subject: Sustainable Housing Can Have A Positive Impact On The Environment [print this page] Today, you cannot turn on the television or read an article without hearing the term being green. People have finally realized that the choices they make today, can have a great impact on tomorrow. One way to make that impact more positive is to build Sustainable Housing.
Material choices, location, and interior considerations can all influence how environmentally friendly our home will be. A sustainable home looks to the future and tries to incorporate ways to save energy and resources.
Being sustainable means that the home is environmentally responsible. Building materials as well as careful planning can make the home more sustainable. It can still be durable and provide comfort for the home dweller.
Using natural materials is a big plus when striving for environmental responsibility. Renewable materials like bamboo, which is fast growing, should be used when possible. Lumber should be purchased from providers who maintain a sustained forest. Locally purchased products can save energy and money on transportation costs. Using recycled materials like hardware and brick from torn down buildings is a good way to conserve resources and add some charm to the home.
A house that is sustainable not only takes building materials into account, but also the overall design of the house. Getting as much natural light by careful placement of windows can save money and energy. Utilizing shade from trees to cut down on summer cooling costs is also a smart consideration.
Insulation should be a priority, not only for the walls, but also the windows and exterior doors. This will reduce the amount of energy needed to cool or heat the home. Appliances with high energy ratings should be used in the kitchen. Toilets that need less water to flush, and shower heads that have a low flow are also good water and money savers. Installing a bidet in the toilet can save water and toilet paper waste.
The old standby of using solar panels and collecting rainwater are always good ways to conserve and save. Any technique, no matter how small can have the potential for overall savings.
Although at the present time, it is not possible to live in a completely sustainable housing, we can use available resources and techniques to preserve our natural resources for future generations.
