Book: A Greener House

Essential reading not just for 'greenies', but for all property owners, investors, industry and government bodies, body corporates, property managers, architects, planners and valuers.

Tuesday, August 12th 2008, 12:00AM

by The Landlord

Reviewed by Jocelyn Watkin on behalf of Landlords Bookstore

With growing concerns about climate change and the cost of energy, A Greener House is a pertinent book for anyone interested in creating a more sustainable home and reducing the cost of living. However, most people are also interested in what their home is worth and the authors have recognised that the topic of making money via residential housing makes for a popular book, too.

As such, this book is not just for “greenies”, as it also provides insights to owners, landlords and investors wanting to increase the value of their properties. An added plus is that these people might also end up helping the environment at the same time.

Each part is stand-alone and can be read without reading the others. Part I provides useful background to sustainability with a nod to basic economic theory around supply and demand. That is, there can be long-term savings to the owner or tenant by occupying a property that is more sustainable and energy efficient.

Part II (Putting Theory into Practice) is a practical guide on how to buy a sustainable property, or build or renovate one to become more sustainable, particularly in the context of water and energy efficiency. There are good examples, including cost savings and payback figures, whether the property is existing or yet to be built, and all accompanied by diagrams and explanations on how energy-saving systems work.

In Part III, they do share some knowledge and research (beyond Australia) about higher-level sustainable building concepts that could become more common place in the future.

Overall this is a useful and practical book about how to make a greener house. I particularly liked its well-written style and the key summary points at the end of each chapter. Owner-occupiers, landlords and property investors will all find helpful ideas to improve the value of their properties and, if they wish, to also enjoy doing their bit for the environment.