Adding sustainability to your new home design can offer a range of advantages. These include lower energy bills, improved water efficiency and greater comfort.
Sustainable house design seeks to minimise negative impacts on the environment, and occupants’ health and wellbeing. It also encourages environmental stewardship and reduces waste, construction costs and resource consumption.
1. Increased Resale Value
Sustainable design doesn’t only benefit the environment, but it can also increase your home’s resale value. In fact, a sustainable home renovation can boost your property’s value by up to 23%.
A sustainable home is energy efficient and uses environmentally friendly materials. It can also be made to accommodate the needs of your family and adapt to changes in your life.
One of the most important elements of a sustainable home is orientation. A sustainable home should have its windows facing south to maximize direct sunlight and minimize heat loss in the winter. It should also have windows facing east and west, which will give it more natural light in the summer.
2. Reduced Energy Bills
Homeowners who choose to incorporate sustainable design into their home renovation projects can save a significant amount of money on their energy bills. In addition, there are a number of incentives for green renovations available from local governments and utility providers.
Performing a home audit is an excellent way to discover ways your house could be more energy efficient. Some cities offer free or low-cost assessments that will highlight recommendations for you.
Making easy swaps for energy-efficient fixtures and appliances can go a long way to help you reduce your carbon footprint. For example, LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent lights and last longer.
3. Reduced Water Bills
In addition to saving you money, a sustainable home renovation also helps the environment. Choosing eco-friendly materials, appliances, and building processes reduces the amount of energy required to operate your home.
For example, installing eco-friendly plumbing and fixtures can help to save water. Rain barrels, shower heads with low-flow systems, and waterless urinals are all simple solutions that can greatly reduce your water bill.
Using sustainable paints, wallpaper, and other finishes can also help to keep your home’s air clean and safe from toxins. This is especially important if you live in an area with high pollution levels or are sensitive to the presence of toxins in your indoor space.
4. Increased Comfort
A sustainable home renovation will improve the comfort of your family and visitors. You’ll be able to take advantage of natural light and airflow to heat and cool your home as well as reduce your utility bills.
A savvy builder will also be able to advise you on the best products and materials to use in your new eco-friendly home. From energy efficient lighting to low-flow toilets, a contractor with a keen eye for green design will be able to show you the ropes.
The most obvious way to make your home more energy efficient is to increase the amount of insulation in your home. A good insulation system will help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer while minimizing energy usage.
5. Increased Value
Whether a homeowner is renovating for a personal reason or to improve the home’s safety features, a sustainable redesign can be a great option. It can save homeowners money, help the environment and increase property values.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, many home improvements also increase energy efficiency. For example, installing solar panels for electricity and heating and installing high-efficiency HVAC systems can reduce a home’s energy use and costs.
Choosing contractors that understand the practice of green building can make all the difference in your home’s sustainability. They can guide you through the process, from reducing your materials’ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to selecting eco-friendly products for your remodel.