green building options

With today’s consumers acutely aware of the impact we have on the environment and the ongoing cost to run a household, apg introduce a suite of environmentally friendly options to incorporate into all new homes.

energy efficient globes

 

Long life, energy efficient globes can
be used to replace standard incandescent light
bulbs giving longer life and better light 
distribution while using less power.

heat pump hot water systems

The latest in environmental water heating technology, a heat pump hot water system
extracts or absorbs heat from the atmosphere and via refrigeration technology,
multiplies or increases this many times. It then transfers that energy in the form of heat
into stored water. This provides a very similar heating efficiency to a solar hot water
system but without the need for solar panels on the roof.

High efficiency, environmentally friendly, quiet operation and fully equipt with back-up
electric booster.

 Ruinning cost comparisons to other water heating options: 

  • Electric Bosted Solar Hot Water System: estimated on additional running costs 
  • Gas Boosted Solar Hot Water System: estimated $50 more per annum
  • Electric Storage Hot Water System: estimated energy savings of 60 - 65% - that equates to a saving of approx $400 - $450 per year
  • 5 Star Gas Hot Water System: estimated 40 - 45% of a 5 star rated gas system

anticon roof insulation

 

Anticon combines two very effective forms of insulation into a single product for
maximum performance. Anticon consists of a glass wool blanket adhered to a
reflective foil facing. The foil acts as a barrier to reflect up to 95% of radiant
heat entering the roof cavity while preventing condensation. The blanket absorbs outside
noise and slows the transfer of heat into and out of the home.

 Other benefits include:

  • Rain noise reduction Thermal insulation all year round
  • Reduced loads on air conditioning and heating saving money and energy costs
  • Helps retard the spread of flames in the event of roof space fire
  • Reduces metal creep which causes creaking noises as temperatures change
  • Prevents condensation forming under metal roof

rainwater ready home

Preparing your home during construction for the installation of a rainwater harvesting system is a wise move. To make your home rainwater ready, we install a separate cold water run to an above-ground future rain water tank position nominated by you and install pipes to loop back to all toilets and cold water washing machine taps. This will enable water captured by the system to be used in the toilets and washing machine reducing water use and bills.

What you'll need to consider after we've finished construction:

  • Purchasing the tank and installation, can vary in price from $1,000 - $5,000 depending on the type and capacity of the tank
  • Tank location, above or below ground (extra cost for pumps will be required for below-groundwater tanks)
  • Concrete plinth for the tank to sit on
  • First flush diverter
  • Overflow pipe work and soak well, plus any diversion of existing down pipes to rainwater tank location

greywater ready home

Grey water refers to capturing water used in the home and recycling this water in the garden. apg can prepare your home for the installation of a grey water system during construction. This involves installing drains for the grey water collection from all basins, baths, spas, showers and laundry troughs (but not kitchen sinks or toilets). This separate line will then join on the main drain run to the sewer at a point to be nominated by the owner near the house. Recycling grey water will help eliminate the
unnecessary waste of this precious resource and reduce
overall water consumption bills.

solar panels

 

Photovoltaic panels or what are more commonly know as solar panels are installed on your roof to harness the sunshine and convert it directly into pollution-free electricity. This renewable energy can either be used for your own demand or sold back to the grid. Most states have incentive programs in place where the installation of a solar power system is eligible for a Federal Government rebate. A solar system will significantly reduce your power bills whilst reducing fossil fuel emissions.

energy efficient glazing

The Low E range of laminated glass has been developed for maximum transparency, high performance solar control and low reflection. It economically manages the heat of summer and the cold of winter equally. It incorporates a solar control component that in summer reduces the sun's heating, while in winter, it provides thermal insulation and reduces heat loss through the glass by over 30% when compared to standard glass.

The Low E range of laminated glass is not like other glazing products that rely on heavy tinting or reflective mirror-like coatings to reduce natural light. Laminated glass will also reduce voice noise by 13% and traffic noise by 24% when compared to standard 3mm glazing.

roof ventilators

Rotary ventilators extract super heated air from the roof space enabling it to be replaced by fresh air through ceiling registrations or eave vents. Roof space temperatures are reduced, in turn reducing the amount of heat radiating into the home. Rotary ventilators can significantly reduce the running cost of ducted air conditioning systems by improving the system's efficiency. Rotary ventilators are also excellent for extracting the moisture drawn into the roof space by shower and kitchen fans - this can be up to 12 litres of moisture per day and can cause mould and mildew.