At SDS, we’re dedicated to empowering homeowners and businesses to make eco-conscious choices. Our mission is to be a guiding light on their path to sustainability. We provide essential knowledge and tools for making decisions that benefit both individuals and the broader community, contributing to a greener future. We advocate for ethical choices in all aspects, from design and construction to daily operations, making sustainability an integral part of every decision.

At SDS, sustainable design is our commitment, transcending beyond trends. We emphasize its crucial role in molding environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing communities. Our approach involves:

Educating and Empowering: Through workshops and seminars, we empower our community with the knowledge to make informed, sustainable choices.
Collaborative Approach: Collaborating with professionals, we ensure the integration of sustainable practices from a project’s inception, making it a core aspect of every design.
Promoting Local Solutions: We focus on local solutions tailored to our community’s unique needs and characteristics, from utilizing local materials to understanding regional climate patterns.

Meet the SDS Team, a blend of dedicated professionals and passionate individuals united for sustainable living and design:

Sustainability Experts: Knowledgeable in cutting-edge green practices, offering vital advice for eco-friendly and functional project integration.
Architects & Engineers: Experts in crafting aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient, and environmentally harmonious spaces.
Volunteers & Enthusiasts: A vibrant community contributing time and skills, driven by a shared environmental passion.
Together, we keep SDS at the pinnacle of sustainable design, consistently setting new community standards.

Q. My ducted gas heating system has stopped working and I have a quote to replace the heating unit. The supplier/installer has advised that replacing the heather is my best option. Is that so? I wasn’t given any alternative.

A. Most gas ducted heating companies only supply and install ducted gas heating systems. Replacing your gas heating unit is not your best option. Gas ducted heating is expensive to run, is not energy efficient and is not healthy for your household. You should consider electric alternatives such as reverse cycle (Inverter) air conditioning or panel heaters like LVI.

Q. My solar hot water system needs replacing. What are my options?

A. Your best option is an electric heat pump unit. The best heat pumps are air source heat pumps that use either CO 2 (R744) or Propane (R290) refrigerants. Beware of cheap heat pumps that use R134a or R410a refrigerants. They are not as efficient, and will not be able to be sold in Australia from 1 st January 2025. R134a or R410a heat pumps have a tendency to “ice up” in cold weather and need an additional heating element. They also have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1430 and 2080, respectively, compared with CO2 GWP of 1.

Q. My hot water unit needs replacing. What is the most energy efficient and cost effective replacement?

A. For those with an external gas or electric storage tank, an electric air source heat pump is a prime replacement choice. When installing, consider wall-mounting the condenser unit with the correct separation to ensure optimal air flow and efficiency. It’s crucial to insulate hot water pipes and junctions/connections properly. If space allows, positioning the electric heat pump indoors can boost efficiency and reduce winter heat losses. However, remember that not all heat pumps are designed for indoor installation. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and warranty conditions.

Q. What is the best position for a heat pump hot water unit?

A. The ideal location for a heat pump hot water unit in Victoria is inside in a central position, if space allows. This is straightforward in renovations and new builds. All high-performance builds will aim for this solution. Typically, close to bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen to minimize pipe runs and heat losses.

Q. I have been told that getting off gas and switching to all electric is the “way to go”. Why is that so?

A. There are several reasons. Health, Energy Efficiency, GHG emission reduction (kind to the planet), operating Cost (cost-effective), and Life Cycle cost.
Recent health research provides evidence that gas cooking is responsible for more than 12% of childhood asthma cases. Ducted gas heating reduces indoor air quality and requires regular cleaning of ducts to prevent dust circulation. It is also not energy efficient and is burning fossil fuel, therefore increasing GHG emissions. Similarly, gas hot water systems increase GHG emissions and are 4 to 5 times less energy efficient than heat pump hot water units. Contrary to the popular myth, induction cooking is much safer, faster, and energy efficient. Even Asian cooking is possible with a flat bottom Wok.
Electric Vehicles (EV) will soon be the norm and EV charging stations are being installed in public places and in home garages or car spaces. On average household transport accounts for 12% of household GHG emissions.
The ideal scenario is roof top PV solar with battery storage, all electric appliances, heat pump hot water, heat pump dryer, reverse cycle (inverter) air- air-conditioning for heating and cooling, electric oven, and induction cooktop.

Q. I want to renovate and extend my Victorian / Edwardian timber cottage. Two builders have suggested that I demolish the existing house and build new. I like the period features of the original house, but would like to upgrade, alter and extend in a sustainable way. What are my options?

A. You could demolish, but the cost of demolition and rebuilding the equvalent of what you could salvage will cost upwards of $100k. The most sustainable design strategy would be to assess the existing building and save both useful structure and salvaged materials and upgrade, retrofit and extend to your design brief.

.