What makes a sustainable home design truly eco-friendly? [Video]

One-fifth of Australia’s carbon emissions comes from individual houses and cars. Lowering these emissions by building sustainably not only helps the environment, it saves money, increases independence, and creates healthier homes more comfortable to live in.

Sustainable House Day has existed in various forms for more than 20 years. Organised by national not-for-profit Renew since 2017, it’s a chance for homeowners to showcase their creations and use them to educate on the importance of sustainability.

More than 100 homes around Australia were showcased this Sustainable House Day, 21 April, to anyone wanting to learn about sustainable home design.

Whether they had solar, recycled materials, water-saving features or something a little more niche in mind, Canberra visitors got to see the heart and soul put into nine local designs good for the planet, yet remain beautiful and functional.

One such home stands in Strathnairn – Johnathan Drury’s Pavilions on Hilltop.Development manager for Ginninderry, Johnathan designed the home specifically to suit his parents’ …