AUSTRALIA'S most energy-efficient house is on the market.
The 7-Star Low Energy Charity Home, built by not-for-profit organisation The Ballarat Foundation in partnership with the University of Ballarat and Ingetra Group, is a unique design.
- ALFREDTON
- Property: lifestyle
- Price: $395,000 plus
- Agent: PRD Jens Gaunt, Ballarat
- Contact: (03) 5331 1111
The concept behind the community project was simple, The Ballarat Foundation chief executive Noel Trengove said.
"We wanted to appeal to the large percentage of the population that haven't taken any steps towards energy saving and are perhaps reluctant to because of concerns over aesthetics or the impact on living," Mr Trengove said.
The home gets its 7-star rating from its construction and design but the materials used are standard building materials and readily available.
The project proved it was possible to uphold the Australian dream of home ownership while also reducing energy usage and environmental impact affordably, Mr Trengove said.
"It looks and acts like a normal home, but with all the built-in efficiencies," he said.
"If everyone who came through the house picked up on just one idea, we'd make a great impact across the Ballarat region and beyond."
About 3000 people have already toured the property, which will remain open from 1-5pm Saturdays and Sundays until sold, with all proceeds to go to The Ballarat Foundation.
All the house's eco-friendly elements, including lighting, insulation and solar hot water, have undergone a cost-benefit analysis and these are available at the Low Energy Charity Home Website.
The brick-veneer home has four bedrooms, a study or fifth bedroom, two bathrooms, separate laundry, double- garage and a water-friendly garden.
Located in The Chase Estate, at Alfredton, Ballarat, the home is on the market for $395,000 through PRD Jens Gaunt.
