Everybody needs a sustainable and durable home. But these things are not just gained. The homeowners actually have to use plenty of different techniques to improve the efficiency of their homes. As the Earth resources are reaching the brink of extinction, it is not just millennials who are asking to add some sustainable features in their homes.
Here are some ideas that will make homes sustainable and certainly adds up to 5% to 10% of the purchase price.
1: Size:
Tend to go smaller but smarter. Size the thing about the house, which is controllable. Making your home small and intelligent is the best way to utilize all the space and get the best of the situation. The land is not just an asset but also a liability. So, you have to make sure that you don’t spend more than necessary on its maintenance.
2: Embodied Energy:
The homeowners need to ask the architect and the builders regarding their intention to keep the embodied energy low. One of the best ways to minimize energy is to keep the construction simple. Consider buying materials from local suppliers so that they will be accessible in case of damage.
3: Landscaping & Water Use:
The home designers often suggest ideas like green roofs, bio-retention planters, rain gardens, permeable pavers, and adequately graded sites. Besides using paring techniques, landscaping the area with large shading trees will also be an excellent way to block sunlight and lessen the need to use Air Conditioning Systems.
4: Solar Panels:
Solar panels are obviously an affordable option for many homeowners. When used with the combination of a battery storage system, the solar panels can act as an impeccable source of energy even when the sun is not shining.
5: Non-Toxic & Natural Materials:
One of the most critical factors that conclude a house sustainable is the air quality inside. When you use chemicals to clean the house and paint that isn’t natural, the air quality declines to a great extent. Therefore, you need to go for natural items in your home, including color, adhesives, reclaimed wood, all-wood carpeting, etc.
6: Plumbing:
Whether it is the water that flushes down the toilet or the water used to wash dishes or for baths, there is a lot of wastage. Hence, the smart choice would be to include low-flow toilets, showerheads, faucets, etc. For better solutions, homeowners can also choose to buy products with EPA WaterSense Label or Energy Star Certification to save water around the house.
From reuse to recycle, every small thing that you do to take care of nature is sustainable. So, instead of overusing the resources, learn new ways to make your home sustainable.