Are you ready to dive into the world of green home building? You’ll surely want to do it sooner than later, whether as a homeowner, investor, or developer.
Did you know that buildings account for 39% of total energy consumption in the US? That spells big trouble for the environment!
But green designs can save the surroundings and money for homeowners, so you should embrace them for your next project. Hiring a like-minded designer or architect puts you on the right track. But you’ve got to understand the basics of green design that maximize energy efficiency, minimize waste, and use resources wisely.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the complete process of creating an eco-friendly building design for your living space. Let’s get started!
Choose an ideal location
Everything starts with choosing the apt location to build your home when it comes to green design. Consider proximity to public transportation, natural surroundings, and the orientation of the land. Does it get enough natural light and fresh air? Can you save on commute distance and fuel?
The right location makes a building inherently sustainable, even before you start looking for a green design.
Verify environmental risks
Besides checking the location of the property, dig deep into the environmental risks it entails. Talking to the developer or seller about environmental due diligence factors like a Phase 1 ESA for the property is a good start.
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment checks the risks, such as exposure to hazardous substances. Skip the property if something appears amiss because even a green design will not make the home sustainable.
Optimize building layout
Green homes follow optimal building layouts and make more with less. In fact, small spaces are better because they require less energy to heat and cool. Not to mention, you end up saving a fortune on the precious square footage and building costs.
An optimal layout is also about getting maximum natural light and ventilation, as they can significantly lower your energy bill.
Double-check the materials
Forget about the traditional materials that spew out toxins and consume energy. Why not build with sustainable options such as sustainable wood, recycled materials, and energy-efficient insulation?
These choices reduce your environmental impact and make your home look like a sustainable masterpiece. And they perfectly complement a green design!
Think solar
You cannot follow the zero-energy goal but can achieve sustainability by going solar. Investing in solar panels cuts your carbon footprint with renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
They generate clean energy that slashes your power bills and saves the environment. You can even score some incentives and tax cuts. It’s a worthy investment!
Green home building need not be a complicated task. Of course, you should hire an expert to design your place, but this step-by-step guide puts you in the right place. You will have a perfect living space that promises lifelong benefits and high-quality living. And it’s a great way to save your energy bills and do your bit for the planet in the long run.
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