Living Key is a multi-criteria sustainability rating tool for urban residential properties. Living Key assessments incorporate contemporary social, ecological, personal health and quality of life issues. The assessment considers both site and build-specific sustainability elements, including Energy, Water, Liveability and Materials, as well as local area attributes such as Nature, Community and Movement.
The Living Key assessment describes the Josh’s House project as “an outstanding example and an excellent model for sustainable living in the suburban context”, with notable attributes described below.
- 10 Star Energy Efficiency Rating – requiring no mechanical heating or cooling systems.
- Excellence in Climate Responsive ‘Solar Passive’ Design.
- Renewable energy systems – 3kw PV, and Solar/gas HWS.
- High efficiency fixtures and appliances.
- Real time data monitoring.
- 20,000 litre Rainwater tank – supplying all internal fixtures and appliances.
- Integrated greywater system irrigating selected garden areas.
- Waterwise native and productive gardens.
- High efficiency fixtures and appliances.
- Compact dwelling on infill block in an inner/suburban location.
- Durable, low maintenance materials.
- Recycled materials – timber reuse for decking, pergola and garden structures.
- Climate responsive design – providing natural light, ventilation.
- Universal Access providing safe and accessible access.
- High Indoor Environment Quality though natural ventilation and low allergen materials.
- Native and productive gardens and shade trees.
- Extensive native plant species within lot and front verge.
- Street trees in local nieghbourhood.
- Local proximity to local parks with significant trees.
- Close proximity to all key community facilities – local shops, day care, pre, primary and high schools, medical facilities and parks.
- Hilton is also an active community with a community garden, community centres and local cafes, shops and small businesses.
- Good proximity – within the accepted 400m walkable catchment – to two local bus routes.
- Good connection to pedestrian and cycle paths.
- This property is an outstanding example and excellent model for sustainable living in the suburban context.
- Best practice in climate responsive and environmental sustainable design incorporating renewable and reuse system achieves an outstanding result for the house and property. The exceptional 10 star ratings for Energy, Water and Liveability ensure this property is very economical to run.
- The locational rating for Nature, Community and Movement reflects the suburban local context: it is a suburb with a good community focus and amenity, has quality nature throughout, and has reasonable accessibility to public transport.
- Overall this property, the dwelling and its location ensure the occupants can achieve a healthy, highly liveable and a very economical quality of life.
Other Sustainability Assessments
NATHERS Assessment
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, or NatHERS for short, is a performance based rating system that describes the thermal performance of a home.
eTool Certification
eTool LCA software is an industry leading Life Cycle Assessment program that enables in-depth analysis of building inputs, as well as design performance modelling to account for both the embodied and operational carbon of a project.
HIA GreenSmart House Design Accreditation
The Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) is the national industry association for Australian building professionals, representing the interests of the housing industry at regional and national levels.