Guest Blogger: How to Plan & Build a Greener Home

 Guest Blog #132, Entry #601, July 28, 2011

In today’s homes the quest to build a more sustainable home is on the minds of most homeowners. Whether it means using eco-conscious building materials, to being cognizant of local geographic conditions and adapting your number of window openings and the position of your home, all these factors play a role.

Plan a greener home from the start of design

Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips for building and planning a greener home.  After all, if you can build greener from the beginning as opposed to adapting it afterward, you and the Earth will reap the rewards.

______________________

A big part of a country’s total carbon emission comes from the home. So it makes sense that one of the best ways to curb the growing emissions problem is to build better homes, more energy efficient ones to be exact. And with the advancement in technology and creative designs available right now, the idea of a green home is very much plausible.

Some cities are requiring new houses to have a minimum number of energy efficient stars and promote the long term benefits in terms of money saving and lesser carbon footprints for the residents. Living in an eco-friendly house should be the norm as it is not only economical but helps maintain the environment in good condition for the future generation.

So if you are keen on building a house soon, consider the following and let your builder know that you want your house to be green as it can be.

Save water by installing rain tanks, and dual flush toilets

Water

You have heard a lot about how important it is to save water but you can do more than just turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. Consider water recycling. You can opt to install rain tanks at your backyard to catch water from the roof and use it for toilets and watering your plants. This smart idea not only provides you gallons of rainwater to dispose wisely but also maintains the condition of your gutters as overflowing is prevented. Also, many suburbs are now offering recycled water so ask around so you can take advantage of this water re-using facility.

Also make sure you choose dual flush toilets so you can choose to use lesser water and only more when necessary.

Energy

Invest on proper insulation for your house to keep the right temperature inside, avoiding the need to use the cooler or heater too much. Use natural or polyester batts and make sure to weather seal all opening including doors and windows.

Install solar energy panels for the hot water system to save energy. Install skylights in dark areas in the house to lessen the need for lights in the day. Do your research and choose energy efficient wit 5 star rating appliances including central air conditioning. Find one that you can set the temperature in.

Solar panels can help your home save energy

Recycled Materials

You can also shop around for recycled timber and other building materials that you may use to decorate your home and your garden. Spend a day or two doing the rounds at your local retailer or recycling facilities or op shops, as you may find yourself a bargain. Many people are also giving used windows and doors a second life with a few hours of work and fresh coat of paint.

When choosing paint for your decor, opt for low emission varieties

Of course, check that the paint used is low emission. These “old” materials will definitely add more character to your house and give you a sense of pride that you are doing good for the planet. Besides, they make great conversation pieces and may inspire your family and friends to start being more aware and conscious of the environment and be more green themselves.

Jessy is a stay at home mompreneur and creative blogger for for Dobovo, the free utility to find Kiev apartments and plan a business trip to Europe

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.