Across Queensland, the summer of 2008 will be remembered for the rain that came.

In some places it caused floods, in others it helped alleviate a water shortage crisis the likes of which we’ve never seen.

But while the drenching rain may soon wash away some of the toughest water restrictions ever imposed on a capital city, the long-standing drought has brought the issue of climate change and sustainability to the forefront of many people’s minds.

Queensland’s burgeoning population means demand for our precious resources continues to increase. And one way of ensuring that the Sunshine state can keep up with this level of demand is the development of sustainable housing practices.

“We need to have home designs that suit our climate and diminishing natural resources,” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Sustainable Industries Division executive director Dr John Cole says.

“Sustainable houses are the way of the future. They are designed and built to work with our changing climate.”

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is working in partnership with the EPA to promote sustainable housing practices.

REIQ Sunshine Coast zone chair Jean Hamer says sustainable houses are more affordable to run and can accommodate people’s needs today and into the future.

“Features to consider when building or buying a sustainable home include whether the property has water-efficient appliances and a rainwater tank; and if it has passive solar design – which can be achieved by incorporating good ventilation, insulation, shading and materials,” she says.

Another feature to consider is whether the home is constructed of low-maintenance materials which will reduce the repair and ongoing maintenance costs of your home.

The REIQ and the EPA are holding special educational forums for real estate professionals throughout the state in February and March to discuss how this increased emphasis on sustainability impacts on the real estate industry.

For more information on the forums or to find out more about the REIQ, phone 3249 7347.

There are also a number of sustainable homes on display throughout Queensland. For more information go to: www.sustainable-homes.org.au.