Key Tenets of Building a Sustainable Home hipporeads Ask Me Anything Environmentally friendly homes are becoming less of a specialist architecture and domestic design field. There is a growing population of people who are keen to do their part for the future of the ecosystem by building thoughtfully constructed homes to limit their impact on the earth. If you’re one of them, here are some of the key tenets of building a sustainable home. Materials Consider your material choices carefully when you have options. Not all construction materials are sourced ethically and some materials can be actively harmful to the environment. For example, timber can be farmed in such a way that damages the local flora and fauna. Using reclaimed materials or materials that have been fabricated with minimal pollution are a much better choice. Process The techniques used by construction workers to build the home could be less wasteful and, therefore, more environmentally friendly. When materials are used more efficiently and there are measures to reduce energy loss, the process of building can be a huge part of its sustainability. There has been a shift towards modular building techniques where sections are constructed separately and then fitted together on-site. This has proven particularly useful for sustainable projects. Energy A lot of energy is used throughout the process of building a home. Every opportunity to cut back on energy use should be seized. They can also be incorporated into the final structure, such as more efficient electrical and temperature systems. Even the layout of the home and its floor plan can contribute positively to the sustainability of the property. Certain designs can even help to control airflow, improving air conditioning and retaining heat as necessary. Water How your home accesses water is hugely important when it comes to working on sustainability. Water shortages are a growing issue worldwide, so water efficiency is essential. Water systems that can harvest rain, resist drought, and decrease water pressure are all steps in the right direction. In the future, professional plumbing repairs may be required, and so the design of your home’s water systems must be within regulation. For anyone who has never built their own home, this can seem like a daunting task. However, you will feel a sense of accomplishment at having successfully created a home where water is used sparingly and waste is reduced. Air When constructing your home, choose materials that are less harmful to the air. Some types of paint, varnish, and adhesive can release chemicals into the air, contributing not only to pollution but also to a decline in health for the household. It is no longer a niche group of people concerned about the planet’s health. More and more individuals are deciding to build their own homes with a focus on sustainability and the welfare of the environment. If you are considering constructing a home for yourself and your family where each system is well-made and eco-friendly, take on the above advice and remember the key aspects of sustainable architecture. Image credit: Scott Webb via Unsplash
