Many people are unsure about what they can do to make their home more "green" without undergoing major renovations. Or if you're buying a home, it's hard to know what you should look for.

An excellent source of information about good home design and environmentally sustainable solutions is the Australian Government website, Your Home. It contains factsheets about saving water and energy, passive design and planning, long-term cost savings, what to look for when buying a home, and much more. This website won both the HIA Greensmart Award and Banksia Environmental Awards last year. You can also order a free Consumer Guide which will help you make decisions about buying a home, or how to employ a design professional and builder.

Sydney Building Information Centre

Another outstanding source of information for your home building or renovation project is the Sydney Building Information Centre at 525 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills. There you will see 9 levels of reputable building materials on display throughout the year organised in focused showrooms. Manufacturers’ brochures can be obtained and admission is free.

SBIC Green House. In July 2005, this special sustainable home will have been built on Level 3 of the Sydney Building Information Centre. SBICgreenhouse

For the best books on good design and sustainable building, visit The Building Bookshop on the Ground Floor of the Sydney Building Information Centre. Also open 7 days week, you can find Australian books and magazines as well as overseas publications. Also available are most building related Australian Standards, The Building Code, technical books, contracts and specifications to help with your project or need. BuildingBookshop.com

Courses on Sustainable Building and Office of Fair Trading approved Owner Building, are also conducted by the Sydney Building Information Centre. Their Owner Building course s are also held in 48 regional centres in NSW. SBICcourses

Homesite.com

Homesite.com partnered by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) provides a wealth of information on how to renovate or build your own home. You'll find hundreds of ideas for building and renovating, plus a catalogue of products and professionals. It includes showcases and award winning designs, seminars in your city and expert advice on how to build or renovate.

It's also the everyday things that can make a big difference to our environment. To find out how you can help the environment without undergoing major renovations on your home, why not check out:

More Information and Links

Australia-wide: Your Home provides loads of information on buying energy and water efficient appliances. You can also find more information specific to your state:

In NSW: BASIX, It’s a Living Thing, and Energy Smart

In Victoria: 5-Star House and Sustainable Energy Info offer excellent ideas on how to make your home more "green" without costing the earth.