A home builder could make their home more sustainable and environmentally friendly, it helps reduce the energy bills, improve the comfort of living, and protect our planet.
Building a environmentally friendly house involves the following factors, which we could consider over new build as well as renovations.
Energy-efficient design
double, triple glazing windows.
concrete floors with in-slab heating.
comprehensive insulation throughout the house.
solar panels, heat pumps.
dark masonry.
orientation for natural lights and sun.
thermal mass.
ventilation.
spatial zoning.
shading and trees.
Recycled and sustainable building materials
pre-used materials.
locally sourced building materials.
sustainable materials like low-VOC paints and finishes.
recycle beams for sub-floor or feature walls.
use local material instead of remote and imported ones to reduce transportation.
Wastewater treatment and reuse
grey water for gardening, toilet flushing, etc.
Smart lighting
timing, sensor lights.
low wattage, LED preferable.
Passive solar design
rely on building material to reflect, absorb and transmit sun's radiation.
reduce the use of fan and aircon.
install cool roof to reflects the sun instead of absorbing it into your home.
High-performing windows
double, triple glazing widows and glass doors.
windows can facilitate ventilation and U-values.
Energy-efficient appliances
check energy ratings, the higher the better.
Drip irrigation system
piping via timer.
Smaller houses
smaller houses are far more energy efficient.
taller buildings are more efficient than wider ones.
for the same sizes, double storey house is more energy friendly.
Efficient waste management
reduce construction wastage to a minimum.
reuse and recycle materials.