Shooting for Net Zero - Reducing Energy Consumption & Improving Sustainability

With continuous industry improvements in construction methods and materials toward more liveable and energy-efficient housing, as a building company, we had to ask ourselves: What does our future look like, and how will we adapt to the influences of climate change and the need for greater sustainability?

November 2021

Prefabulous approached the University of Wollongong. Tim McCarthy, Director of the Sustainable Building Research Centre (SBRC), with his extensive expertise and knowledge, provided us with a clear path forward: a Net Zero research program for modular construction. Prefabulous applied for funding through AusIndustry, a Commonwealth government agency offering SMEs the ‘Innovation Connections’ program. Six months later, the program planning and partnerships were underway. Prefabulous, along with the University of Wollongong and Ingenia Holidays, was fully engaged in determining the research outcomes and designing a Net Zero Prototype.

January 2023

With University researchers Dr Leela Kempton and Dr Matt Daly appointed, AusIndustry funding in place, and the research determined, the study commenced.

December 2023

The Net Zero research was completed after nearly 12 months, and a one-hundred-page report provided Prefabulous with a unique blueprint to achieve a Net Zero prototype. Recommendations for construction methods and a range of new products were integrated into the design, creating a unique specification for the Prototype.

“This Blueprint for Net Zero construction propels Prefabulous to the forefront of our industry. The Net Zero Prototype will achieve a 7-star NatHERS rating and fully offset its embodied carbon after 4.5 years of operation. Over 25 years, the Net Zero Prototype will become net energy positive and will avoid emissions of nearly 250 tonnes.”

— Gavin King, Managing Director

University of Wollongong Research (SBRC):

The key goal was to analyse the performance of Prefabulous buildings and recommend design improvements across the following areas:

  • High energy efficiency

  • Use of recyclable, natural materials

  • Best-in-class low-carbon and GreenTag-certified materials

  • Reducing environmental impact

  • Innovative, low-cost heating and cooling solutions

  • Low-maintenance interior and exterior

  • Low embodied energy

The Net Zero Prototype will achieve:

  • A 34% reduction in overall embodied carbon

  • 32% better energy performance

  • A 7-star NatHERS rating

  • Full offset of embodied carbon after 4.5 years of operation

August 2024

Prototype construction commenced in August 2024, with completion planned for February 2025. The completed Prototype will be located at the Ingenia BIG4 Tourist Park in Wagga, where it will be available for booking and overnight stays once established, offering beautiful views across the river and an experience like no other.

Follow us on social media as we document the progress of construction and showcase the finished product.

To view the latest Net Zero video and learn more, click below.