Air-Cell Insulation to cut energy costs by 75% in environmental homes

A new development launched in one of Perth's southern suburbs will achieve an 8-star thermal efficiency rating, well beyond Australia's 5-star minimum. This impressive environmental rating was largely facilitated by the specification of thermo reflective insulation from Australian manufacturer AIR-CELL, throughout the 10 grouped dwellings.

Commissioned by WA property developer Cedar Woods, The Mews at Cambridge Waters in Canning Vale was designed by sustainable consultants Evoke Design Group. Evoke Design director Steve Kinchin said the high quality AIR-CELL product helped to meet the dwellings' sustainable objectives.

"AIR CELL dramatically reduces heat loss and gain, and really boosted the thermal rating of the double brick cavity walls.

"The thermal efficiency achieved in an 8-star rated building cuts the heating and cooling costs by 75%, compared to the average 3.5-star rated West Australian home.

"For a 150sqm two storey house, the cost for heating and cooling for a year would be about $637. With an 8-star thermal efficiency rating the cost drops to $154," Mr Kinchin said.

Combining reduced green house emissions and significant cost savings with stylish architecture, the project illustrates the impressive results that can be generated from investing in improved thermal efficiency in homes.

AIR-CELL managing director Scott Gibson said the project defied a recent survey* which revealed that 94% of building industry stakeholders believed that "perceived higher upfront costs" were an obstacle to green building.

"This survey results reflect the widespread perception from both trade and consumers that sustainability measures always come at a higher cost; The Mews development proves otherwise.

"The homes range from $250,000 to $419,000, depending on the size, and demonstrate that it is possible to include top quality energy efficient elements in new homes yet still maintain affordability."

In addition to AIR-CELL insulation, application of passive solar design principles that make the most of the natural environment including correct placement of windows, good cross ventilation and house orientation on the block, also contributed to the high efficiency rating.

* Survey source: Green Building Market Report 2008 (BCI Australia and the Green Building Council of Australia).