(NC)—Homebuilders can't go wrong by choosing environmentally responsible materials. With such a choice: carbon footprints are reduced; sustainability is addressed; a healthier indoor environment is assured; lifestyle costs are reduced; the upgraded quality is certain —and when it all adds up over the long run, a very promising return-on-investment is virtually guaranteed.
Indeed, a well-planned, high performance home costs less to operate immediately and its resale value increases steadily over time. 'Green' components include energy-efficient heating, lighting, cooling and water systems, as well as the reduction of wood use where possible. If you're building this year, here's a builder's Top Tips on how to start:
1. Location: Build your home near public transportation, with options to walk or cycle.
2. Walls and Windows: Build with concrete in your next home. An award-winning system by the all-Canadian company, Nudura, builds the walls to the roof with a form that has two layers of polystyrene and is then steel reinforced and filled with concrete. This cuts construction time significantly, creates less waste material, and virtually eliminates mould, mildew and other toxic emissions produced by buildings structured with traditional building methods such as wood. Homeowners save money with durability and energy efficiency – and the resulting structure (www.nudura.com) is reported to be up to nine times stronger, with far more fire protection, far more sound insulation, and with a potential to reduce energy costs of up to 70 percent. Other green materials should include low- and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants, plus high-performance windows, and roofing material that does not absorb heat.
3. Renewable Energy Supply: Day lighting, passive solar heating, and natural cooling are cost-efficient options in most buildings. Also consider solar water heating, or design it for future solar installations.
4. Minimize Waste: The best green homes use salvaged materials, or those with a recycled content.
5. Responsible Landscaping: Design your gardens for low use of water and pesticides. Plant drought-resistant native plants, perennial groundcovers, plus flowers and shady canopy trees.
6. Recycling Efficiency: Make the storage and processing of recyclables easy and convenient.
7. Graywater Use: Water from sinks, showers, or washing machines can be recycled for irrigation. If the municipal code in your town prevents gray water recycling, install plumbing for adaptation later.
8. Think Adaptability: Make the structure adaptable to other uses, and choose materials and components that can be reused or recycled.
9. Think Durability: Environmental impact is minimized if the building is durable and useable over the longest period possible.
- News Canada