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The Australian, 22 July 2004
Green Granny a star of energy-efficient development
by Michael Dorfling
 
ONE of Fairlie Nassau's favourite innovations is a pine-framed drying rack that can be used to hoist laundry into a skylight.
``Ultimately I want to show that it is possible to have all the modern comforts with minimum impact on the environment,'' Ms Nassau said.
The Melbourne grandmother is overseeing the city's first 6 1/2 star energy-rated townhouse development. Ms Nassau has developed three townhouses at 39 Wanda Road, Caulfield. Each has three bedrooms and study, two bathrooms plus powder room, bright, open living spaces, private courtyard and upstairs decking.
The asking price will start at $700,000 each.
"I wanted to do more than just talk about the possibilities," said Ms Nassau, who is a member of several community groups committed to the environment.
With government regulations in place from July 1 mandating that new homes meet a five-star energy standard, Ms Nassau said her 6 1/2 star rating gives residents substantially reduced power and water bills.
Environmentally sustainable features include photovoltaic cells on the north-facing section of the roof that manufacture electricity. Unused power is fed back into the grid and reimbursed for cost-neutral electricity.
Each townhouse has a 15,000-litre rainwater collection tank to provide up to 70per cent average annual needs and substantial savings on water bills. There will also be a 1500-litre grey water tank that will collect the run-off water from the drains. The water will be filtered and used to flush the toilets.
The buildings are designed to take maximum advantage of natural light and ventilation and all windows are double-glazed for added insulation.
Following closely on her heels is a national company that is taking the five-star rating a step further.
ECOproperty, dedicated to eco-efficient living throughout Australia, is rating properties to 25 stars by assessing five main categories -- of Land, Built Environment, Community, Energy and Water and rating features -- within these categories.
Catriona Jane MacDiarmid, founder and managing director of this Victoria-based company, said the new legislated standards were a step in the right direction.
Two projects on its books have a 25-star rating -- apartments in the Eco-City Developments Stage 3 Christie Walk project in Sturt Street, Adelaide, and the WestWyck project in Brunswick, Melbourne.


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