1. Energy Smart Tips

Turn out the light after use.
Take four minute showers only.
Turn off computer after use.
Wash clothes in cold water.
Replace incandescent globes with compact fluoros.

2. Building Smart Tips

Although these suggestions are not part of the rating, they will maximize the efficiency of your design and its impact on our greener future:

Energy Use
Install gas boosted solar HWS (hot water system);
Minimize mechanical heating and cooling;
Install ceiling fans in bedrooms;
Install split system with a minimum of 4 stars energy efficiency rating;
Make zoning possible for mechanical heating and cooling (ie. Install doors between zones);
Locate fridge in a cool, well ventilated position;
Install energy efficient lighting throughout the home.

Water Use
Install AAA Rated or 6/3 litre Dual Flush Toilet System
Install AA+ Rated showerhead
Install AAA Rated Faucets throughout the home

Garden Design
75% of garden to consist of native local plants
Plant low water tolerant species and minimize lawn area
Install underground irrigation controlled through drippers, coarse drop sprays, subterranean drippers and electronic controllers
Use mulch and soil conditioners on lawns and garden beds

Waste and Recycling
Develop a plan to reduce waste and enhance recycling
Maximize the use of certified plantation timber (i.e. plantation pine trusses and laminated veneer timber beams)
Minimize the intrusion of dust and rubbish into neighboring properties through watering down and the application of strategically placed screening to minimize the impact of prevailing winds (i.e. use bins for waste and shade cloth for dust)

Community Values
Comply with the local council’s permissible hours of work and have due respect for neighbors by not playing loud radios and refraining from the use of loud or objectionable language on site.
Locate or acoustically screen noise generation features such as air-conditioning to minimize the level of noise intrusion into neighboring properties to within the limits set out in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
Maximize community security in the home design.