Building a new home is a major investment and one of the most important factors is comfort - we all want the house for the climate to be comfortable in our new homes. Building a new home is an ideal opportunity to incorporate sustainability features that will not only result in a comfortable home, it can also significantly reduce the running costs - now and in the feature. This means designing the house for the climate, using appropriate building materials, and using major appliances that are energy and water efficient.

With increased awareness and demand for sustainability features in homes, it will also help improve re-sale value.

Resources

There are a range of resources available to assist home owners in the design and construction of new homes in the Alice Springs climate. The Australian Government's Your Home is an excellent resource, covering all aspects of new home building, design and construction. It has a comprehensive website and a detailed information Technical Manual is also available (a copy is available for viewing from the Alice Solar City Smart Living Centre resource library).

Alice Solar City, in conjunction with Arid Lands Environment Centre and Department of Natural Resources, Arts and Sport's Waterwise program has also produced a set of voluntary guidelines for new homes being built in Alice Springs. You can download a copy here.

If you're looking for further information on efficient energy and water use in Central Australia, NT Government, Power and Water Corporation and Desert Smart COOLmob have published a guide for home owners, buyers and renovators. Download a copy here.

Services

Alice Solar City also offers a house plan advice service - we will provide advice on the energy efficiency of your proposed house plans. New home builders who register under the Alice Solar City residential program may also be eligible for financial incentives on the following measures:

• Solar water heating;
• Window tinting;
• Double-glazing.

To find out more, contact us.