Under the scheme Archicentre can review preliminary drawings to help ensure that a proposed new home or renovation will be comfortable to live in, and inexpensive to run. Archicentre can also assess an existing home and provide advice to help reduce energy consumption and costs.

Mr Lukac said the new Sustainability Reports harness the expertise of Archicentre Accredited Architects who have been designing sustainable houses for years because they want their clients to have the best possible homes.

Archicentre Architects, who have at least seven years training, many years of practical experience and are constantly upgrading their knowledge on techniques and materials, understand the importance of orientation, zoning and construction and can ensure a home will be as water-wise and as energy-efficient as possible.

Mr Lukac said the new services provide an opportunity for home owners to get an independent expert opinion about their current home or a proposed new home or renovation to ensure they will maximise energy and water savings.

"Some councils have already taken advantage of our expertise and have been engaging Archicentre to review and make recommendations on plans to assist their ratepayers overcome non compliance and poor sustainability issues."
Mr Lukac said the service would also provide new home buyers and renovators with professional guidance and information to brief builders and specify requirements in contracts.

Regulations vary from state to state but one thing is common throughout Australia - you can't start building without first demonstrating that the minimum state energy-efficiency requirements will be met."

Energy-efficient homes require clever design, sensible specification and meticulous construction, all of which will create a comfortable building that's also cost-effective to live in. It's not always easy, however, and requires careful consideration of several major elements: