Tech allows ultra-green homes to be built in just two months

An Australian construction giant is poised to build ultra-energy efficient homes in a matter of months after signing a joint venture with a green tech prefabricated wall manufacturer.

AVJennings recently launched a new collection of designer dwellings dubbed Stellar, which feature an innovative walling system from tech company Pro9.

Using the galvanised steel-frame and foam insulated product, the time it takes to construct a home can be cut to a fifth of what it is currently, meaning a dwelling could go up in just two months.

And the finished product can achieve at least an eight-star energy efficiency rating – well above the current minimum of six stars and ahead of the boosted seven-star requirement that comes into effect from 2024.

AVJennings has signed a joint venture with Pro9 to establish a manufacturing hub in Australia, capable of producing more than 1000 homes a year.

“The fact that Pro9 can be implemented directly into our existing product range to elevate the offering is ground-breaking,” AVJennings chief executive officer Phil Kearns said.

“Since introducing the technology into three homes in our Evergreen community in New South Wales 2021, we can see how much it contributes to a home’s energy efficiency and comfort.”

AVJennings is the first developer to bring the Pro9 technology to market in Australia, Mr Kearns said.

“We recognise the importance of achieving higher quality, better insulated and more durable homes and for us to all reduce our carbon footprint.”

Mr Kearns said the partnership is “just the start” of what the company plans to roll out in the future.

Homebuyers are increasingly demanding green and sustainable features and most are willing to pay a premium for it, according to the most recent Property Seeker Report from realestate.com.au.

The largest survey of its kind, the research probes respondents on hundreds of questions relating to the home-buying journey and has found the vast majority are eager to go green.

The 2022 report found 81 per cent of homebuyers see sustainable features in a property being critical in their decision-making and 87 per cent are willing to pay extra for green features, from solar panels to efficient insultation.

The average premium those buyers are willing to pay is 15%, the report found.

Recent analysis by KPMG found the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Homes not only benefit the environment, but owners are better off financially almost immediately, with savings outpacing initial upfront costs.

While the modelling shows a Green Star Home will increase typical loan repayments by up to $84 per month, the savings in energy costs are up to $140 per month.

“The results are particularly exciting as they show that the economics now align with the significant amenity uplift of a greener, more efficient and healthier home,” said Mark Spicer, KPMG’s partner of ESG advisory and assurance.