27 homes designed to meet zero net carbon standards have been sold in the fast-growing region of Melbourne’s south-east.
The milestone marks the first public sales of homes developed under our Zero Net Carbon Homes pilot program. An initiative which aims to increase the supply and demand for zero net carbon homes and help reduce power bills and carbon emissions.
The 27 residential properties were sold during June by SJD Homes – one of three volume home builders participating in the program. SJD’s zero net carbon display home, the Z-Range, is in Timbertop estate in Officer, which is developed by Parklea Developments.
SJD Homes was the first builder to launch a zero net carbon display home under the program in October 2018. A zero net carbon home runs exclusively on electricity, with energy consumption fully offset by renewable energy that is generated on-site.
SJD Homes director Simon Dunstan has been a strong advocate for energy efficient building design for many years and first offered a sustainable home in 2009.
“The market wasn’t quite ready at that stage for low carbon home design”, Simon recalls. Consumers are now more aware of the benefits – like year-round comfort and lower energy bills – so demand for low-carbon dwellings is beginning to take off, he believes.
SJD Homes’ Z-Range display home in Officer has also been announced as the national winner of the Display Home category in the 2019 HIA Australian Greensmart Awards.
“Our new Z-Range design and Eco Saver retail package hits the mark with the buyer,” says SJD Sales Manager Rod Fitzsimmons. “Buyers can see the value of a small investment going a long way, for a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle, as well as ongoing savings in power bills.”
The 27 zero net carbon homes are expected to be completed by mid-2020.
Sustainability Victoria’s Zero Net Carbon Homes program supports the delivery of the Victorian Government’s Energy Efficiency and Productivity Strategy, by the development and marketing of Zero Net Carbon homes in Victoria in collaboration with volume home builders, SJD Homes, Metricon and Stockland.
To learn more visit our Zero Net Carbon Homes webpage.
