Green Homes
In our modern society, we spend about 90% of our time indoors, and most of that is in our homes. A large share of our carbon footprint comes from our homes: the electricity, gas and water we use as well as the embodied energy of the materials that make up the structure itself. Our homes directly impact the environment through deforestation and habitat loss, and can negatively impact our own health through hazardous materials used in construction, systems operations, and maintenance. Fortunately, there are many steps we can take to minimize these impacts and ensure that our homes are as healthful as possible for ourselves and our environment.
Most of us don’t have the luxury of planning and building our own homes, but for those that do there is a wonderful resource in the USGBC’s LEED certification program. Utilizing this program, the owners and their project team can ensure that their new house protects and preserves the environment as well as their own overall health.
For the vast majority of people, homes are bought after they are built and as such, owners do not have control over design and construction. A renovation project is likely their first opportunity to make green choices in these areas. Using reclaimed, recycled, locally sourced, non-toxic and low embodied energy materials are just a few things to consider. If you are planning a renovation project, please click here to learn more about green materials and design.
Green options are not just applicable to construction and renovation projects. Normal maintenance, wear and tear, and even cleaning offer opportunities to substitute greener alternatives in the home. High efficiency appliances, smart technology thermostats and lighting, low volume plumbing fixtures, and environmentally safe cleaning products are just a few of the ways we can green our homes. For more information on everyday green options click here.
The path to a greener home is not limited to the indoors. From the tops of our roofs to the edges of our property lines and the ground below, green choices abound. Solar panels, green roofs, geothermic heating and cooling, rain barrels, bioswales, and xeriscaping are just a few of the myriad ways we can create healthier and more sustainable homes. Click here to learn more about greening your exterior.
