The increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable homes has left builders and designers looking for new and clever ways to incorporate sustainability into the design process. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or just save money, below are four strategies green home builders can utilize to improve sustainability.
1. Installing Solar Panels
Most homes in America are dependent on fossil fuels for their electricity. However, solar panels offer a much more sustainable energy source since they allow you to harness the power of the sun to power your entire home. They do this by allowing you to produce your own energy and not be dependent on any power company.
When you work with custom home builders, it’s easy to include solar panels in your home design from the beginning, rather than having to retrofit your home for them later down the line. All you have to do is tell your builder you want solar panels included, and it can usually be done.
2. Sourcing Sustainable Materials
From the insulation and roofing to the paint and cabinets to everything in between, there are a lot of materials to consider when building a home. Good green home builders take the time to source sustainable materials for every part of a custom-built home.
In addition to being sustainable, using reclaimed or recycled materials is a good way to add some variety to a space. For example, countertops or flooring made from reclaimed wood can create a unique, natural feeling in a room. Of course, not everything has to be made from recycled materials, but it should all come from a reliable, sustainable source.
3. Utilizing Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows help homeowners save energy and money all year long. They keep heat trapped inside during the winter and block the outdoor heat from coming in during the summer. When they are coupled with careful design to let in as much natural light as possible, energy-efficient windows can save you even more money.
4. Pursuing Green Certifications
Many home builders are going after green certifications to prove that their homes meet strict building guidelines. Widely accepted green certifications include:
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification
- The Living Building Challenge certification
- Passive House certification
- NAHB Green Building Standard certification
Local contractors who can build homes that meet any of these certifications should be shortlisted if you’re an environmentally conscious homebuyer.
Partner with Green Home Builders Near You
If you are serious about prioritizing sustainability, it’s a good idea to partner with local custom home builders that specialize in environmental design and sustainability. Research green builders in your area and look for one that seems knowledgeable and trustworthy.
Working closely with a professional allows you to get all the things that are most important to you in your home while maximizing sustainability throughout. Whether you’ve always dreamed of having a large island in your kitchen or a walk-in closet big enough for the queen, a custom home builder can make it happen.
