Good design sense

Sunday Canberra Times
Sunday 11/7/2010 Page: 26

I SEE there are more outrageous claims from the Housing Industry Association about mandatory energy ratings. Are we really expected to believe that the move from a five to six-star minimum would add another $100,000 to an average $400,000 to home build? The HIA has opposed Every single energy efficiency initiative around Australia for years. In 1999, it damned Queensland's first 3.5-star minimum, outraged that it would make it virtually mandatory that ceilings were insulated.

We faced an incredible battle finding enlightened builders here in Canberra But now our six-star home heats itself to 22 degrees and more every sunny winter's day, regardless of outside temperatures less than 10 degrees. With the tuning expenses a good home design saves our additional build costs - far lower than HIA's claim - are being repaid in just a handful of years. And our home is far more comfort· able to live in.

Alan Kerlin. Harrisor.