Energy Efficient Housing

Energy efficient housing (and the SALA Homes business model) revolves around sustainability and eco-efficiency. All SALA Homes are designed to produce triple bottom line benefits for our customers – financial, environmental and social. They are:

• affordable (kit homes start at $69,200) to purchase and can be built economically by a competent owner-builder
• cheaper to run (less ongoing power and water costs as there are no power or water bills)
• more environmentally friendly than a conventional home (see eco-efficiency details below)
• demonstrate universal design principles (AS4299 Australian Adaptable Housing Standard) as recommended by Department of Housing Smart Housing Fact Sheet.

Similarly, our business aims to achieve a triple bottom line. Usually, environmentally friendly options are sold as more expensive and for 'true believers'. Instead, we market our product to the mainstream housing market.

In 2006, material costs increased by over 9%, but an improvement in our volume and business systems meant we could limit the price rise to 1.5%. Strong partnerships with suppliers means we are able to share resources (eg using their warehousing facilities) and we keep business overheads low to improve our financial position.

Eco-efficiency Features

• non-toxic glues, paints and finishes
• radially sawn plantation or regrowth timber
• durra board panelling for improved acoustic and thermal qualities
• VJ ply panelling rather than plasterboard (VJ ply paneling is durable, recyclable and less damaging to the environment and SALA Homes has it specially manufactured)
• solid plantation timber doors and windows
• at least two photovoltaic cells (buyers often choose to install more) for electricity generation
• highly efficient evacuated tube solar hot water heaters
• second-hand materials (eg kitchen cabinetry) selected by customers