The future of affordable, sustainable living was on show today at the opening of a new prototype home at Burpengary.

Environment Minister Vicky Darling officially opened the InsulLiving prototype home which was developed by Queensland-based company Bondor with $50,000 funding assistance from the Queensland Government's Smart Future fund.

"The InsulLiving system is a revolutionary way to make sustainable housing affordable and construction simpler and faster," Ms Darling said.

"The home was built 35 per cent faster than normal construction and cost nine per cent less than a traditional build.

"Bondor's technologies used in the prototype put it on track to be an eight-star home.

"The home features a complete walling and roofing building system made up of structural insulated panels which increases the homes energy efficiency and thermal performance.

"The roofing and walling products block heat in summer, trap warmth in winter and reduce noise.

"The Bligh Government is committed to driving ongoing energy efficiency in the residential housing market and all new homes, offices and government buildings are now required to achieve a minimum 6 star energy rating.

"Adapting our built environments will be a critical part of living with future climate change impacts, while also delivering more energy efficient homes to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

"Queensland Government assistance was provided through a Proof of Concept grant under the Smart Futures Fund.

"The fund is a $100 million innovation incentive scheme to foster greater use of research as a means to provide innovative solutions to business and public institutions."

The home will be open to industry representatives for the next six months as part of ongoing research into the energy efficiency benefits and application of the InsulLiving system in the residential housing market.

Environment

The Honourable Vicky Darling

30/08/2011