In choosing or building a home, sustainability is a key consideration. A sustainable home is one that not only provides residents with a roof above their heads; it is also one that benefits them in a long term basis. To build one, there are some measures to follow and design objectives to meet.

1. Custom Green
Suite 5, 178 Great Eastern
Highway, Ascot WA 6104
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Design Objectives
for a Sustainable
Home

2. In choosing or building a home, sustainability is a key consideration. A sustainable home is
one that not only provides residents with a roof above their heads; it is also one that
benefits them in a long term basis. To build one, there are some measures to follow and
design objectives to meet.
Queensland’s Department of Public Works discusses them. Below are some important points
in the design guidelines.
Sustainability
Ecological sustainable development, or sustainability, improves the total quality of life at
present and in the future. It has to preserve the environment, which supports life.
Sustainability should consider social, ecological and economic concerns in making decisions.
The process has to include the community’s support.

3. Maintaining biodiversity is key to an ideal environment. Measures to preserve it need to be
immediate when necessary. Everyone also has to have fair access to opportunities, now and
in the future. Lastly, the development should not stop improving, to continue benefitting
succeeding generations.
Design Objectives
The objectives serve as a guide to combine the ecological, social and economic aspects into
one design. A sustainable design needs to be:
 Resource efficient - uses abundant materials that are safe for the environment
 Universal - is secure and inherently accessible to different people, such as the elderly
and persons with disability
 Cost efficient - has reasonable costs and still holds value over time
Criteria for evaluating sustainability include building elements such as:
 Site and landscape
 Dwelling accessibility
 General design
 Finishes and materials
 Utilities (plumbing and electricity)
 Kitchen, Toilet and Bedroom designs
 Indoor and Outdoor living spaces
 Garage design
Each has to meet sustainability objectives in all three aspects (ecological, economic and
social).
 Ecological-design has to maximise the use of natural energy and solar design features
such as ventilation, shading and insulation; it also has to use materials that lessen
carbon dioxide emission
 Economic- utilises alternative energy to reduce expenses; has an effective passive
design to minimise the use of artificial lighting
 Social-enhances human comfort, health and safety; accommodates diverse age groups

4. Sources:
http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/sitecollectiondocuments/smarthousingdesignobjectives08.pdf
http://www.customgreen.com.au/sustainable-home-builder-perth/
The guidelines are just one step towards a sustainable home. Applying
these considerations is the way to a sustainable future.