Old Housing Stock Key To Reducing Emissions

Nearly 8 million homes are past their use-by-date according to the Australia Affordable Housing Environmental Scan 2022 by PowerHousing Australia.

The report suggests that many of these outdated properties could be torn down to build multiple energy-efficient dwellings and address the housing crisis.

According to the report, one old standard house on an 800 to 1000sqm block could make way for up to three new homes. Most of the homes have existed for 30 years or more and contribute up to 18% of the country’s emissions.

While Australia looks to tackle rising emissions with advances in technology, PowerHousing Australia chief executive Nicholas Proud suggests the redevelopment of old housing could help tackle both emissions and affordability while technology comes up to speed.

“Australia’s 8 million pre-energy rated homes are now well past their use-by date, contributing up to 18 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and a real liability when it comes to hitting our Paris Agreement commitments for net-zero emissions.”

Mr Proud suggests that Australia will struggle to meet the UN net zero emissions target for 2050 without the repurposing of building materials

“The first step to meet our obligations to future generations is the repurposing and refurbishing older inefficient dwellings, as existing dwellings account for 95 per cent of our building stock and already have an embodied carbon component,” he said.

In 2003, a four-star Nathers energy rating became mandatory for all new homes. Prior to this, there was no obligation to make homes energy efficient and most homes built after the 1950s came in at one to two stars.

An imposing Scottish castle that has only had four owners in its more than 200-year existence has hit the market asking for offers above £8 million (US$10.45 million).

Seton Hall, as it’s known, was built in 1789 by architect Robert Adam using stone from Seton Palace, the since-demolished property that was considered to be Mary Queen of Scots’s preferred retreat, according to Savills, which brought the home to the market last month.

“Seton is an absolutely magical castle—from the moment you approach, to the inner courtyard, to the quality of interior design,” said listing agent Jessica Gwyn.

The castle—roughly 10 miles from Edinburgh—remained in the same family from the late 18th century until 2003, which “served to freeze Seton in a protective time warp,” according to the listing.

Castellated features such as slit windows and turrets can be seen from the outside, and inside “secret staircases, curved doors, curved walls, arched windows and hidden doors add to the charming sophistication of the architecture and design,” the listing said.

But the castle has since been refurbished to meet modern standards, and now also boasts a helipad, a full security system, a gym, a playroom, a silk-lined dining room and a billiards room.

The restoration project saw a team of expert stonemasons rebuild the castle’s many chimneys, turrets and rooftop parapets. Plus, ironwork was restored, the dumbwaiter reinstated and the 10,000-bottle wine cellar was brought back to life, Savills said.

Alongside the seven-bedroom home that forms the core of the castle, there are additional residences across the property, including Darnley Cottage and Bothwell Cottage—named after Mary Queen of Scots’s husbands.

The castle’s stables have been refurbished, too, and are adjacent to the “Stable Bar,” the castle’s private pub.

The owner—who Mansion Global couldn’t identify—“feels their time as custodian of this outstanding building has come to a natural conclusion and it is time for this historic home to be loved and cared for by someone else,” Gwyn said.

This article first appeared on Mansion Global

Old Housing Stock Key To Reducing Emissions

A report indicates the redevelopment of old housing is essential to carbon neutral plans.