Green Living Check List
 

Design

Design parameters for extensions to existing dwellings are set and sometimes limited by 'Rescode', local regulations and the buildings' existing design, placement and condition.

As a 'Green Living Master Builder', Capital Building has developed the following list of energy efficiency opportunities which we try to incorporate in all our projects and present to you (the client) for your evaluation and participation. Recommended items are important for achieving an energy efficient home and will save you money on heating, cooling and water use. We invite you to discuss the recommended items/options and associated costs with us during the design/consultation process.

Passive Design Opportunities

• Make the most of existing spaces before adding new areas.
• Always look to orientate living areas and indoor outdoor areas to the north.
• Minimise west facing windows and south facing windows. Blinds or shutters for east facing windows.
• Ensure house has some sort of shading (eave/roof/ pergola) cover to protect windows from direct sun during summer months.
• Recommend double glazing in combination with full length curtains and Pelmets.
• Recommend eave vents and ridge and gable vents which can be closed in winter.
• Flat roofs without roof cavity should not be built. Trusses 300 mm should be used to create cavity with a minimum of 3 deg fall to prevent drainage problems. Pitched roofs are thermally, aerodynamically and fluid dynamically more efficient.
• Avoid Sky lights unless no other alternative, then use double glazed opening type.
• Recommend ceiling insulation as well as 'Aircell' or sarking under tiles and steel roofing.
• Recommend solar hot water units on roof.
• Recommend Ceiling fans.
• Mechanical ventilation (showers, toilets and range hoods) should be vented through the roof cavity via insulated ducting and should be air tight when not in use.
• Recommend air cell for wall sarking as well as 1.5 batts
• For weatherboard houses recommend vertical weatherboards on battens to create additional air cavity.
• For upper storey walls we use polystyrene wall boards with a render finish to achieve higher R values.
• Lighting should be by low energy and led type lighting. Recommend against recessed down-lights.
• For timber floors recommend 'Aircell' insulation over bearers before placing joists.
• For brick houses try to re cycle existing roof tiles, clay bricks and large timber beams. We usually buy recycled bricks and roof tiles out of necessity, to best match existing.
• Suggest installation of diverter valves to redirect (on demand) water from showers and laundry only for soaker drainage garden watering.
• Install rainwater tanks to supply toilets, laundry and garden water.

Construction

When a renovation commences the designated supervisor completes the
‘SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN’, in conjunction with the client and the relevant starting trades.

The plan is displayed on site and shows storage areas for recyclable and new materials including designated washing cutting areas and any associated silt and safety barriers.

Demolition:

• The main reason for the SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN is to separate the main demolished material categories.
• Further it prevents storm water run-off and helps keep the site safe and tidy.
• Old paths are left in place providing they cause no interference with new works and are not removed until they can be quickly replaced or covered.
• All demo. timber is processed sufficiently to be stacked in packs or bins.
• Tiles and Bricks are stacked in their own separate piles or bins.
• Demo Metal and any fixtures and fittings are picked up or delivered to various recyclers.
• Plaster if sufficient quantity is picked up by CSR.
• Particle board cabinets tops etc. ……..  ( no method yet )
• Otherwise it goes into miscellaneous rubble pile to be cleaned at end of Job.
• All waste paper goes into a wire cage left on site.
• All lunch scraps must go into the owners waste bin.

Construction:

• Concrete and masonry rubble in large quantities goes to Alex Fraser or similar recycler.
• Use of crushed rock on potentially muddy drives and work areas
• All excavated soil to be disposed of separately for land fill.
• Use of green concrete for footings, slabs and paving.
• For ground floor brick extensions, bricks are re-used and (closest match) re-cycled bricks purchased if more are required to complete the works.
• Roof tiles are always re-cycled and extras brought in unless existing tiles are brittle and need replacing. Still recommend 2nd hand tiles first.
• Pre-fabricated wall frames and roof trusses increase speed and reduce waste.
• Excess timber and materials are returned or moved to another site as appropriate.