Victorian home builders wanted for zero net carbon homes scheme

Sustainability Victoria partnering with Victorian government to build zero net carbon homes.

A Victorian pilot program will boost supply of zero net carbon homes in Melbourne’s growth corridors.

The state government will partner with land developers and volume home builders in the $2.18 million scheme. Up to three selected partnerships will focus on design, marketing and construction of zero net carbon homes.

Research by Sustainability Victoria shows one zero net carbon home can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to six tonnes per year. This also halves the energy bill for a standard home.

Outstanding features of zero net carbon homes

Because it lowers emissions in the residential sector, the program will also help the Victorian government meet its 2050 target of zero net emissions.

Zero net carbon homes will be trialled in Melbourne's growth corridors under a joint state government and Sustainability Victoria scheme.
Zero net carbon homes in Melbourne’s growth areas trialled by Victorian government. Image: Sustainability Victoria

Meanwhile, Sustainability Victoria will work with selected home builders to deliver appealing, energy efficient homes direct to market.

Rooftop solar power systems will be included in the new-build homes, while high performance building material will also be used for insulation and double-glazing.

The homes will feature energy-efficient heating, cooling, water heating and lighting, along with energy-saving appliances and devices.

Eligible volume home builders must demonstrate they:

  • Create more than 200 site starts annually.
  • Offer home products to buyers in Melbourne’s growth areas.

Because Melbourne is expanding in the north, west and south east, those locations need a higher volume of homes. The Geelong, Sunbury/Diggers Rest and Mitchell regional areas are also in demand.

According to Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan, these homes will help diversify the state’s building stock as well as stimulate the economy and reduce household energy bills through solar panel installation.

How home builders can participate in the scheme

Home builders keen to take part can attend an information session on April 19 at Sustainability Victoria’s Melbourne premises. Interest can be registered via the website.

Each of the three builders selected must work in one or more of Melbourne’s growth corridors.

According to Sustainability Victoria, the state will see two million new homes built between now and 2050. With households increasingly seeking solar quotes, prospective home buyers now expect:

  • More comfort in winter and summer.
  • Better health and well-being.
  • Significantly lower energy bills
  • Reduced environmental footprint.

The scheme will run until 2020. Smart solar storage is also allowing home building company Mirvac to create a ‘house of no bills’ in a Cheltenham pilot property in Melbourne.

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