Building an eco-friendly home doesn’t mean living off the grid or spending a fortune on the latest energy saving technology. For most Perth homeowners, it’s about making smart design choices that reduce energy usage, lower running costs all while building a comfortable modern custom home.
At IQ Construction, we focus on realistic energy‑efficient solutions that suit the Western Australian climate. The biggest wins can come from how a home is designed and powered, not from expensive add-ons.
Here’s how you can build a home that’s sustainable, and cost-effective without going overboard.
Smart orientation & passive solar design
The foundation of any energy-efficient home starts with good design. In Perth, the goal is simple:
- Capture winter sun
- Block summer heat
- Encourage natural airflow
This is achieved through careful design choices, such as positioning living areas to the north, keeping west-facing windows to a minimum, using eaves, pergolas, or shading screens, and designing for cross-ventilation.
These improvements:
- Reduce heat transfer
- Cut air-conditioning costs
- Improve comfort across all seasons
- Increase long-term home value
Passive solar design isn’t just about energy savings. It also makes your home naturally more comfortable and livable year-round, simply by letting the design work with the climate rather than against it. These principles reflect guidance from WA’s sustainable home design recommendations.
Building to high energy efficiency standards
All new homes in Western Australia must meet minimum energy efficiency requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC) and be assessed using NatHERS. These ratings measure how well your home retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer. The higher the rating, the less energy the home will need.
While meeting the minimum standard is required, pushing beyond it can make a big difference. Some options include quality insulation in walls, roofs, and ceilings, combined with double‑glazed or low‑E windows.
Sealing gaps and choosing light colored roofing to reflect heat which further reduces the reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Energy-efficient appliances & lighting
Once the home is built the path to energy efficiency is not complete. Daily energy use is largely determined by what appliances are used within the house. Installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting is one of the easiest ways to cut your running costs. LED lighting, high-efficiency air conditioners, energy-rated ovens, fridges, and dishwashers are all examples of devices that contribute to lower energy consumption.
You should also consider switching to induction cooktops, where feasible. These cooktops heat faster and more efficiently than traditional electric or gas options, saving energy without sacrificing convenience.
Combining energy-efficient appliances with a well-designed home can create a very comfortable living environment for any homeowner in Perth while keeping energy bills at bay.
Solar power
Any energy efficient guide won’t be complete without out mentioning solar power. Perth enjoys some of the highest sunshine levels in Australia making solar power a must have! If you opt to install a standard 5–6.6 kW solar system, you can expect the following benefits:
- Slash daytime electricity usage
- Reduce reliance on grid power (“going off grid”)
- Lower energy bills
- Add value to your home
Often modern custom homes are often built with solar usage in mind, ready with the correct roof orientation and wiring for future battery storage. Even if the homeowner decides not to install a battery system immediately this step avoids costly electrical upgrades later. For Perth homeowners, solar is a smart investment, proven to make your home more sustainable. This aligns with WA’s guidance that many residential solar systems are grid-connected (with optional battery storage) to reduce energy bills and environmental impact.
Water efficiency & sustainable living
Water efficiency is just as important as energy efficiency, especially in WA’s climate. Thoughtful inclusion of low-flow taps, dual-flush toilets, water-efficient appliances, and rainwater tanks for garden or toilet use can make a noticeable difference. Landscaping with waterwise plants such as native plants reduce water demand and maintenance.
Conclusion
Building an eco‑friendly, energy‑efficient home in Perth doesn’t have to be complicated when you have an expert custom home builder in your corner. By focusing on smart orientation, quality insulation, energy‑efficient appliances, solar and water solutions, you can create a home that is comfortable, cost‑effective, and future-proof.
At IQ Construction, we specialize in custom homes designed for WA conditions. Contact us today to get started on building your new energy efficiency home!