How to build an eco-friendly house?

How to build an eco-friendly house?

There has been a considerable improvement in the construction of the buildings which has reduced the negative impact on the environment. The eco-friendly construction techniques have reduced energy usage by using sustainable building materials and employing alternative sources of the energy in the house. The innovative water management techniques have also led to conservation of water.

Energy-Efficient Design

Eco-friendly houses should be designed to minimise energy losses. The design of the house should consider environment and local climate conditions to make best possible use of solar energy. The house should be properly insulated to ensure energy efficiency and minimise energy loss. Painting the roof of the house white keep homes cool in summer by letting less heat in and warm in winter by not allowing more heat escape than other roofs. The efficient building design should also consider properly placed windows to allow ventilation in the house.

 

Sustainable Building Materials

Sustainable building material is the one which reduce the energy usage and fits harmoniously within the ecosystem. Recycled wood can be used for making tables, planter, studs and headboard. The recycled plastic can be used to make water tanks, pipes and pet bottles. Recycled denim can be used for the insulation of the walls. The eco-friendly building materials emit low level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), low embodied energy (the sum energy inputs used to make any product) and are easy to recycle.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

The home appliances used in the house such as air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators can save substantial amount of energy. The manufacturers had developed energy efficient appliances which use less electricity to help save some money for the consumers. The government agencies had certified these appliances to help consumer identify these products as energy savers such as Energy Star in America.

Alternative Source of Energy

The incorporation of alternative sources of energy can also contribute to the environment. Installing solar panels is very common these days. Using the sun to heat the water for domestic use and also for space heating and cooling can also reduce energy usage.

Water Management

Water management is often overlooked in an eco-friendly house project. The rain water should be collected in the rain barrels and water from the shower can be used in lawn. Low flow toilets should be installed and leaks should be fixed.

Benefits to Homeowners

Eco-friendly houses not only save money for the owners but also conserve energy and are environment friendly. As the materials are toxin free it leads to increased occupant health and also reduce maintenance costs.