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Reducing Carbon Footprint with Rammed Earth Homes

Reducing carbon footprint is something that should be applauded. It can be done with rammed earth construction since though it, homes can be constructed without destroying limited natural resources. Rammed earth advocates are now rallying up regarding the government regulation stating that the 6 star rating it received might cut environmentally focused projects.

This said rating system has been dubbed by critics as biased. It is stated that it was intended to cut back the amount of cooling and heating needed in a home. However, the modeling data does not show accurately the lifestyle of the homeowners in reducing carbon footprint.

Another confusing part is that even people who are not that familiar with rammed earth are aware that as compared to modern building materials, it uses less carbon footprints. Unfortunately, the government’s new rating system authorizes new housing to use conventional construction materials.

As an example, take a look at mud brick construction with rammed earth. A wall of mud brick is usually about 25 cm thick. Additional insulation is not needed because of it but it still got a negative score in the energy ratings.

Because of this, rammed earth builders are stepping up to educate not just the people but the government about the true facts of rammed earth. Even the green builder industry leaders are pointing out segments about their lifestyle in limiting carbon footprint each day.

With these issues, an action has been made by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency exerted by the pressure from scientists and industry professionals alike. A call for systems revision has also been made by the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Australia.

This development is very valuable since many believe that the new rating system has not even produced real benefits. In fact, some University energy experts are convinced that this was the reason for the increase in construction cost of more than 100,000 newly constructed homes. Teaming up and working hard for energy awareness is not just rammed earth builders but energy conscious people for proper information dissemination.

To sum it up, the new rating system has caused in uproar with rammed earth builders and environmentally conscious people alike and a campaign is ongoing to ensure that the proper information is sent out.

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