Every home built has an associated impact on the environment, which has raised an immense need to be conservative when using precious resources – all in an effort to preserve our environment. Green builds can minimise, and in some cases, even neutralise this impact. And with the wide range of viable and cost-effective sustainable home options available today, there’s never been a better time to build towards a sustainable future.
Why Build Sustainably?
In order for the planet to survive for many years to come, change is needed in the way we live our lives. As the population continues to boom, the way we build new infrastructure is set to be a massive part of this change.
With increased concerns about the environment putting pressure on governments to act, regulations making sustainable building practices mandatory are inevitable in the not-too-distant future. This, and the general increase in environmental consciousness, looks set to exponentially increase the value of sustainably built houses compared to their standard counterparts.
The elements of an environmentally sustainable home come together to save you money on your energy and water bills, which means more money in your pocket.
Here are some essential tips on sustainable building.
1. Use Recycled Materials
When it comes to environmental sustainability, the first thing most of us think of is recycling, and for good reason. Recycling reduces environmentally damaging waste by reusing and repurposing waste. While most people think of recycling in terms of consumer goods made from plastic and paper, there are many fantastic recycled options when it comes to choosing materials to build your next home.
Some of these are:
- Rubber Roofing.
- Paper Based Countertops.
- Carpets made from recycled plastic.
- Cork flooring.
- Composite Decking, which can be made from recycled wood and paper.
- Steel made from 100% Recycled materials.
2. Better Taps Save More Water
According to the World Health Organisation, water scarcity will affect two thirds of the world’s population by 2025. It’s up to us to do what we can to save as much water as possible so this frightening trend can go some way to being reversed.
Electronic taps are built so that water runs from them only when needed, and should be standard for any sustainable new home. By switching to electronic taps, you’d be surprised how much less water you’re using, as you won’t feel like you’re making any extra effort to save water, the tap does the work for you!
3. High Quality Doors And Windows
The goals of passive design, and an important one for sustainable construction, is to reduce energy consumption. In order to be able to do this more effectively, it pays in the long run to invest in the right doors and windows for the job.
Doors and windows control the airflow in and out of your house, and when the outside temperature is either too hot or too cold, poor quality windows will let too much of that air in. With the wrong doors and windows your heaters and air-conditioners will have to work harder to control the temperature in your house, which is bad news for pollution levels.
When building your new home, don’t skimp on quality doors and windows. Don’t let the additional cost fool you either, as that quality will save you much more money in energy bills in the long run.
Looking to build a sustainable home? Then look no further than Green Edge Builders! With 40 years of combined experience, our expert sustainable home builders in Melbourne incorporate green building philosophies to produce high quality and environmentally friendly homes that would improve your overall comfort without costing the environment.
Get in touch with our green home builders today.