How to Spot an Eco-Friendly Home

In recent years, property builders have placed more efforts on sustainable design and pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly homes. The construction of green homes is supposed to be in sync with the environment. This means that the design has to incorporate several properties that save water and energy. In addition, it should have cost-cutting elements such as geothermal systems, solar panels, and rainwater collection (for irrigation). 

Trailblazing builders have made good use of eco-friendly features that make sustainable design the ultimate deluxe amenity of homes. Below are some of the properties that define eco-friendly homes.

Certification

Most eco-friendly homes would be certified by an organisation that ascertains the efficiency standards of a project building.  Such organisations include the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Homes Rating System and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). 

Resource Conservation And Zero Waste

By treating and reusing on-site wastewater for landscaping and other purposes, there will be reduced consumption of potable water. The rainwater collected is used for gardening, car cleaning and most purposes where drinking quality water is not needed; saving additional costs while also protecting natural resources. All treated water is pumped back into usage in flush tanks and landscaping. All solid waste is properly segregated and disposed of in a proper manner. The storm water runoff is captured in the numerous rainwater harvesting pits positioned strategically across the site, thereby continuously contributing to the local ground water table. Furthermore, using cutting-edge technology and materials such as Pilkington Glass offers high levels of natural light, noise control, thermal insulation and fire protection – all without compromising on strength and stability. This high-grade glass keeps residents cool in summer, warm in winter and reduces monthly energy costs.

Locally Sourced And Sustainable Materials

Having sustainable and locally sourced materials is not an all-new eco-friendly practice. All builders used the “locally” sourced method to construct houses before international shipping became commonplace. They would build houses of wood, stone, local clay or thatch depending on the abundant resources in a particular area. Architects and contractors are keen to reduce the carbon footprint in their modern construction practices. They are always looking for local solutions to the challenges they face in new designs.

LED Lighting

The nighttime look and feel of interiors has been transformed significantly by electricity. The soft flicker of gas lamps and candlelight were replaced with a bright illumination of the incandescent bulbs. The need for a more eco-friendly type of lighting led to the invention of LED technology. It is a radical change that was more energy efficient than the traditional lighting. 

Using LEDs in the homes means that the carbon footprint in your home can be reduced significantly without switching off the lights. You can also add an atmospheric glow to any interior using the LED-powered luminous textiles without the need for a single fixture.

Green Roofs And Walls

Green roofs became a great option for a viable design after technology caught up with aesthetics. The green roofs in today’s homes are so effective and practical that design-focused authorities and mainstreams are offering primers on how they can install their own. Green roofs and balconies have been incorporated into most eco-friendly homes for a blend of efficient, natural cooling, and landscaped aesthetic beauty. 

Solar Panels

Solar rooftop panels use the inexhaustible energy of the sun to provide a lightweight and affordable way to enhance the “passive” energy of a home. It also stores power without the need for wasteful processes. In addition, solar panels can be attractive too. Some companies produce beautiful glass roof tiles that allow contractors to build solar-powered homes that are energy-efficient. They usually draw the inspiration design from a classic architectural style. The most exciting innovations in green design are using solar power and it is the current trend in today’s homes.

Geothermal Heating And Cooling

Geothermal heating and cooling significantly harness the forces of nature just like the solar panels, to provide optimal indoor conditions at any period of the year. It is a technology that allows homeowners to make the environmental footprint to be relatively small, even though the design of the home creates a big aesthetic impact.

Smart Home Technology

Today’s eco-friendly homes are not only sustainable but also smart. In-wall touch screens are used to control the light, sound, temperature, irrigation and other features in a home. It is perfect for individuals who are used to splitting their time among several residences. Homeowners are able to program such features remotely to avoid energy wastage when no one is at home.

Biodiversity

Green homes can incorporate more than cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly construction. A property that encourages and enhances biodiversity amongst its surroundings provides the perfect balance of design and conservation. It is perfect for those seeking an environmentally conscious lifestyle.