Green building is all about limiting your home’s impact on the environment. You can accomplish this by incorporating the right eco-friendly materials into your home construction or renovation project. These materials are sustainable, environmentally friendly and won’t strain the earth’s natural resources to produce or ship to your construction site.
Some green building materials are renewable, while others are recycled. To determine which ones are truly green, look for third-party certifications. For example, the Forest Stewardship Council certifies wood that’s harvested from sustainably managed forests. Other labels and certificates to consider include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Seal, ENERGY STAR, and National Green Building Standards. Read more https://spanishmosshomebuyers.com/
Another way to limit your home’s environmental footprint is to choose materials that require less maintenance. Many of these products are also durable, reducing the amount of waste you’ll need to send to landfills.
A good example of a durable, low-maintenance building material is bamboo, which requires little water to grow and can be harvested quickly. In addition, bamboo is a great insulator, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Bamboo is also available in a variety of finishes to match any decor.
Other green building materials include rammed earth and straw bale construction. Both of these natural materials are a great insulator and help you save on your energy bill. They’re also easy to work with, making them a good choice for the DIYer. Alternatively, you could build with a sturdier material like cordwood masonry, which is known for its durability and affordability. This natural material is also fire resistant, limiting your exposure to a potential fire.
While some of these eco-friendly building materials are more expensive upfront than traditional materials, they can cut down on your energy costs in the long run. In addition, green home improvements can add value to your home and reduce your insurance rates.
A well-designed floor plan is another important element in a green home, says Homa. An efficient layout reduces heating and cooling bills and makes the space easier to use. Other green construction features include energy-efficient windows, doors and appliances. You should also look into adding an ERV or HRV (heat recovery ventilator) to your home, which can pre-heat or pre-cool the air entering your house and further cut your HVAC usage.
