Home tome

Home tome

The federal government has published the sixth edition of Your Home, an independent guide to environmentally sustainable homes.

Your Home provides advice on designs, materials and appliances that can make homes more comfortable and sustainable when building, buying or renovating. Written by more than 50 experts in building design and construction, it contains the latest details on emerging energy efficiency technologies, sustainable design practices, and construction systems for the residential building sector. The information is relevant across all states and territories, and includes references to Australian Standards and the National Construction Code.

The latest edition includes new and updated content on technological advances in building and design including batteries, solar PV, roof and wall insulation, cladding systems, lighting and appliances.

Other new information covers building in bushfire-prone areas, how to achieve Passive House standards, building using hemp masonry, and the latest information on renewable materials and energy systems. There is also updated guidance on condensation and airtightness, energy efficiency in apartments and common-area upgrades, as well as building homes that are resilient to a changing climate.

Three cheers!

Three cheers!

The electrification of 3 Ravens brewery in Melbourne could serve as a blueprint for other craft operations, as Nick Johns-Wickberg discovers. If Melbourne is the hipster capital of Australia, then Thornbury might just be its hottest spot right now. Over the past few...

Legionella in a warming world 

Legionella in a warming world 

Clive Broadbent, L.AIRAH, discusses how climate change and increases in surface water temperatures could potentially encourage the growth of bacteria that prefer warm water (mesophiles), including Legionella.  A haunting metaphor  In classical mythology, the tale of...

Double trouble

Double trouble

Mark Lommers, M.AIRAH, looks at the repeal of Western Australia’s controversial Sewerage (Lighting, Ventilation and Construction) Regulations 1971, which for more than 50 years required the doubling up of toilet exhaust fans.  For many years, the legacy of Western...

A win-win for regional healthcare 

A win-win for regional healthcare 

The award-winning upgrade to Goondiwindi Hospital’s HVAC system has helped future-proof one of regional Queensland’s most important healthcare hubs. Anyone who has spent even one night in a hospital can appreciate how crucial HVAC&R is in a healthcare setting....

How to make money from batteries 

How to make money from batteries 

Craig Roussac from Buildings Alive looks at what investing in batteries can mean for building owners in Australia.Saving energy saves money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This fact has underpinned efficiency programs and driven investment returns for...

Howzat for heat monitoring?! 

Howzat for heat monitoring?! 

Nick Johns-Wickberg discovers how a heat monitoring tool developed by the University of Sydney is playing an important role in local sport. It’s 3:46pm on a Sunday and I’m standing at fine leg in 40°C heat. I’ve just bowled my fourth over on the trot, each ball coming...

Fairair

Advertisement