Green home designs make use of materials that are considered environmentally friendly. Just because you use wind or solar power for your home does not necessarily mean that your home is already green.
A green home energy-saving design is essential so that the home can be as efficient as possible when it comes to energy consumption.
The goal of having a green home is to save energy, no matter where that energy comes from.
Although living off the grid is the ultimate goal of this kind of home, using building materials, furniture, and even home accessories that are environmentally friendly is the perfect initiative to building a true energy efficient home.
Usually, this home is designed and built using materials that are long-lasting, as well as materials that are sustainable or renewable. Using materials that can ultimately be recycled is the focal point of any green home design.
Aside from recyclable materials, it is also essential that the materials being used are non-toxic.
In addition, designers and architects very rarely use materials that are brand new. Building materials such as bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus are among the most common materials being used in homes nowadays because they are environmentally friendly, highly sustainable, and long-lasting.
Bamboo, for example, is quite popular nowadays for home flooring because it is highly durable; and the fact that bamboo is a kind of grass makes it highly sustainable since it can be cultivated virtually anywhere.
In today’s market, there are virtually unlimited options when it comes to green flooring for homes. Such green home floorings can either be painted, sand down, or refinished using materials that contain low volatile organic compounds (also known as VOC).
The finishes and glue that are used to install flooring in traditional homes may contain formaldehyde. In green homes, however, it is essential to avoid using materials that are toxic or have high volatile organic compounds as these materials do contribute to the damage being done to the earth’s atmosphere.
The main objective is to minimize or completely eliminate the home’s carbon footprint. This can be achieved by using finishes, adhesives, sealants, polishes, and cleaners that have very little or no volatile organic compounds.
Almost every area of any home can benefit from a green design; not just the materials, furniture, or home accessories. The structure or position of the home itself can be made more efficient.
For instance, adding more windows to your home will allow natural light to enter during the day, essentially eliminating the need for any artificial light. This alone can help you save a lot of energy.
Proper insulation using materials that are environmentally friendly, of course, can minimize the use of air conditioners in the summer and space heaters during winter.
These seemingly simple techniques can go a long way when it comes to constructing a green home energy-saving design. Skylights are also a great addition to a green home since they enhance the lighting, thereby making the home more energy-efficient.