What Is Sustainable Home Building?

Technology for green home building aims to minimize energy usage and waste during the construction process. Statistics claim that up to 40 percent of CO2 emissions today can be attributed to construction projects.

For this reason, it's become increasingly essential for both buyers and builders to make every effort to use renewable and biodegradable products and installation practices. Another goal in sustainable home construction is using interior and exterior applications that support a green home environment and minimize planetary impact—an approach that aligns closely with green real estate principles in Austin, where sustainable design and energy efficiency are shaping buyer expectations.

Install Energy-Efficient Appliances and Home Systems

Just about any home appliance has an energy-efficient option, such as installations given the Energy Star seal. Smart appliances can be operated remotely, offering greater convenience and utility savings. Popular choices are ovens, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration units, and washing and drying machines, which also provide a solid ROI.

Cool Roofing Technology Boosts Comfort Levels and Curbs Bills

According to the Department of Energy, most traditional roofing materials allow up to 50 percent of heating and cooling to escape—an issue that a cool roof installation can curb. These roofs employ the use of a specialized material that helps repel heat via sunlight deflection.

Cool roofs also help keep heat inside, allowing homeowners to lower utility use and expenses all year long. As an additional bonus, the materials for cool roofs are recyclable after their lifespan, so they don't take up space in landfills.

Some Often Overlooked Biodegradable Materials in Construction

It's advisable to ask builders about their sense of ecological responsibility via the use of biodegradable materials whenever possible. Such materials are typically created with recyclables, have a minimal environmental impact, and can be recycled after their useful lifespan.

Some key areas of the home that are fairly simple to go green within include low-VOC or no-VOC paint, stain, and carpeting, and countertops and flooring made of eco-friendly materials. These installations are often an afterthought but are some of the most affordable ways to increase sustainability in construction efforts.

Let Mother Nature Power the Home

While solar in homes has grown increasingly popular and more affordable over the past few years, many don't realize just how much they can save—or even profit—by transitioning to solar power. With a fresh build, homes and their windows can be strategically placed to take advantage of passive warmth from sunlight. These systems are often supplemented with a form of active outdoor solar panels.

Active solar installations are most commonly panels situated on the roof or ground level. However, more innovative and less imposing options such as rooftop photovoltaic tape can be employed as well. In addition to many states offering tax rebates for installing solar, those with larger systems may have excess energy their utility provider may buy to reuse on the main grid.

Ready to Own a Green Home?

Earth-friendly construction is more important than ever. Talk to a professional builder today and save more money during homeownership.