Building an eco-friendly home—or “ecohome”—is easier than you might think. Whether you’re building from scratch, renovating, or simply exploring green building practices, sustainable options are available to suit every budget and level of commitment. Here’s how to begin, learn, and take meaningful steps toward an energy-efficient, comfortable home.
Explore Eco-friendly methods first
Before diving into a full eco-build or major renovation, consider learning the basics through hands-on experiences. Community projects can be a great starting point. In Melbourne and regional Victoria, workshops led by Laura Marini introduce adults and kids to eco-building techniques using earthen materials. Marini, who learned earth-building in Italy and refined her skills at India’s Auroville Earth Institute, teaches how accessible sustainable building can be. “Our homes are like our third skin,” she explains, “and everyone can make eco-friendly choices by using what’s literally underfoot.” Hands-on experiences provide valuable insights for anyone interested in a sustainable home.
Start with practical upgrades
If you’re set on eco-renovations, Richard Keech, an eco-home advocate, suggests starting small and moving up as you learn. He and his wife, Kate, significantly reduced their Melbourne home’s energy and water usage by 75% after a carefully planned renovation. “Take your time and learn about what will work best for you,” Keech advises. He recommends focusing on passive improvements first, like upgrading insulation and window glazing. While these changes might seem minimal, they significantly improve home comfort and reduce heating and cooling needs, lowering both energy use and utility bills.
Consider going all-electric
Switching to all-electric systems and installing solar panels is another step with lasting impact. Keech advocates for electric-only homes, noting that they’re not only efficient but also cost-effective. By combining efficient electric appliances with solar energy, some homes can even generate more energy than they use, achieving “net positive” energy status. Simple steps like these are valuable investments toward a greener home.
Take your Eco-home to the next level
After their initial renovation success, Richard and Kate built Straithouse, a high-performance timber eco-home in Cape Paterson, near Wonthaggi. Straithouse incorporates features like triple-glazed windows, airtight construction, and passive solar design, minimising the need for additional heating or cooling. Homes like this offer unmatched comfort and low energy bills, proving that eco-friendly doesn’t mean compromising on style or warmth.
Test out Eco-home features
If you’re considering building or significantly renovating your home, try experiencing eco-friendly features firsthand. Short-stay eco-apartments and eco-friendly houses are a practical way to explore energy-efficient features before committing to them in your home. Observing these sustainable elements in action can give you helpful ideas for your own build.
Set energy goals
Finally, setting a clear energy performance goal will give you a concrete benchmark for your project. For homes in Australia, aiming for a 7.5 or 8-star energy rating provides a good balance between comfort, low running costs, and affordability. Seek out a designer who specialises in energy efficiency—groups like Design Matters National or the Sustainable Builders Alliance can help you connect with the right professionals.
From simple steps to advanced builds, creating an ecohome is achievable for anyone. Start with what’s possible, gain experience, and work toward a home that’s not only energy-efficient but also a pleasure to live in.
If you’re interested in finding an eco-friendly home or want to know what sustainable options are available in the market, I’m here to assist. Contact me today for expert advice on properties and the latest green home trends. Let’s work together to find the perfect sustainable home that matches your lifestyle!
