_glazing_cost South East Water, Dual flush, retrieved on the 30/03/15, https://www.dualflush.com.au/sew/faqs/index.php South East Water, Water Price Charges, Jan-June 2015, retrieved on 26/03/2015, http://southeastwater.com.au/Residential/Pages/WaterPricesCharges.aspx Yarra City, Saving Water, 2011, retrieved on 26/03/2015 http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Environment/Saving-water/What-you-can-do/rainwater-tanks/ Yourhome, Passive design shading , retrieved on the 30/03/15,1 http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading Yarra Valley Water, Understanding your water use, retrieved on the 5/03/15, https://www.yvw.com.au/Home/Inyourhome/Understandingyourwateruse/index.htm

References: Protecting homes from bushfires (Health.gov.au, 2011)