ARCHICENTRE
Media Release
9 July 2008
Australian Renovators Go for Green
Australian renovators are ‘Going for Green’ to combat the rising costs of energy and water and to
increase the future value of their homes, Archicentre said today.
Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects, has released its 2008
Climate Change Renovation Trends which has shown a strong recognition of the effect of climate change on
property values and operating costs.
These renovation trends clearly show the community is expecting something to be done about climate
change and provide a positive sign for the Rudd Government on community sentiment for climate change
action following the release of the Garnaut Report.
Every home on average is responsible for 14 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
Robert Caulfield Managing Director of Archicentre said the Renovation Trend survey, conducted with
architects in every state reflected an increasing awareness of energy use with clients specifying energy
saving appliances and other design measures such as double glazing, solar panels, smart switching and
extra insulation.
Archicentre in the last twelve months has completed over two thousand design concepts on renovations
valued at $3.1 billion.
“The cost of an average renovation of 100 to 150 square metres could see approximately $2,000 spent on
extra insulation, $15,000 to $22,000 on solar panels and $800 on energy efficient lighting.”
Mr Caulfield said that extra insulation led the list being specified in 85.8% of renovations, solar hot water in
79%, energy efficient lighting in 74.4% in the highest energy saving trends in the Australia wide survey.
“Double glazing was included in 57.5% of renovations, solar panels in 48.4%, gas heating in 47.5%, with
24.7% of renovations using smart wiring and movement sensors.
Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield Managing Director Archicentre Mobile: 0412 381 306
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201
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