The construction industry is one of the leading generators of waste and harmful CO2 emissions. For decades now, the industry has been working toward reducing waste and CO2 emissions by working toward greener, healthier building standards.
Whether or not you’re a die-hard environmentalist, adding green features to your custom home build is a great way to get a unique home while reducing your home’s environmental impact. There are a number of benefits when it comes to adding green practices to your custom home build.
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Better Quality of Life
Improved health is one of the top benefits of green building. The air quality, lighting, and temperature of the places where we spend the most time has a large impact on our health and quality of life.
Green building features and materials like energy-efficient lighting, thermal conditions, ergonomics, and air purification systems result in significant improvements in occupants’ health, stress levels, anad overall quality of life.
Reduced Operational Costs
Despite the large bottom line at the end of your initial build, you’ll reap the benefits of those extra dollars spent over the lifetime of the home. Green building practices focus on energy efficiency and using minimal resources to produce the same quality of life for occupants.
Energy-efficient lighting produces the same brightness while using less overall energy. Such fixtures also have a longer lifespan, negating the need for constant replacement and thus waste. Low-flow water fixtures and Energy Star-rated appliances use less water and energy without compromising performance when compared to non-energy or water-efficient products.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
The materials and methods used in the design and building of a green custom home reduce the carbon footprint your home leaves on the environment. According to the EPA, the construction industry accounts for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
Using renewable resources and sustainable building materials lessens your home’s impact on the environment vs. homes built by traditional means and using fossil fuels and other toxins to sustain the operation of the home.
Additionally, green building materials and methods reduce waste during the construction process, meaning less negative impact on the environment from groundbreaking to the welcome home turn of the key.
Durability
Green homes aren’t just about the materials or methods used in the building process. Homes that use durable, long-lasting materials do their part to be ‘green’ by reducing the next to replace materials frequently.
Reduced Costs Over Time
Homeowners looking to add green building methods or materials to their custom home may suffer a little sticker shock. Energy efficient electronics, low-flow water fixtures, and sustainable building materials all cost more up front than their traditional counterparts.
As mentioned with reduced operational costs, the dividends will pay off well into the future. Long-lasting, durable products require less replacement due to wear and tear or malfunction. Because these items last longer and use less energy, you’ll see the savings trickle down in the form of lower utility bills and a less frequent need for costly replacements.
Increased Home Value
When you first set out on your journey to build a custom home, you’re not thinking about selling. You envision yourself in the home for years to come, possibly making it your forever home and including elements for aging in place.
One big benefit to keep in mind from the planning stages is resale value. The green building materials and methods you use in your custom home are some of the hottest items on the top of potential homebuyers’ wish lists. When you are ready to sell, details like low-flow water fixtures, Energy Star appliances, and other green features can make the difference between a buyer putting a bid on your home rather than the home down the street.
Increased value isn’t just in the eyes of a potential buyer. Such items add overall value to the home. In fact, homes with green features can demand at least 2%-8% more than homes without.
Items to Add to Your Green Home Build
Now that you know some of the benefits to building a green custom home, the staff of Acipe Design can help you choose the design and practices that will help you create the green home of your dreams. There is a long list of green building materials to include, and these are just some of them.
Passive Solar Design
We can help you design a home to effectively use solar power, including strategically placed windows, thermal mass materials to optimize natural temperature changes, and even home placement and orientation.
LED Lighting
LED lighting has been in use now for decades. It’s energy efficiency and low operating cost has made it a preferred choice for lighting systems from table and floor lamps to overhead and wall lighting fixtures.
Recycled and Locally Sourced Materials
Make use of materials like reclaimed and recycled materials, fast-growing woods like bamboo, and locally sourced materials (less energy to transport).
Low-VOC Paints & Finishes
Improve indoor air quality and reduce harmful emissions automatically by a choosing a paint or finish with low volatile organic compounds, or VOC content. These paints come in a variety of finishes, colors, and shades.
Durable Roofing Materials
When building your custom home, the roof may not be the first thing you think about. When building a green custom home, the roof works as a tool in the same way any other fixture or appliance inside the home does. Metal or cool roofs reflect sunlight – an easy way to reduce heat absorption inside the home and lower energy costs.
Water Efficient Fixtures
Conserving natural resources, like water, is a big part of the green building movement. Choosing low-flow, water-efficient toilets, faucets, and shower heads is a small step that makes a big difference, without compromising on performance.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Before you design the perfect rainwater harvesting system for your home and property, check local laws and ordinances. Some areas have rules and regulations dictating how, or even if, you can have such a system.
Once confirmed, installing a system for irrigation or other uses reduces the need for water provided by municipal or other sources – and the bottom line on your water bill.
Drought-Resistant Landscaping
While non-native plants may seem like a beautiful addition to your home’s landscape design, choosing native plants and plants with low water needs helps reduce water consumption, maintain curb appeal, and ensure your home doesn’t consume the valuable natural resource in times of drought.
Solar Panels
Solar panels have long been known as a way to cut down on energy consumption, and possibly have the power company be paying you. Seeing a credit on your power bill is a wonderful feeling, as is knowing you’ve reduced your dependency on the grid and its environmental impact.
Additionally, advancements in technology for solar panel systems have turned them from the giant ugly panels of yesteryear to something more sleek, less bulky, and less noticeable.
Geothermal Heating & Cooling
Every time you turn the air conditioning or heat on, or change the temperature, your HVAC system uses energy. Reduce the need to artificially heat or cool your home by harnessing the natural temperatures of the earth below to regulate your indoor climate with top-notch efficiency.
Wind Energy
Wind energy has been rising in popularity for powering homes, commercial, and industrial builldings. Installing small wind turbines is another way to harness renewable, clean energy to power your home.
Final Thoughts
At Acipe Design, we want to help you design and build the custom home of your dreams. We can help you choose and implement the right green design materials and methods to meet your goals of a beautiful, comfortable home that does its part to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Contact us today!