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In Explaining The Value Of The Ecohomes' Assessment, It Must Be Understood ...

In explaining the value of the EcoHomes' assessment, it must be understood that such represents an environmental assessment as opposed to representing sustainability. Its value lies in the fact that prior to this standard there was no consistent application method to equate this aspect, except the Building Regulations, Part L that did not fully address all of the input factors (Green Building, 2006). The following breaks down the EcoHomes features that contribute to an excellent rating into its major categories. It is important to note that the credits for differing sections are not weighted equally, thus the scores can vary based upon the structure design (Green Building, 2006).
Solar hot water system
High-efficiency low NOx boilers
High levels of insulation
Private garden with rotary dryer
Low-energy and low-water white goods
Low-energy external lights
Home office provision
HCFC-free insulation materials
Storage for recyclable materials
Sustainable construction materials
Rainwater recycling for WCs
Reused site of low ecological value
Good Use of Building footprint
Good levels of sound insulation
Lessons learnt
Many of the foregoing features have been incorporated into the demonstration house built by the City of Subiaco (City of Subiaco, 2006a). Its design, construction, materials and environmental orientation were calculated to maximize the inherent general weather conditions as well as enable the house to utilize these properties to its advantage in heating and cooling of the interior, water conservation and energy costs (City of Subiaco, 2006a). The example provided by the City of Subiaco represents an important actual sustainable housing example in that it provides a use model that incorporates the various considerations that are representative of a sustainable housing framework. The following will summarize some of the more salient points and elements of the preceding (City of Subiaco, 2006b):
Sustainable Building Design and Construction,
The design incorporated features, materials and planning to maximize environmental aspects. Some examples of the preceding were:
Recycling principles designed into the construction as well as operation of the house as exemplified by the following:
1). Utilization of remnants from the original building were used to create the ‘rammed rubble' that was utilized in the stairwell to aid in cooling and heating through the principle of thermal mass as well as recycling (City of Subiaco, 2006a).
2). The structure's roof was constructed of steel to enhance the energy efficiency of the house as well as to be recyclable after the useful life of the structure had been reached.
3). The wood utilized in the house was grown on plantations as opposed to rainforests ((City of Subiaco, 2006a).
4).


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