Posted on December 21, 2022 by Allen Brown
Because of the adverse consequences of global warming, countless people are gradually advocating for an eco-friendly lifestyle. This practice should begin right from the place where you spend the most time: your home.
The good news is that there are many ways to decrease environmental impacts through various technological innovations and construction techniques. If you are planning to build an eco-friendly home, here are some effective ways to build it in the greenest way possible.
- Install Solar Panels
One of the best green initiatives you can delve into is finding a renewable energy resource. The sun is a great and dependable renewable energy source that sustains your household energy needs every day. Using solar panels to heat, cool, ventilate, and light your home is a surefire way to help the environment.
Because of its wide use, the price of solar panels in Australia has become reasonable and more practical. By pairing solar energy with battery storage, eco-home builders can help you achieve carbon neutrality while reaping the financial rewards of self-reliance. Also, it can mitigate future increases in electricity prices.
Another advantage of installing solar panels on your property is that they boost home value. Solar panels are built to last for 25 years, making them a one-time investment with great long-term advantages.
While there are many reputable brands to choose from, the key is to do your research, compare prices and package inclusions, and go for the one with the best value for money.
- Purchase Eco-friendly Construction Materials
Using sustainable materials for your home is one great way to initiate the eco-friendly status of your home. Remember that the sourcing of such materials should be considered as it also attributes to its eco-friendliness.
Sustainable products are resources that are renewable, abundant, or reusable. Some examples of these include wood, salvage materials, and bendable concrete. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing eco-friendly construction materials:
Materials should come from sustainable procedures which means that the materials were sourced from well-managed and transparent production areas, as well as a documented and certified supply chain.
For example, when sourcing wood or building with pallets, you should go for a brand or company that comes with green business certification. Such license is awarded to businesses who have passed performances related to the usage of energy, water, and other resources.
Unfortunately, home construction entails using chemicals such as paint, thinners, and varnish. Go for products that don’t contain toxic ingredients like formaldehyde.
Ensure to purchase your construction products from sustainable construction merchandise sellers. Do your research and you’ll find construction material companies that offer safer compounds like organic paints, stains, and oils, or water-based natural primers and finishes.
When constructing a home, you can find alternative materials that have been recycled or upcycled. Since they have been reprocessed, they could serve different purposes.
For example, old parts of cabinets can be turned into garden beds. Broken glass can be used as a decorative element in your fences. You can think of other ways to recycle materials and use them in your home construction and decor.
When choosing the best eco-friendly building materials, prioritize using those that can easily be renewed or grown.
For example, bamboo, wood, cotton, and other organic products are sturdy materials that serve great purposes in home construction. These materials can also be planted and harvested in a shorter time, making them great renewable resources.
When purchasing materials, go for a local supplier. This allows you to save on transportation costs and reduce environmental impacts caused by multiple location transfers.
Check around your local town or city and patronize local products and resources. You’ll be surprised to discover that some of the best materials for your home are just abundantly resourced from your local place. Simultaneously, you’ll be able to support small businesses and help the government generate more taxes for the local people.
- Improve Home Insulation
The next best thing you need to do to make your home eco-friendly is to use less energy. Reduced energy usage means that your home should be air-tight and well insulated to get rid of drafts around your windows, doors, and other entryways.
In the winter, air leaks around your home mean that heat is lost more easily, which makes your heating system work harder. Apply caulking in all the entryway to ensure that the heat dispensed from your heaters are retained inside. The same theory applies during summer months. Having a leaky window or door would allow the cold air from the inside to escape. This requires your air conditioner to function more in order to generate more cool wind inside.
- Build A Smaller But Smarter Home
One no-brainer tip to make an eco-friendly home is to opt for a small home instead of a big one. Because small houses usually require less energy usage, their environmental impact will always be less harmful.
Every inch of your home can be utilized through creative design techniques. The key is to hire an engineer or architect who can transform your home to be as functional as you need it to be without consuming a lot of space or requiring too many resources. Another effective tip is disregarding other home features that you otherwise don’t need. This way, you can avoid using unnecessary energy.
- Invest In Water-Saving Plumbing
Aside from electricity, water is another important resource that people often waste. Droughts are unfortunately recurring in many geographic locations. Hence, it’s best to reduce water wastage by investing in water-saving plumbing fixtures.
It is possible to reduce toilet and shower flow by installing water-saving fixtures. For example, you may want to install touch-sensor faucets that will only turn on with your touch and will automatically turn off after a few seconds. Another tip is to take advantage of rainwater tanks and use the water accumulated for gardening, laundry, and dishwashing. Also, consider installing tankless water heaters, so the water source gets heated immediately.
Conclusion
Living an eco-friendly way of life always starts with building an eco-friendly home. Hopefully, the tips above gave you a head start on going green. By doing so, you’ll be doing your part in helping the planet recover and heal better.
