The Andrews government will partner with land developers and home builders in a pilot program designed to boost the supply of zero net carbon homes in Melbourne’s growth areas.
Sustainability Victoria, a statutory authority that facilitates environmental sustainability in the use of resources, will partner with home builders to deliver cost competitive and appealing zero net carbon homes that will be available direct to the market.
“The $2.18 million Zero Net Carbon Homes pilot aims to recruit up to three partnerships between land developers and volume home builders to facilitate the design, marketing and construction of zero net carbon homes that will be sold and marketed in growth areas,” said Sustainability Victoria.
Eligible home builders must be able to demonstrate that they achieve more than 200 site starts annually, and that they can offer products to homebuyers in one or more of Melbourne’s growth areas in the north, west, and south east, or in the Geelong and Mitchell regional areas.
The Zero Net Carbon Homes pilot aspires to make zero net carbon homes available to more Victorians, as well as convince homebuyers that such homes will be cheaper to run, more environmentally friendly, and comfortable.
“Research conducted by Sustainability Victoria has identified that zero net carbon homes will contribute to lowering emissions across the residential sector [which is essential] towards meeting the Victorian Government’s 2050 zero net emissions target,” Sustainability Victoria said. “The modelling shows that a zero net carbon home could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around six tonnes a year, with energy bills up to half that of a standard home.”
“By participating in the Zero Net Carbon Homes Pilot, builders can offer their customers homes that are affordable to heat and cool and provide year-round comfort,” said Stan Krpan, CEO of Sustainability Victoria. “Offering more zero net carbon homes will diversify our building stock, stimulate the economy and reduce bills for homeowners,”
