about

The intention of the project was to design, construct and monitor a sustainable 'live-in-model' house that demonstrates ecologically sustainable design and high energy efficiency standards, is affordable to the entry level housing market, focuses on State and National innovation and provides a real and web-based databank of information.

This project was funded by the West Australian Department of Education and Training and the Sustainable Energy Development Office.

Project Objectives:

1. Provide students with an opportunity to develop skills relating to the design and construction of a feasible and financially viable 'live-in-model' house, which embodies the latest advances in environmental, social, economic and technological elements of sustainability.
2. Provide TAFE staff and students with an opportunity to work more closely with industry and to acquire practical skills in the application of sustainability principles relating to housing design and construction.
3. Develop a range of teaching materials, including training guides relating to specific areas of sustainability, for incorporation into existing curriculum.
4. Develop web-based resources which will allow VET practitioners, industry and the community to access relevant information on sustainability principles and their use in housing design and construction.
5. Students develop the design of a domestic sustainable house.
6. Two days of staff development
7. Documentation of the house completed.
8. Monitoring of the energy efficiency of the completed house.
   Brief Project Outline :

   South West Regional College of TAFE in collaboration with the local building industry and State Government agencies created Bunbury ecoHOME to change the culture of the building industry so that sustainability became a higher priority.

   Bunbury ecoHOME exhibits unique leadership in the investigation and demonstration of innovative and sustainable land development and construction practices to all stakeholders with quantified data outcomes.

   Students designed a financially viable ‘live in model’ home, which embodies the latest advances in environmental, social, economic and technological elements of sustainability, reduces energy and water use and encourages household recycling by the occupant.

   The home was constructed on an award winning research and demonstration model “Clean Site” by building trade students, their trainers and the local building industry.

   SWRC of TAFE delivered a comprehensive and balanced education campaign to all stakeholders in the South West building industry. The project provided a catalyst to raise community awareness of sustainable development.

   “Education for All” is the purpose of the project, the real home and the website at www.bunburyecohome.com

   To ensure that sustainability is developed as integral component of curriculum the project has included the development of a range of teaching materials including DVD’s, training guides and web-based resources relating to sustainable design and construction as well as a series of professional development lectures for staff.

   The home was open for public tours in Feb-March 2006 and is now tenanted while the energy and water consumption are monitored for twelve months. Bunbury ecoHOME will provide evidence that sustainable designed homes reduce environmental impact and the cost of living.

   South West Regional College of TAFE was recognised for excellence for Bunbury ecoHOME with several prestigious State and National Awards including:
   • 2006 HIA GreenSmart National Energy Efficiency Award Finalist (SWRC of TAFE, DHW and Pindan)
   • 2006 HIA GreenSmart Energy Efficiency Award Winner (SWRC of TAFE, DHW and Pindan)
   • 2005 Western Australian Environment Award for Waste Management Winner (SWRC of TAFE)
   • 2005 Western Australian Environment Award for Eco Building Special Commendation (SWRC of TAFE)
   • 2005 Premiers Award for Education & Skills Development Finalist (SWRC of TAFE)

   Value Adding – Bunbury ecoHOME – Results for Real Results

   South West Regional College of TAFE has received further funding from the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) Grants Program to carry out research and continue promoting sustainable housing.

   The extended project, “Results for Real Results,” will enhance the value of Bunbury ecoHOME by further demonstrating the benefits of environmentally friendly housing and by conducting further research. Answering questions such as:
   • How to meet affordability, sustainability and consumer needs
   • Social behavioural aspects of sustainable housing – linking the design and use
   • Which elements of sustainable design are most important to the consumer? What would the consumer like readily available to the broader market including the project home market?
   • How do we market sustainable housing? What motivates people to demand a sustainable house?

   The “Results” project will also conduct a cost benefit analysis, analysis of greenhouse gas emissions reduction results and documentation including the production of a DVD tour and project case study.

   The college will deliver the extended project in collaboration with research institutions, State and local Government, industry and community organisations.