I have spent a lot of writing time talking about the products and process that we are using to renovate a property using the concepts of Universal Design.

I probably have not spent enough time detailing our “Green Credentials”. As well as adhering to the principals of Universal Design we are also trying our best to make the project as environmentally friendly as possible. Some of the things that we will incorporate are:

• A 1 kilowatt solar panel array. This will feed electricity back into the Country Energy power grid. We have elected to use BP Solar panels and the whole system will be commissioned by Pyramid Power. This system qualifies for a government rebate under the solar homes and community plan.
• Two solar hot water systems using vacuum tube technology made by Apricus.
• Protherm Reflecta cell building insulation.
• Hebel Power Panel which has superior thermal properties. (Hebel Thermal Properties)
• A 5,100 litre water tank which makes the property almost self sufficient water wise.
• Hyspan beams which use timber from renewable sources.

So we are trying to reduce our impact on the environment.