Building Performance

Performance of the building and services

The building design was rated at 4 1/2 stars using the BERS rating scheme, which is equivalent to 5 stars using NatHERS. When the south facing elevated under-floor part of the house is either enclosed, or the floor is insulated, it will obtain 5 stars with BERS.

The building has not yet been occupied except as an information and demonstration centre for the Maroochy council Greenhouse team. This means that the energy system and the rest of the services have not yet been used the way a family living full time in the house would use them.

Some monitoring of the performance of the building and services is planned.

Sustainable building award

The Harper House has received the 1999 Sunshine Coast Environment Council award for the most 'Ecologically Sustainable Building'

Government incentives

The house, which was officially opened by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Natural Resources, Rod Welford, received Queensland's first solar power rebate under the Federal Government's Photovoltaic Rebate Scheme. Other incentive schemes which were accessed were:

• State government rebate of $750 of the cost of a solar hot water system.
• Maroochy Shire Council rebate of between $20 and $250 for residents who install rainwater tanks on their premises.
• Maroochy Shire Council rebate of up to $20 for residents who install an AAA-rated shower in their home.