Sustainable Technology and Its Advantages in Residential Construction

Homebuyers and construction professionals have begun to embrace more concepts of sustainability and responsibility when building new homes. Thanks to the growing affordability and access to eco-friendly materials and more intelligent technology, going green has never been easier. The following information explores sustainable building technology and its advantages in residential construction.

What Exactly Is Sustainability in Home Building?

Statistics estimate that 35–40 percent of carbon monoxide emissions are attributable to the construction industry as a whole. These numbers are why the concept of sustainable building has come to the forefront in consumers' and contractors' minds. Eco-friendly home building aims to minimize the waste and energy expended during construction and put forth the greatest efforts possible to utilize biodegradable and renewable products.

Another aspect of creating a sustainable home is establishing a green home environment. Here are some concepts that builders are employing today to help ensure the least damage possible is suffered by both the planet and the home's occupants.

Using Biodegradable Materials in Home Construction

Biodegradable materials are classified in three ways: those crafted from recyclables, those that can be recycled post-use, and those that do not harm the environment during their creation. Some affordable ways to incorporate their use in construction and remodeling are to consider:

• No or low-VOC carpeting and paints
• Using green insulation
• Eco-friendly flooring and countertops

Inquire with potential builders about their experience and propensity to use such products during the building process. According to Antonia Ko, from the no-waste-living blog EscapeWaste.com, a property incorporating the zero-waste principles can benefit from a large jump in property value.

Install Smart Appliances

Smart appliances tend to ultimately use less energy, run more efficiently, and offer homeowners a tremendous level of control over their systems remotely. Smart devices such as ovens, refrigerators, heating and cooling systems, laundry machines, and much more can be operated via a central hub in the home that connects to the owner's smart device of choice.

Curb Cooling Costs with Cool Roofing Technology

The most recent home roofing innovation involves using a particular type of material that deflects sunlight and repels heat. This process is the realm of cool roofing, a technology that can lower cooling costs by as much as 50 percent, say the experts at the Department of Energy. The materials used for cool roofing installations are recyclable upon replacement, boosting their sustainability value.

Keep Warmth Indoors with Green Insulation

Green insulation is far more sustainable than traditional fiberglass options. By choosing blow-in methods that employ recycled materials such as denim or cellulose, buyers help minimize their impact on the environment. Furthermore, these materials can be recycled again, reducing space taken in landfills.

Maximize on Mother Nature: Go Solar

Active and passive solar power are some of the best ways to reduce energy expenses and impact the environment. In passive solar power installations, unique windows are placed on southward walls to capture the sun's heat. Often, these systems are supplemented with PV panels to employ a combination of both passive and active methods.

Active solar utilizes photovoltaic panels, tape, or other methods located outside the home (typically the roof or ground). Active solar installations can pay owners back if the system captures extra power, which can then be resold to energy providers for cash or credit. Be sure to consider buying vs. leasing your solar.

Considering Building an Earth-Conscious Home?

These upgrades are a great place to start the home construction or remodeling journey, as they can easily be implemented into a new construction project when you work with a builder familiar with sustainable practices from start to finish. Consider the advantages of smaller homes to minimize the impact on both the environment and your wallet.