For many aspiring home builders and designers, the idea of building an eco-friendly home involves logs, woodland, and an open fire. Very cozy!
While an ideal concept for many, this is no longer associated with building sustainable and green homes. Building sustainable homes in 2021 are now all about high-performance standards and minimizing energy waste.
So, read on to learn about the essentials of building an eco-friendly home.
Natural Light
This is somewhat of a no-brainer, but many people overlook the importance of utilizing natural light when designing a home, let alone an eco-friendly home!
A study by the University of Minnesota found that a shocking 47% of home energy was used for lighting and heating. So, to bring that number down, try to place as many windows as you can in your green home and consider where they are placed in relation to the sun.
This will reduce the energy needed to light your home, lower your energy bills, and improve your well-being.
Solar Generators
A solar generator is a system that runs off of solar power. It converts sunlight into electricity by extracting electrons from the photons and transmitting them through a wire. They usually work alongside solar panels and should be a vital feature of any green home.
When designing your home, be sure to choose a solar generator that can provide the power needed to generate your home. For example, if you plan to build a house to home three people, you will need a generator that can create 2,550kWh to power your home.
Insulation
Keeping energy costs down means you will not want energy escaping from your property. And one of the most significant losses in energy to homes in the US is heat.
If you are looking for eco-friendly insulation that also protects your wallet, you may want to use options such as sheep’s wool, cotton, or even icynene. All three possibilities protect your home against heat loss, dampness and can double up as noise-canceling options too.
Also, aim to have all areas of the house insulated, including the under floors, walls, ceilings, and roof. Heat can escape from your home via any spot, so keep them all covered.
Triple Glazing
Everyone in the Western world now considers double glazing the minimum standard in homes against noise and heat loss. But what about triple glazing?
Far from being just another pane of glass, triple-glazed windows have a microscopic coating on their inner layers. This prevents heat from escaping and reflects it into the home, reducing energy costs.
Another benefit is that these windows also keep cold air out of your home. This means you will spend less on heating your home in the colder months, saving you money and using less energy.
It’s Time to Get Building Sustainable Homes
It does not matter whether you are looking to build a green home for the environment or just to save money on energy bills. As you can see, there is more to building sustainable homes than simply putting in some more windo
Infographic provided by Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc., a base stabilization company
ws or reducing your use of gas. For more information on green living and choosing solar power, see the Home Improvement section of our blog.
