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Build Sustainable Homes That Are Energy Efficient – Architecture

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Sustainable homes are a concept that has caught on in recent years. These homes are those that are constructed with inputs that have Earth-friendly elements to them. For instance, instead of burning fossil fuels to provide heat for the home, solar and wind power can be used to do the same job instead. Solid structures, including homes, are made out of materials that are sustainable as they come from natural sources like wood or other organic materials like coconut, bamboo or other green and renewable resources. The concept is that these materials are cheaper than alternative sources of construction materials and that they are environmentally responsible.

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Eco-Friendly House Design with Solar Panels & Green Roof | AI Art Generator | Easy-Peasy.AI

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Explore an environmentally conscious house with solar panels, large windows, green roof, and rainwater harvesting system. Generated by AI.

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A sustainable house is a home that has the least possible negative impact on our environment. This means energy efficiency, avoiding environmental toxins, and using materials and resources in a responsible manner while having a positive physical and psychological impact on its inhabitants.

What we build matters, and so does how we build it. Building with sustainability in mind should be standard for a twenty first century home. In this article we will outline 21 tips for a sustainable house design. Building sustainable homes not only saves you money in the long run, but also reduces your impact on the environment. Now, let's go over some ideas on how to build a sustainable house!

21 Ideas For Building a Sustainable Home:

Location For A Sustainable Home Design

Choosing a location is the first step in building a sustainable house. When possible, consider the following issues.

Transportation: Building a home within walking distance of public transportation is going to reduce your impact on our environment. Living in New York City makes this very easy for me, but it may not always be an option for you.

Infrastructure: The availability of utilities and infrastructure will vary. If you can use existing infrastructure, you are off to a good start in reducing your impact on the environment.

Sensitive or Hazardous Sites: Try to avoid hazardous areas like flood zones. If you build in a hazardous site, make sure the home is designed to withstand the hazard. You know what isn't green? Building your house twice. To learn more about building in high risk areas, check out another post we wrote on Flood Proof House Design Ideas.

Size; Smaller Houses Are More Efficient

Not everyone interested in sustainable house design is going to go down this route, but smaller houses are far more efficient. Building a smaller house is going to reduce your material use and energy needs. A larger house will obviously use more materials and require more energy for heating and cooling. Think about your needs and try not to go overboard with the size of your house. Smaller houses are inherently more efficient and less wasteful.

Orientation Of Your House For Natural Light And Heat

Orientation is important for sustainable homes. If you live in a cold climate in the Northern Hemisphere, you can take advantage of the sun by having more windows facing south. If you build a long wall with windows facing south, you maximize direct sunlight in the winter. This will help heat your home, as well as bring in natural light. You do not want too many windows facing west, as this will give lots of glare and provide heat in the summer. If you do have windows facing west, you can plant a large tree to block some of that uncomfortable sunlight.

You can plant a deciduous tree in front of your south facing windows for more energy saving. Deciduous means the tree loses its leaves in winter. The tree will block sunlight in the summer, but lose its leaves and allow the sunlight in during the winter. This will help reduce your heating usage. Another trick is sun shades or a roof overhang. The sun is higher in the summer than in the winter, so a roof overhang can block the sun in the summer. In the winter, the sun will be at a lower angle and not be blocked by the overhang. These types of passive design features can make a big difference in sustainability at low costs.

Layout Affects Energy Use In A Home

Did you know that igloos are very energy efficient house designs? An igloo is built in a cold climate with a shape that minimizes surface area. The reduced surface area reduces interior heat loss.

Building a house that is very wide and spread out is going to have more heat loss and less efficiency than a house that is compact. Building taller can be more efficient than building wider. A cube or a sphere are very efficient shapes. There will always be trade offs in sustainable house design. However, you don't have to actually make your home resemble an igloo (unless you want to)! The idea here is that a compact design is better than a spread out one. A compact two story house will tend to be more efficient than a one story spread out house. For example, if you want to build a 2,000 square foot house, building two stories with 1,000 sq ft per story is most likely going to be more efficient than building one story of 2,000 sq ft.

Use Local Materials for a Sustainable House

Using local materials in your new sustainable house will reduce the need for shipping. It's more green to buy wood that is locally milled than to order it from across the country. This is a tough one, though, because you may not have as many options based on your location. The availability of materials will vary depending on where you choose to build your house.

If there is a local stone quarry, why not use their stone for your patio? See what locally made materials and products you have available. If you live in Pennsylvania, I recommend getting local kitchen cabinets rather than importing designer European cabinets. It is significantly greener, and you might even find better quality products from local small businesses.

Recycled Materials For Sustainable House Construction

Recycling is very important. This will have to be balanced with availability. Depending where you are, the materials that are easily available will vary. There are all sorts of materials that are recycled, reclaimed, and reused. Here is a list of some materials made of recycled products that you may choose when building your sustainable house:

Countertops made from Recycled Glass

Steel made from recycled metals.

Reclaimed Wood. This can be beautiful! When a contractor demolishes a building or does a renovation, they can often reuse the old wood products they salvage for other projects. There are lumber yards that specialize in purchasing and selling reclaimed wood.

Reclaimed Bricks and other masonry. Bricks, stones, and pavers can also be reclaimed and reused.

Reuse soils from the excavation for new landscaping.

Roof shingles can have recycled content.

Plastic Products with recycled content.

Drywall materials that were recycled.

Just about any product in your new home could come from recycled materials.

You can also reduce job site waste by making sure the contractor recycles the waste materials during construction.

Insulation Is Essential for Sustainable Homes

Insulation is a big one. Check out another article we wrote on spray insulation for new homes. First things first: vocabulary. R value is a term we use to rate the insulation value of a material. R value = Resistance the higher the R value the more insulation. You want to make sure that your home has a sufficient R value for your climate. There are lots of different insulation types and techniques. When we design a house we make sure to review all the options with our clients. I find it is helpful to outline the importance of insulation and the different options available.

The most important thing is to insulate your home to keep the hot air out during the summer and keep the warm air in during the winter. New Home Insulation is really important. If your area has energy codes, you need to make sure to meet at least the minimum standards for insulation. At our firm we typically surpass the code insulation standards when building a green or sustainable home. Good insulation is one of the most important energy efficient house ideas to implement. Heating and air conditioning is the largest percentage of energy use and your energy bill. The better insulation you have, the less energy you will use.

Air Sealing for Energy Efficient Home Design

Air sealing, also known as draft stopping, goes with insulation. This is one of the lesser known energy efficient home design ideas, and one that people often forget about. Air sealing prevents air from leaking through your house. You want to make sure your house isn't leaking conditioned air. What is the point of all that insulation if cold air is blowing through cracks and crevices in your walls?

There needs to be sealing at all the openings and penetrations through your roofs and walls. This includes windows, doors, vents, electrical conduit, and any other holes and penetrations. These all need sufficient sealing through caulking or other methods. We often recommend closed cell spray foam insulation. It not only insulates but also expands to seal up openings, small holes, and cracks in the construction. This is one aspect that relies heavily on quality construction. Using good construction contractors is essential for building sustainable homes.

You can test a house's air sealing with a blower door test. This is an air pressure test that determines if your house is leaking air and at what rate.

Window and Door Selection For Energy Reduction

You have to use efficient windows and doors. They need to have proper weather stripping to keep out the elements. They need to close tight so as to seal the opening. The type of glass and material insulation value are also very important. Windows and doors are expensive, but you want to make sure they are not going to cost you more in the long run through inefficiency. Windows and doors are also a weak point for air leakage. Make sure you have proper air sealing around these areas. You don't want to buy good windows and install them with poor quality.

Double pane windows are a minimum standard as far as I am concerned, but triple pane is better.

Sustainable House Materials

We want to use materials that avoid Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC s. Examples include using low VOC paint or glues in the construction of your new home.

Use materials that can be recycled later or have already been recycled. Using local materials is a good start to sustainability. There are lots of sustainable materials in nature, for example wood, that are renewable and certified. You should also make sure that the materials you choose are durable! It is not sustainable to replace materials every few years.

Energy Star Appliances & Equipment

Using energy efficient appliances and equipment is the easiest of these energy efficient home ideas to achieve. As a minimum requirement, use Energy Star rated appliances. I am writing this article on an Energy Star rated computer monitor. Did you know you can get an Energy Star TV? Your kitchen appliances can use a good amount of energy, so look out for those Energy Star labels. Your heating, AC units, and water heaters should all be Energy Star rated.

LED Lighting For Energy Efficient Home Design

LED lights are becoming more and more common as an energy efficient home design feature. In our projects they are standard. All of our clients want LED lights. They are going to reduce your energy cost (they use less power) and you will not need to change the bulbs for many years. They might be a little more costly upfront, but think of the savings on electricity and less frequent changing of the bulbs! Energy efficient lighting is an easy addition to a sustainable house.

By the way, LED stands for Light Emitting Diode: these are the best option for energy efficient lighting and energy efficient house designs.

Water Conserving Plumbing Fixtures

Toilets and other plumbing fixtures are not the same as they used to be. They make dual flush toilets where you can choose a lower or higher flush rate as needed. All your plumbing fixtures can have reduced or Low-flow water usage, including faucets and shower heads. These fixtures are becoming very popular. You will have no trouble finding plumbing fixtures that use water at lower flow rates. There is no need to be wasteful.

Efficient HVAC Design for a Sustainable House

HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning.

Your Heat and AC will typically be the largest source of energy consumption in your home. You will want to use an efficient and well-designed system. HVAC is a huge portion of your energy consumption and, therefore, product and system selection is critical for energy efficient home design. Here are a few options that can help:

Smart Thermostat: One of easiest Sustainable Home tips to implement is using smart thermostats. A smart thermostat can reduce your energy consumption by learning your patterns and optimizing around your comfort level.

Zones: I am a big fan of zones. Did you ever live with someone who likes it hot when you want it cooler? If you break the house into zones, you can set independent temperatures by room. Also, you do not need to run the HVAC in rooms that are not often used, like the basement or laundry room.

Efficient Equipment: However you design the system, make sure the equipment is energy efficient and properly installed.

Mini-split units: Mini split heating and air conditioning units are incredibly popular right now because of their efficiency and ability to control a home in separate zones. These systems have a condenser outside the house and at least 1 unit in each room inside the house. To learn more about ductless mini splits and their energy saving advantages, look at the Department Of Energy mini splits energy saving information.

Check out another post we have explaining What Ductless Mini Splits are.

Recycle Your Energy With An ERV

Did you know you can recycle your energy?

Install an ERV or Energy Recovery Ventilator. If you have exhaust fans and ducts in your home, for example in your bathroom, the ERV can use the heat from the exhaust to preheat or precool the air being brought into your home. Preheat the air in the winter or precool the air in the summer with an ERV to reduce energy usage on your HVAC. Don't worry: it doesn't actually mix the exhaust air with the new air! It just uses the heat from the exhaust.

Rain Water Collection

Why let all that rain water go to waste? Install roof gutters and downspouts that direct the water to a tank for reuse. This water can be used to flush your toilets or water the garden. Rain water (depending on your area) can even be used for drinking if you filter and purify it. The most typical use of rainwater collection is for gardening / irrigation. You can use a concrete underground detention tank to store the water with a pump to circulate the water. Sustainable homes need a smart manner of dealing with water.

Renewable Energy for Sustainable Homes

Renewable energy is a hot topic these days for sustainability. Power source is very important when designing a sustainable house. Here are a couple options.

Photovoltaic Panels: Install Photovoltaic or Solar Panels to generate energy from the Sun. These store power in batteries so you can have electricity at night as well. Large trees blocking the sun may cause a problem for solar panels. The orientation of the house is also important. Make sure a professional determines if your location makes sense. In certain areas surplus energy can be sold back to your local energy source.

Windmills: Consider installing a small windmill if appropriate. See if your local energy source has wind power or other renewables available.

Geothermal Heat: Although the ground can be frozen in the winter, the soil deep below is warm. Use the Earth's heat to heat your home!

Solar Hot Water or Tankless Hot Water

Solar hot water is a system for heating water using the Sun. It can be installed on your roof and can heat your water. There are two basic types of solar water heating. Active system uses pumps, and passive system does not. This will reduce your energy expense and is a great feature for energy efficient house designs.

If you opt out of solar hot water, another option is to use tankless water heaters or instant hot water. These use less energy and they heat up instantly, so you do not need to let the water run until it gets hot when you get in the shower.

Intelligent Planting for a Sustainable House

This is my biggest pet peeve. People plant vegetation that does not belong in their climate or land type, which then require lots of water and maintenance. Don't do that! Green living requires planting the right types of plants in the right locations. Sustainable homes need sustainable landscapes and planting. You want to minimize maintenance and use of water.

Smart Planting: Use plant species that are native to your area or that are known to thrive in your climate. Make sure these plants can survive with minimal maintenance and watering.

Vegetable Garden: Try planting a vegetable garden. Growing your own organic food is very sustainable and can be a fun hobby. Make sure to plant fruits and vegetables that will thrive in your location. Use the rain water you collect from your roof drainage to water your garden.

Build To Last For Sustainable Homes

Build To Last! I can not emphasize this enough. If you want to build a sustainable house, you need to build it to last. Durability is essential for sustainable homes. If your house constantly needs repairs, that is not sustainable. If your roof needs to be redone every 6 years, that is not sustainable. Build your home to last! The craftsmanship should be such that it will survive time and hardship. Build with materials that require little maintenance. Build with intelligence. If you are in an area prone to hurricanes and you build a deck with recycled wood, it is not sustainable if the deck gets torn down in a hurricane. I am not saying not to build the deck, but build it with proper hurricane ties and strapping and use wood that can handle the elements. We rebuilt several houses in NY after Sandy, but we built concrete houses so that they could withstand the next one. Build a home suitable to your climate and environmental needs and build it well.

Take care of your home when you are living in it and build your house so it takes care of you. Sustainable house design cannot be achieved without thinking of construction quality and techniques for a long lasting home. Using durable materials and construction techniques is essential.

Build Something You Love

The most sustainable thing one can do in construction is build something you love. Build a home that you will love, build a home that your children will love. When people love their homes, they take care of them and they don't change them. Do not build a new home just to renovate your kitchen in five years. Build a home with which you are happy. Build a home of which you are proud.
It's your home! Build a house that makes you happy.
Don't forget, build a home that has as small an impact on our planet as possible. Build a sustainable house by starting with the right sustainable house design plan. Sustainable homes benefit our environment and their owners.

Bonus Sustainability Tip: Passive House

You should also consider looking into Passive House Design for sustainability and energy efficiency. The diagram below illustrates some basic concepts of Passive House. If you want to learn more, you can see another post we wrote explaining the five key principles of Passive House Design.

Sustainable House

As an architect I study home design and sustainability, but these are extensive topics. In this article we reviewed some basic ideas for building a sustainable house. This post does not assume to cover every possible issue or condition, but rather to provide a general overview of the topic.

Thank You for reading our blog post about Sustainable Home Design Ideas

I hope this article helps you understand a little more about how to build a sustainable home. Please contact us directly if you want to speak with an architect about a specific project.
Contact Fontan Architecture
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21 Sustainable House Design Ideas · Fontan Architecture

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A sustainable house is a home that has the least possible negative impact on our environment. This means energy efficiency, avoiding environmental toxins, and using materials and resources in a responsible manner while having a positive physical and psychological impact on its inhabitants. What we build matters, and so does how we build it.

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Every day we make choices in our lives that affect the environment, the climate and other species. From what we eat to how many children we decide to have, there's a lot we can do to "choose wild" and reduce our environmental footprint to leave more room for wild animals and plants. Our individual actions matter - but we can't do it alone. Share this page to inspire others and check out our action alerts for ways you can advocate for policy change.

1. Think twice before shopping.

2. Ditch plastic and switch to reuse.

3. Take extinction off your plate.

4. Simplify the holidays.

5. Choose organic.

6. Ditch fast fashion and animal-based textiles.

7. Be water wise.

8. Drive less, drive green.

9. Green your home.

10. Boycott products that endanger wildlife.

11. Fight for the right to choose when and if to start a family.

12. Take action. Use your voice.

1. Think twice before shopping.

Every product we purchase has an environmental footprint, from the materials used to create it to the pollution emitted during manufacturing to the packaging that ends up in landfills and incinerators. Even if you can recycle or compost a product at the end of its life, the upstream damage has already been done. So before you buy, ask yourself if you really need it. If you do, consider buying secondhand instead of new, and look for products made from lower-impact materials and with minimal packaging and shipping.

Learn more about the benefits of secondhand shopping.

2. Ditch plastic and switch to reuse.

Plastic never goes away. At least 14 million tons of it ends up in the ocean annually, making up 80% of all marine debris. Every year thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed after ingesting plastic or getting tangled up in it. You can start cutting down on your plastic waste in a few simple steps: Use reusable bags when you shop, ditch single-use water bottles, bags and straws, and avoid products made from or packaged in plastic whenever possible (e.g., select unwrapped produce at the grocery store). Switch from single-use to reusable products every chance you get - every piece of plastic avoided is a win for the planet.

Learn more about plastics pollution in our oceans and the problem with plastic bags.

3. Take extinction off your plate.

Meat production is one of the most environmentally destructive industries on the planet, responsible for massive amounts of water use, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and habitat destruction. So when you choose to eat more plant-based foods and reduce your meat consumption you reduce your environmental footprint. Also, food is the single largest category of material thrown into municipal landfills. In the United States nearly 40% of edible food goes to waste - and all of the land, water and other natural resources that went into producing it go to waste along with it. Prevent food waste with smart, planned shopping and make sure to consume what you purchase.

Learn more about how to adopt an Earth-friendly diet and how to beat food waste.

4. Simplify the holidays.

Holidays, birthdays, weddings and other celebrations are often excessively wasteful. In December, for example, Americans create 23% more waste than in other months of the year. But it's not just the extra trash that's a problem. All the fossil fuels, trees and other natural resources that go into producing gifts, decorations, single-use dinnerware and wrapping paper make our celebrations dreary for wildlife and the habitat they need to survive. But you can redefine your celebrations in ways that respect land, waters and wildlife. Instead of celebrating your next holiday with plastic décor, excessive gifts and single-use food and drink containers, you can decorate with foraged plants, give homemade or secondhand gifts, and serve plant-based meals with reusable dinnerware.

Learn more about how to simplify the holidays and have more fun with less stuff.

5. Choose organic.

From coffee to fruit to clothing, choosing organic products helps reduce your impact on wildlife and the planet. More than 2 billion pounds of pesticides are sold annually in the United States. Pesticides are pervasive in fish and wildlife habitat and threaten the survival and recovery of hundreds of federally listed species. Pesticides also pollute the air, water and soil and contaminate the food we eat. If you garden, avoid pesticides at home by growing organically. Building wildlife habitat in your yard by growing native, pollinator-friendly plants and removing invasive species will attract beneficial insects and help keep unwanted pests away. When you choose organic, you're keeping harmful pesticides out of our land and water, protecting farm workers, vulnerable communities, wildlife and your family.

Learn about how we're fighting to stop the most toxic pesticides.

6. Ditch fast fashion and animal-based textiles.

Fast fashion is an enormous, rapidly growing industry. The number of new garments made per year has nearly doubled over the past 20 years, and our global consumption of fashion has increased by 400%. The fast fashion industry is a significant contributor to the climate crisis, responsible for as much as 10% of global carbon emissions. Animal-based textiles like wool are responsible for water pollution, widespread habitat loss from deforestation, and other harms to wildlife. Slow down your fashion by caring for your clothes, repairing when possible and, when you need new clothes, shop secondhand or join clothing swaps. If you must buy new, look past the greenwashing and purchase clothing made of truly sustainable materials like organic cotton or Tencel from brands that are made to last.

Read about greenwashing of the wool industry and the harms of fast fashion.

7. Be water wise.

Water conservation is critical as our growing population puts increased demand on the nation's water sources and we face unprecedented droughts. You can conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky toilets, and choosing low-flow and low-water appliance options. Consider xeriscaping your yard, a landscaping technique that uses native, drought-adapted plants that require less water and maintenance over time and provide habitat and food for birds and bees. Also, one of the biggest water hogs is animal agriculture, so shifting your diet away from meat and dairy products saves water too.

Learn about safeguarding water for people and wildlife.

8. Drive less, drive green.

Fossil-fueled transportation emissions create greenhouse gases, smog, soot and other harmful air pollution. But changing your driving habits can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Walk, bike, carpool, use public transportation or join ride or bike shares whenever possible. Combine errands to make fewer trips. Participate in, or start, car-free days in your community. Ask your local officials to invest in electric vehicle fleets and charging stations, and if you're in the market for a new car, consider buying electric. It's also important to keep your car in shape with regular tune-ups and tire inflations. Tune-ups can increase your fuel efficiency - a tire that is 20% underinflated can increase a vehicle's fuel consumption by 10%.

Learn more about transportation and global warming.

9. Green your home.

Just as keeping your car in shape improves your fuel efficiency, keeping your home in shape improves your energy efficiency. Make sure your home has adequate insulation and energy-saving windows and use a programmable thermostat for more efficient heating and cooling - and, of course, energy-saving lightbulbs for more efficient lighting. If your state allows you to pick your electricity supplier, use a company that generates at least half of its power from wind, solar and other clean sources. Installing rooftop solar panels or solar water heating also helps the planet and can save you money. Many states now offer incentives to help you green your home or rental at low or no cost. Call your energy provider to see if it offers free energy audits or knows of a company that does.

Learn how to keep cool without the climate cost and weatherize for wildlife.

10. Boycott products that endanger wildlife.

Products made from animals on the endangered species list are illegal to buy, sell, import or trade in the United States, but if a plant or animal hasn't been listed yet, they can still be harmed for someone's profit. Also, some products harm endangered species by threatening their habitat, from cutting down old-growth forests to using up the water that riparian species need to survive. To avoid contributing to the endangerment of wildlife, shop conscientiously and look for products made from sustainable materials like bamboo and dine at restaurants that refuse to serve imperiled species like bluefin tuna.

Join the Bluefin Boycott and learn more about how the world comes together to tackle wildlife trade.

11. Fight for the right to choose when and if to start a family.

With more than 8 billion people in the world our demands for food, water, land and fossil fuels are pushing other species to extinction. Human population growth and consumption are at the root of our most pressing environmental crises, but they're often left out of the conversation. By advancing reproductive health, rights and justice and gender equity, we can improve the health of people and the planet because better education and access to family-planning services decreases family size and our overall carbon footprint. Get the conversation started by talking about family planning with your partner. In your community, stand up for reproductive freedom by supporting comprehensive sex ed in schools, free and easily accessible contraception and abortion access.

Learn more about human population growth and overconsumption and sign up to distribute our endangered species condoms.

12. Take action. Use your voice.

One of the best things you can do for wildlife and the planet, today and for the future, is to get politically involved in your community and at the national level. Vote for candidates with strong environmental platforms. Urge your representatives to pass stronger policies to limit greenhouse gases, fight climate change, protect wildlife and public lands and support access to reproductive health services. Vote with your wallet by donating to organizations fighting to end the extinction crisis. Sign and share action alerts, attend events, and talk to your friends about endangered species protection and the need to address human population growth and overconsumption.

Check out our current action alerts.

MORE SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION

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The U.S. is the third-most populated country in the world, yet we're responsible for a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, consumption and waste. If everyone in the world lived the way Americans do today, it would take five Earths to sustain the planet.

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11 Eco-Friendly Houses That Will Inspire You to Live Greener

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The typical “green” house is a thing of the past.

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another eco house

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Inspo! - If your looking for a futuristic vibe

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The significance of sustainable housing has never been more clear as we head towards a more sustainable future. Sustainable housing is defined as the planning, development, and maintenance of structures that are resource- and environment-wise and safe for inhabitants.

Here are some recent statistics on the importance of sustainable housing:

1. Climate Change: We now know that climate change is a real and pressing issue because natural catastrophes like storms, wildfires, and flooding are occurring more frequently and with greater severity. By employing green energy sources, energy-efficient equipment, and insulation, sustainable housing can greatly decrease carbon emissions, which are the primary contributor to climate change.

2. Health Benefits: Sustainable housing also enhances residents' health and happiness. Respiratory difficulties, allergies, and other health issues are less likely to occur in buildings with excellent air quality, natural sunlight, and adequate ventilation. Additionally, sustainable living can reduce exposure to dangerous pollutants and poisons.

3. Resource Efficiency: Sustainable living is created with the use of recyclable, renewable, and ecologically favourable resources. Sustainable structures also use low-flow fixtures, greywater devices, and rainwater gathering to greatly decrease water usage.

4. Cost-effectiveness: Energy costs for both landowners and renters can be decreased with sustainable living. Appliances, lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems can greatly reduce energy usage and lower utility costs for occupants.

5. Increase in Property Value: Lastly, the popularity of sustainable living among renters and purchasers is causing an increase in property value. A survey found that the price of green-certified houses was 3.46% higher than the price of non-certified homes.

Sustainable housing is now essential as we continue to deal with the effects of climate change. To construct sustainable structures that are good for the ecosystem and the inhabitants' health and well-being, governments, developers, and landowners must cooperate.

Why suburbs are such a bad idea?

Although it has been a long-standing tendency, suburban growth is a significant cause of unsustainability. Since these places are frequently built for vehicle use, there is a lot of traffic, air pollution, and carbon emissions. Additionally, suburban houses typically have a bigger footprint and use more energy for everything from heating and ventilation to water usage. Additionally, they frequently lack facilities for biking, strolling, and public transit, which increases reliance on automobiles.

How a house's size affects sustainability in housing

The sustainability of a home may be significantly impacted by its size. Larger homes demand more materials for construction, energy use, and upkeep. It's crucial to concentrate on constructing smaller, more eco-friendly homes that are also built with sustainability in mind. This may entail adding elements like low-flow plumbing fixtures, high-efficiency insulation, and passive solar architecture. Also, constructing smaller dwellings can aid in limiting urban expansion and promote the growth of more sustainable communities.

How the Perfect Sustainable House Will Look

A sustainable house is planned and constructed with an emphasis on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In addition to being energy-efficient, such a home will use sustainable building materials and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal energy. Also, it will be built with water-saving features, waste management techniques, and good interior air quality in mind.

How Sustainable Housing Can Help Us Combat Climate Change

The built environment is one of the greatest sources of carbon emissions, thus the importance of sustainable housing cannot be stressed. We can dramatically reduce our houses' carbon footprints, which would lower total carbon emissions, by adopting sustainable housing practices. Green roofing, rainwater collection systems, and other sustainable housing techniques may drastically lower a home's carbon footprint. Low-flow toilets, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances are other household energy-saving measures.

What Characterizes a Sustainable Home?

A house becomes sustainable when several factors are present, such as:

Energy Efficiency: A sustainable home is one that was planned and constructed with energy efficiency as the top priority. Using high-efficiency insulation, windows, doors, and appliances is part of this.

Water Conservation: A sustainable home is built with water-saving features including water-efficient showerheads, low-flow toilets, and rainwater collection systems.

Sustainable Materials: A sustainable home is built using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, repurposed steel, and salvaged wood.

Renewable Energy: To lessen dependency on fossil fuels, a sustainable home contains renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal energy.

Waste Reduction: A sustainable home includes elements like composting systems and recycling facilities to help decrease trash.

Healthy Indoor Air Quality: A sustainable home is built with elements like natural ventilation systems and low VOC paints to support healthy indoor air quality.

How to plan and create sustainable cities

We must give infrastructure for public transit, bicycling, and walking precedence over the usage of automobiles to create sustainable cities. This entails making investments in the creation of dependable and effective public transit networks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, in both residential and commercial structures is also crucial. To further support healthy living and food security, green areas and urban farming should be included in the design of sustainable cities.

In conclusion, if we wish to lessen the effects of climate change, we must emphasize sustainable housing and city development. We can work to ensure a more sustainable future for everyone by emphasizing public transit, designing cities with green areas, and creating smaller, more energy-efficient homes. Sustainable housing is not only necessary for the environment, but also for the economy and society. By adopting sustainable housing techniques, we can lower our houses' carbon footprints, cut our energy costs, and encourage active lifestyles. Therefore lets all work to improve the sustainability of our houses and do our part to save the environment.

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Why Sustainable Housing is crucial to avoiding Climate Change

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The significance of sustainable housing has never been more clear as we head towards a more sustainable future. Sustainable housing is defined as the planning, development, and maintenance of structures that are resource- and environment-wise and safe for inhabitants.

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These are the best sustainable materials for construction

1. Bamboo

Did you know that bamboo can grow up to 1.5 inches or 3.8 centimeters a day? Due to its fast-growing properties, flexible nature, and abundance in nature, bamboo is top of our list as one of the most sustainable and economical building materials. Bamboo grows on every continent, except for Europe and Antartica, and has an incredible high strength to weight ratio making it a worthy material in projects around the world.

2. Cork

Cork comes from the "cork oak" tree, which is one of the only trees where bark harvesting causes no harm. Cork has its practical application in our everyday lives - think wine corks and cork boards - but it's also a great recyclable and renewable building material in the world of construction. Not only is cork lightweight, waterproof, resistant to abrasion, and fire-retardant, but it also has immense insulation capacities, which is why its use in internal and external cladding is growing industry wide. In fact, because of its neutral tones, its aesthetically pleasing appearance makes it a hit with designers and architects.

3. Hempcrete

A new concept in construction is the use of carbon-negative materials, those that have a minimal embodied carbon footprint and that go so far as to absorb carbon dioxide over their lifetime.

Hempcrete is one of these so-called carbon-negative materials. Hemp fiber, the raw material behind hempcrete, is similar to timber, except that it replenishes much faster. Combined with lime, hempcrete has a concrete-like shape and strength, with a much lighter weight. Its use in construction is primarily as an insulator since it has great thermal and acoustic properties and is fire resistant

4. Mycelium

Mycelium may be the most FUN building material on the list. Mycelium, in case you didn't know, is a network of thin fungal strands called hyphae. Think of it like the root of a plant, but in fungi. While mycelium varies greatly in size, from microscopic to giant, they are playing an important role in Green Construction.

When dried, mycelium can be used as an environmentally sustainable building material that is water, mold and fire resistant. When combined with pasteurized sawdust, mycelium can be transformed into almost any form. Mycelium is still largely in the experimental phase in the construction industry, but there is a growing desire to incorporate this biodegradable material into new and renovated buildings.

5. Precast concrete

Bet you weren't expecting to see concrete appear in this list; however, precast concrete is indeed a sustainable building material and here's why. Precast concrete is made off-site in a factory setting which reduces many of the CO2 emissions in ready-mix concrete poured and hardened on site.

With pre-cast concrete, manufacturers can ensure exact measurements, which reduces waste and the amount of energy needed to produce and assemble traditional concrete. Moreover, some new concrete varieties can reabsorb up to 25% of their embodied carbon footprint during their lifetime. Precast concrete is a sustainable alternative for the industry's most demanded and used material.

6. Recycled glass

Glass is a difficult material to recycle, which is why it's one of the most discarded materials in landfills. This gives us more of a reason to explore its possibilities for reuse and recyling. In fact, Carbon Upcycling, a cleantech startup, is manufacturing a climate-resistant cement alternative with Cemex made from waste glass and sequestered CO2.

Waste glass can replace natural aggregates like sand, gravel and crushed stone, making it a great option for more sustainable cement varieties.

7. Recycled plastic

Single use plastics are one of the biggest threats to our environment, which is why their reusability is a huge opportunity area eco-friendly construction and promoting a circular economy.

Recycled plastic can be used to create plastic sheets, concrete, bricks, lumber, pipes, roofs, floors, and PVC. Plastic typically has a low recycling rate, so its recycled form helps reduce the amount of waste clogging our waterways and landfills.

8. Recycled steel

You may not know this, but steel is one of the most recycled building materials thanks to its durable nature. Used steel can be just as good as new steel, which is why it's an age-old reliable construction material. The initial production of steel can be harmful to the environment because of its substantial CO2 footprint during manufacturing.

Therefore, because of the high demand for steel in the construction industry, using its recycled version is a great way to project's overall carbon footprint. Moreover, this water and pest-resistant material is long-lasting and doesn't require frequent maintenance, which also helps with reducing operational carbon emissions.

9. Recycled or reclaimed wood

Recycled or reclaimed wood goes beyond just aesthetics! Although it's the perfect material to create a rustic style charm, recycled or reclaimed wood can help save trees and reduce the amount of wood waste that ends up in our landfills.

Lightweight but strong, reclaimed wood is a sustainable construction material that indirectly promotes biodiversity because it reduces the number of trees required for harvest.

10. Terrazzo

Terrazzo is officially the most unique building material on our list since no finish is like the other. Terrazzo is a composite material used mainly for flooring, countertops, and stairways. It's made from marble, granite, quartz, glass, and other materials, usually binded with cement or epoxy resin.

Its history goes back more than 500 years to Italy - where workers would scrap materials from upscale projects and reuse them in their own residences and terraces. Using repurposed raw materials is what makes terrazzo an ecofriendly building option. Moreover, thanks to its durability over other flooring options (e.g., carpet), it can lead to less waste and more long-term cost savings.

Cemex Ventures moves into the future by leveraging sustainable building materials

Sustainable and renewable building materials are increasingly being studied and applied in the world of construction; however, their wider application is required for our industry to truly transition net-zero and reduce its negative impact on the environment.

That's why Cemex Ventures is looking for entrepreneurs with sustainable building products and materials to scale-up and replace traditional heavy carbon emitting materials. Contech startups like our portfolio company Arqlite are helping construction become more future proof with greener manufacturing processes and materials.

Arqlite

Arqlite is a leading recycling technology company that is paving the way for the next generation of sustainable materials. The startup manufactures artificial gravel produced 100% from recycled plastics, which is a 10x better insulator and 3x lighter than mineral gravel. Their innovative recycling system can process otherwise non-recyclable plastics, helping reduce the carbon footprint of various industries, from injection molding to road building.

We're looking for decarbonization technologies, sustainable materials, new energy sources & solutions, and circular economy business models to bring Green Construction to the forefront of our industry.

Did we miss any sustainable building materials on our list? Contact us and tell us about your startup's disruptive solution.

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The 10 Best Sustainable Building Materials | Cemex Ventures

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Discover the top 10 sustainable building materials for eco-friendly construction. Click here to find out more.

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In case you missed it, we launched our section this year. It has everything from helpful guides on installing solar and creating an all-electric home to a bunch of inspiring podcast episodes from our 'TDF Talks Sustainability' series (and so much more).

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without an inspiring line-up of beautiful sustainable homes too (of which there are SO many!).

Find the 10 most popular homes that championed sustainability in 2023 below!

The Design Files' original content and photos are copyright protected. Please email us before reposting our content on other publications, personal websites, or Instagram. Feel free to share our images on Pinterest using the credit 'via thedesignfiles.net'. Thank you!

The Design Files acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

First Nations artists, designers, makers, and creative business owners are encouraged to submit their projects for coverage on The Design Files. Please email submissions@thedesignfiles.net

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10 Impressive Homes That Championed Sustainability In 2023

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These inspiring homes show how sustainability and great design go hand-in-hand. Discover how they did it here!

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Sustainable House: 8 Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable Homes | Architecture & Design

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Despite the continued resistance from climate sceptics, the urgency of the climate crisis becomes clearer by the day. And so does the realisation that, by necessity, sustainable housing will have to be an important part of its solution.

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little model of eco house

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Building with recycled materials can be a great way to save money and the environment.

It also makes for one-of-a-kind homes.

In some cases, recycled materials can make structures stronger, more efficient and less expensive to build than new materials. Charitable foundations have used plastic two-liter soda bottles to build shelters, schools and other buildings in impoverished areas. This school in the Philippines, for example, is built from old plastic bottles filled with adobe. They're inexpensive and about three times stronger than concrete.

But that doesn't mean recycled houses have to look like they're recycled. Some of them -- like a house in the Netherlands built from recycled brick -- fit in perfectly with their neighbors. They can be sleek and modern or colorful and bohemian, depending on the owner's taste.

Building an entire home out of recycled materials may not be feasible for everyone, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate salvaged or reused materials into a home's design. For example, stores like Habitat for Humanity's ReStore outlets sell donated building materials like doors, windows, cabinets and fixtures at discounted prices.

Need some inspiration? Click ahead to see eight unique houses built from recycled materials.

The Governor - Rotterdam, the Netherlands

This townhouse designed by Architectuur Maken looks brand-new, but its bricks are made of 15 tons of waste and rubble, including ceramics, glass and clay, according to Dezeen. Dutch company StoneCycling gathered the waste products from around the country, ground them up and formed them into bricks.

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Building with recycled materials can be a great way to save money and the environment. It also makes for one-of-a-kind homes. In some cases, recycled materials can make structures stronger, more efficient and less expensive to build than new materials. Charitable foundations have used plastic two-liter soda bottles to build shelters, schools and other buildings in impoverished areas.

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Homes being built these days must meet certain criteria that homes of earlier times did not. As society progresses and we realize that old building practices may harm the earth by diminishing resources or harm people by introducing toxins into living environments, we seek out and develop better ways to build homes.

Building sustainably by making homes more energy efficient is one way of protecting the earth. When a home is more energy efficient, fewer resources are consumed in the home's daily operation. But, at a more fundamental level, just being more mindful of the products we use to build homes will go a long way toward developing more sustainable homes and building practices for the future. A good "green" contractor can be a valuable resource. It is a good idea to learn a little more about sustainable materials on your own, too.

The following are some examples of green building materials that can be used now to create more sustainable homes for the future:
Structure
Amazingly, homes can be constructed from a range of materials that you might not imagine such as adobe (bricks made of mud) or straw bales. Structures can be built using composite or waste materials. For example, finger-jointed studs are studs made from piecing smaller pieces of wood together. They are considered a good replacement for regular studs because they will not twist. Sheeting materials can also be made from recycled or waste materials such as oriented strand board. OSB is made from by-products of the lumber industry and is widely used in construction.
Insulation
Insulation is essential to every home, no matter where you live. The right insulation can keep your heating and cooling bills to a minimum while helping to keep you and your family comfortable. It can be created using a wide variety of materials and techniques. You could insulate your home with rigid foam insulation made from plant-based products. Hemp insulation is naturally pest resistant, so it not only insulates your house from the weather but from pests, as well.

You could insulate your home with recycled materials made from shredded newspaper or denim. The great news about those products is they do not out-gas toxins. In fact, some naturally sourced insulation poses so little threat, you do not even have to wear a mask when installing it.
Roofing
Roofing is important because it not only protects a structure from the elements, it helps to keep a structure insulated. A good roof can prevent heat transfer which means that you are spending less money to cool your house in summer. Roofing tiles can be fabricated from recycled plastic and rubber which prevents a lot of usable materials from going into landfills. Although, if you are looking to cover your roof with more natural and sustainably sourced products, you might consider clay tiles or wooden shakes. Both can be attractive alternatives.
Decor
The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but the windows are the eyes of the house. Low emissivity windows (or Low-E for short) feature a clear coat of metallic oxide that helps to prevent heat from getting out during the winter or in during the summer.

If you are trying to keep toxins out of your home, look for paints with low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds). These are usually found in the odors you smell just after painting.

No matter what your green building goals for your home- whether it is using more sustainably sourced materials, creating a less toxic environment, creating less waste by using recycled materials, or some combination of the above- there are products and techniques that will help you achieve them. Starting with ecologically inclined builders and contractors who know about the materials and how to use them should be the first step in creating a sustainable home that will carry you into the future.
About the author: Bob Gorman is a contributing writer for Realty Biz News

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Green Building Materials for Sustainable Houses of the Future - RealtyBizNews: Real Estate News

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Homes being built these days must meet certain criteria that homes of earlier times did not. As society progresses and we realize that old building practices may harm the earth by diminishing resources or harm people by introducing toxins into living environments, we seek out and develop better ways to build homes.

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8 of the Most Sustainable Features to Consider for Your New Home, According to Experts

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Buying a house or building a new one? Here’s what you need to know for a more eco-friendly space 🏠

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is this good inspo?

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Build Sustainable Homes That Are Energy Efficient – Architecture

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Sustainable homes are a concept that has caught on in recent years. These homes are those that are constructed with inputs that have Earth-friendly elements to them. For instance, instead of burning fossil fuels to provide heat for the home, solar and wind power can be used to do the same job instead. Solid structures, including homes, are made out of materials that are sustainable as they come from natural sources like wood or other organic materials like coconut, bamboo or other green and renewable resources. The concept is that these materials are cheaper than alternative sources of construction materials and that they are environmentally responsible.

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12 Sustainable Design Factors for an Eco-Friendly Home

Sustainability is becoming a critical consideration in the design and planning of new homes and extensions. It's not only Governmental regulation causing this increased focus, general opinion is shifting and for others it's also an efficient way to save resources such as energy, water, and ultimately money.

Australia has a varied climate from the cooler areas of Tasmania, Victorian and New South Wales alpine areas and Highlands to the tropics of Queensland and Northern Territory and dryer and the arid areas in between. nowadays it's not possible to speak about a single design for an eco-friendly home; there are as many designs as there are climatic conditions and inhabitants.

But this doesn't have to be a problem when building or remodeling a sustainable house for yourself or your clients. As long as you take into account the fundamental premises of the sustainable building, you can successfully complete the perfect green home.

What is a sustainable home?

A sustainable home is one that has been built using construction materials and techniques that save natural resources and energy, while reducing construction and maintenance costs significantly.

Sustainable houses have a low impact on the environment, are more durable and efficient in terms of manufacturing, distribution, and installation, but also provide some additional benefits for the health of those who inhabit them.

What makes a home sustainable?

Ecological and sustainable homes must adapt their design and construction based on the possibilities and advantages that the environment offers them. This strategy is determined by some fundamental factors of eco-friendly construction, such as:

The house location

Use and location of plants

Bioclimatic design

Building materials and methods

Windows

Insulation

Paints

Furniture

Heat and ventilation

Skylights

Cool roofs

Solar energy

Appliances

Among others...

Of course, in each particular case, there will be some elements that predominate more than others.

On the other hand, the main strategy for building an ecological home is directly related to weather conditions, and therefore to the most convenient use of energy for each specific situation. Let's see the complementary "rules" that you should consider to complete a design in the most convenient way.

12 Key Factors of Sustainable Building

1. The house location and orientation

As a general rule in the southern states of Australia the winter sun is low in the North. Ideally the living areas of the home are situated to take advantage of this sun coming through the windows providing passive heating and lighting. In the summer time the sun is almost overhead and shading by deciduous trees or window shades can ensure no direct sun heating the interior of the home.

2. Use and location of indoor and outdoor plants

A good number of plants, both outside and inside the house, can reduce the effects of air pollution. At the same time, it contributes to maintain the correct thermal balance and humidity level, providing shading when necessary.

In addition, a natural environment with relaxing landscapes and good views is a weighty factor in caring for and improving health.

3. Bioclimatic design

Giving the home a bioclimatic design serves to better regulate changes in internal temperature as needed - passive heating. This helps to maintain a suitable environment without increasing energy costs and at the same time, allows the air to be renewed efficiently.

It's also important to pay attention to the possible solar barriers that could go unnoticed, including the topography itself, plants, buildings, etc.

4. Construction materials

As for building materials, the more natural, the better; for instance, we have:

While it's important to avoid those toxic or radioactive materials that produce gases or static, such as plastics, lacquers, and synthetic fibers.

5. High-performance windows

Did you know that windows contribute to the loss of about 50% of the energy in a home? Replacing common windows with more specialized ones will allow you to save energy and maintain a more pleasant environment.

For hot climates, the ideal is to use windows with low solar gain to conduct less heat inside. Reflective and doubled-glazed windows with good ventilation channels are good for this.

For colder climates, well-insulated frame windows with a low U-value - the rate of heat flow through a building part - are best. Triple-glazed windows with vacuum panels help in minimizing heat loss.

6. Proper insulation

Insulation is essential to have a home that is energy-efficient and comfortable at the same time. Having a good level of insulation can help keep your home warm, saving you money on a conventional heating system.

Since every home is different, there is also a variety of insulation systems for every need, taking into account factors such as location, building materials, and the age of the home.

7. Natural or non-toxic paints

It's recommended to use silicate paints. These types of paints are the healthiest since they are 100% minerals, resist fire and pollution, can be washed and are not toxic. All of this allows the walls to "breathe."

Regarding the most appropriate colors, light colors tend to reflect sunlight, helping to keep the home cool. While dark colors absorb the sun's energy, generating more heat.

8. Furniture and interior decoration

The wood of the furniture and the interior decoration can be treated with ecological oils and varnishes, and then finished with wax and aromatic essences. Wood with agglomerates and formaldehyde are not recommended.

9. Proper ventilation

Proper ventilation prevents the accumulation of toxic gases and air sealing inside the home. Ventilation is a factor that must be taken into account when integrating certain elements to the construction, such as windows, doors, skylights, etc.

10. Skylights

Skylights let in the winter sun. They also help save energy, improve lighting, heating, and ventilation. A good number of skylights in the appropriate location will help to consume less electricity during the day.

11. Cool roofs

Cool roofs are of great help to reduce the heat inside a house. These work by reflecting the sun's heat instead of absorbing it, so the cooling effect is impressive.

12. Solar energy

Every year, solar energy becomes more and more popular among the population. Solar panels are becoming more and more economical and accessible, and allow generating the necessary electricity to illuminate and power a home. In addition, this type of technology is friendly to the environment, since its degree of carbon emission is very low.

13. Energy efficient appliances

When buying household appliances, such as refrigerators, heating, washing machines, etc., it is better to ensure that they have a high energy rating, since these appliances are more efficient in terms of water and electricity consumption.

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12 Sustainable Design Factors for an Eco-Friendly Home - Eco Reports

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Sustainability is becoming a critical consideration in the design and planning of new homes and extensions. It's not only Governmental regulation causing this increased focus, general opinion is shifting and for others it's also an efficient way to save resources such as energy, water, and...

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idea

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Self sustainable zero waste productive home in Melbourne demonstrates future | Gardening Australia

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Here are some fun facts about bamboo

It requires no pesticides or chemical fertilisers

It grows rapidly and is ready to harvest in 3-5 years

It rarely needs replanting

It sequesters carbon dioxide and is carbon neutral

It produces more oxygen than trees

It plays an important role in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

It requires no irrigation

It is excellent for inhibiting soil erosion

It grows in a wide range of environments

Its production into fibres has lower environmental impact than other forms of fibre, especially synthetic ones.

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I think this is a good example for a eco house!!

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1 Replace old windows with energy-efficient windows. ...

2 Install a skylight. ...

3 Use sustainable flooring. ...

4 Plant trees. ...

5 Install a “cool roof.” ...

6 Consider installing a composting toilet. ...

7 Use durable siding. ...

8 Talk with a design team about a “whole-house systems approach

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i like food 😋

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There is no legal definition of 'sustainable food,' although some aspects, such as the terms organic or Fairtrade, are clearly defined.

Our working definition for good food is that it should be produced, processed, distributed and disposed of in ways that:

Contribute to thriving local economies and sustainable livelihoods - both in the UK and, in the case of imported products, in producer countries;

Protect the diversity of both plants and animals and the welfare of farmed and wild species,

Avoid damaging or wasting natural resources or contributing to climate change;

Provide social benefits, such as good quality food, safe and healthy products, and educational opportunities.

Read our good food principles
Download The Sustain Guide To Good Food

Download a fully referenced illustrated PDF version of the report.

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There is no legal definition of 'sustainable food,' although some aspects, such as the terms organic or Fairtrade, are clearly defined.

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House ideas only bamboo used

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House of Bamboo | Australia’s leading supplier of bamboo and natural materials.

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Engineered Bamboo Timber Cladding | Natural & Sustainable

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Bamboo timber slatted cladding is a versatile alternative to softwoods and hardwoods with the added bonus of being highly sustainable. Learn more today!

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Sustainable houses

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The cost of a house can be counted in dollars, but the construction and running of a house takes a toll on the environment that's harder to measure. Increasing numbers of people are looking to minimize both environmental impact and financial outlay by outfitting their homes with sustainable technology, and the resulting boom in sustainable building is driving new levels of architectural innovation. With this in mind, Gizmag highlights ten remarkable sustainable houses.

The term sustainable is thrown about quite a bit these days, but there's more to it than adding some solar panels to the roof of an inefficient building and calling it a day. True sustainability is made up of many facets, from building materials to the use of renewable energy sources to design that strives for efficiency and harmony with the surrounding environment. We think the following selections meet many of these criteria.

Waste House

The Waste House is a sustainable construction project installed at the UK's University of Brighton. As its name suggests, the prototype home is built almost exclusively from discarded waste.

Around 90 percent of the materials that went into making the Waste House derive from household and construction waste, including 20,000 toothbrushes, 4,000 DVD cases, 2,000 floppy discs, and 2,000 used carpet tiles, used to clad the home's facade. While nobody actually lives in it at present, the building is a remarkable achievement and proves the organizer's mantra that "there is no such thing as waste, just stuff in the wrong place."

S House

Vietnam's Vo Trong Nghia Architects has been tinkering away at the issue of providing practical, sustainable, and most importantly, cheap, homes. The result is the S House, a US$4,000 dwelling part-built using local, easily-obtained materials, including Palm leaf thatching and bamboo.

The interior of the S House is very basic and measures just 30 sq m (322 sq ft), with one large interior space. The building is prefabricated and can be disassembled into multiple small pieces for easy transport by local builders. Vo Trong Nghia Architects is still working on the design of the S House but the eventual plan is to mass market it.

Fall House

San Francisco's Fougeron Architecture recently designed and built a particularly beautiful luxury house that's guaranteed to make the neighbors see green. Located on California's Big Sur coastline, the Fall House sports a copper facade that will weather and patina over time, as it comes into contact with the sea air. The copper is also designed to offer a degree of fire-protection.

In addition to its enviable looks and views, the two-story Fall House features energy-efficient windows and its open design naturally encourages stack ventilation, automatically opening windows help reduce the need for air-conditioning. A graywater recycling system is also installed.

ZEB Pilot House

The ZEB Pilot House, by international architecture outfit Snøhetta is a remarkable experimental home that makes an even more remarkable claim: thanks to incredible efficiency and ample solar panels, it's said to generate almost three times the amount of electricity it requires - leaving plenty of surplus juice for charging an EV, for example.

In order to achieve this performance, the ZEB Pilot House features the proverbial kitchen sink of sustainable technology, including a large photovoltaic array, rainwater collection system, solar thermal panels, and an efficient heat exchanger. It doesn't hurt that the home is easy on the eyes, too. The ZEB Pilot House's performance is currently being monitored to make sure the claims of energy-efficiency are justified.

Pop-Up House

Whatever kind of home you live in, the chances are it took longer to build than the Pop-Up House, by French architecture firm Multipod, which was erected by a team of builders in just four days with no more tools than a screwdriver. The firm likens the construction process to building with Lego.

The Pop-Up House is a prototype prefabricated home that Multipod aims to bring to market for around €30,000 (roughly US$41,000). Thanks to its excellent insulation and near-airtight thermal envelope, no heating is required for the home in its location in Southern France, and it meets the very exacting Passivhaus energy standard.

Tighthouse

Said to be the first certified Passive House in New York City, Tighthouse represents an impressive energy-efficient renovation of an existing row house that's over a hundred years old.

Architectural design firm Fabrica718 added a new rear facade, an additional story, a roof terrace, and an art studio to the house. Sustainable technology installed includes two solar thermal panels for hot water needs, and solar PV panels, which reduce grid-based electricity requirements. As the home is almost air-tight, a highly-efficient heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is always running to provide plenty of fresh air.

Blooming Bamboo

Like Vo Trong Nghia Architects, Vietnamese firm H&P Architects has also produced a prototype home that will eventually be mass-sold to Vietnamese people on a low income. However, this particular home is also flood-proof. The Blooming Bamboo house is placed on stilts and designed to withstand floods of up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in depth, though H&P Architects hopes to increase this to 3 m (10 ft).

The 44 sq m (473 sq ft) home is built around a central frame constructed from bamboo that is clad using locally-sourced materials including bamboo, fiberboard, and coconut leaves. The homes are expected to be produced at a cost of just US$2,500.

Slip House

The Slip House, by Carl Turner Architects, offers a potential template for affordable, sustainable family homes in the UK. Slotted between a row of terraced houses in London, the residence also rests on a brownfield site, formerly used for industrial or commercial purposes. Its unusual form consists of three slipped orthogonal box shapes.

The Slip House features a rainwater harvesting tank, solar panels, mechanical ventilation, triple glazing, and a high level of insulation - all of which saves up to 1092.73 kg (1.2 ton) of CO2 per year, according to the designers. Carl Turner Architects is using the home as a prototype for in-house research, hoping to refine its ideas for producing affordable and sustainable family homes.

Illawarra Flame

Students from Australia's University of Wollongong took a typical Australian "fibro house," and retrofitted it with enough sustainable technology to make the notoriously energy-hungry style of home into a net-zero house. The Illawarra Flame house project involved a lengthy renovation process, including transforming a bedroom into a living space, and the installation of prefabricated pods which contain amenities including laundry room and bathroom.

Sustainable additions include a roof-based 9.4-KW solar panel system, rainwater harvesting and gray-water recycling systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a building management system that offers fine control over, and information concerning, all electrical appliances and stored energy.

P.A.T.H.

Renowned French designer and architect Philippe Starck recently teamed-up with Slovenian prefab firm Riko to bring out a new line of high-end prefab houses called Prefabricated Accessible Technological Homes (or P.A.T.H.).

In addition to multiple shapes and sizes P.A.T.H homes can sport an all glass outer shell, a combination of wood and glass shell, or fully-wooden shell. Optional sustainable tech includes a roof-based solar array, roof-based wind turbine, and a rainwater collection and filtration system.

That completes our pick of innovative sustainable houses, You can check out each one in the gallery. If you think we've missed any particularly noteworthy picks, or if you have any thoughts on the sustainable building movement in general, please do let us know in the comments below.

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The cost of a house can be counted in dollars, but the construction and running of a house takes a toll on the environment that's harder to measure. Increasing numbers of people are looking to minimize both environmental impact and financial outlay by outfitting their homes with sustainable...

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Go ECO, building sustainable houses, streets and neighbourhoods, or go home – stelakontogianni.com

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Being aware of the planet's environmental issues and having an eco-friendly attitude on any aspect of life, is not only a necessity but it has, lately, become a priority. Ecological awareness is raised and more coordinated efforts are organised to tackle environmental issues.

One of those, recent, efforts was COP26 conference, UN Climate Change Conference of Parties, which took place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow this year. Some of the goals that were outlined to be further discussed were to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees and aim for 1.5 degrees, secure net zero by mid-century, protect communities and natural habitats and mobilise finance towards the development of infrastructure needed to help countries transition to a greener and more climate resilient economy. A great number of environmental issues affects people's health and damages homes and livelihoods. It is time to act fast and therefore, countries have joined their forces. In COP21 in Paris, countries agreed to work together to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. However, during this year's sumit it was realised that the commitments laid out in Paris did not come close to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. Thus, the decade out to 2030 will be crucial.

This year's conference inspired this blog post. Whilst big important conferences are being held around the world, smaller groups of people can also have a significant impact on the environment through interventions related to the design of houses, streets or neighbourhoods. From smaller to bigger scale, those interventions can create a chain reaction and positively contribute to the betterment of the environment.

SMALL SCALE: PEOPLE AND BUILDINGS

Designing buildings should respond sensitively to the environment and help meet the challenges of a warming planet. Starting with the buildings, those should aim to live up to the green label. More specifically, a 'green' building is one that in its design, construction and daily operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts on the climate and natural environment, while also preserving the natural resources. Some measures that could be applied on either new building structures or be retrofitted even after development are presented in Figure01 below. Those measures are organised in the following categories:

Construction. As part of the environmental management system, it is important that the waste generated during construction is minimised, reused or recycled. Thus, a construction plan should be in place to organise the on and off-site activities, pre-construction deliveries, selection of non-toxic, ethical and sustainable materials, distribution of the materials on the site as well as to manage the landfilled materials. Recycling and reusing parts of buildings or elements of buildings such as bricks, tiles, slates or large timbers all help achieve a more sustainable approach to design and construction. In addition, recycling materials can help to minimise the extraction of raw materials and the use of energy in the production and transportation of those. Therefore, the whole cycle of a building's life needs to be considered when designing a house, not only the after construction period.

Wind. High level of airtightness, good insulation and triple glazed windows can offer wind protection saving some temperature and energy loss. In addition, one way to take advantage of the wind is by installing small-scale wind turbines. However, this measure is subject to the size of the plot in which the building sits and the wind intensity in the area, while it can also be costly and noisy when running. Thus, it is wise to run the math and take into account all the parameters before coming to a decision. On the plus side, installing a wind turbine can easily generate enough energy to cover most of the household's needs, so it can be a smarter renewable investment than going solar.

Passive cooling. The building design and materials are used to control the temperature in hot weather. In other words, heat gain can be reduced, through installing insulation and shading windows, walls and roofs, or increase heat loss and access to cooling sources, through using earth coupling and encouraging air movement. This improves the physiological as well as psychological comfort, whilst also being a less expensive way to cool a home than using appliances. Passive cooling is very important as our climate changes and therefore, the need to reduce heat or protect the house from increased temperatures is rising.

Sun. The sun is a renewable energy source, since it can be harnessed across the world. Solar energy will be available as long as the sun exists. Therefore, taking advantage of the sunlight is very sustainable, unlike some other sources of energy. Installing solar panels is a usual practice that has many applications like for example solar electricity, water heating, solar ventilation, solar lighting etc. In addition to those techniques, the design of the house as well as the selection of colours and materials, for instance high ceilings, bright colours, glass surfaces or walls, can improve the brightness in the interiors.

Water and storage. Through sustainable drainage systems, water can be appropriately filtered to improve quality and be managed to reduce flood risk. Examples of rain gardens, small ponds within green spaces, swales and bioretention trees can work as SuDS, whilst improving the surrounding environment. In terms of rainwater harvesting, in other words systems allowing the capture and storage of rainwater, simple storage solutions such as water butts can help provide significant attenuation. Another solution could also be the underground tanks which can have many applications, like toilets and washing. However, this system is more expensive compared to simpler techniques and requires high maintenance. Any of the overground systems needs to be well integrated into the design of the house and the surrounding environment and be concealed with vegetation to improve the aesthetics.

Servicing. With modern requirements for waste separation and recycling, the number and size of household bins has increased. Their design, however, can aim to fulfill some environmental standards. For example, wheelie bin storages can beautifully conceal the bins or green roofs can also help improve the environment and add an additional green feature in the front garden.

Green features. Landscape plays an important role in keeping a home cool. Outdoor spaces around the house can potentially be a source of heat if not appropriately designed. Gardens, green plants, rather than hard surfaces, can help reduce the temperature of air moving over those surfaces and in and around the house. Plants and soil provide a cooling effect through the process of evapotranspiration, and plants can also be used to provide shade. In addition, green roofs can provide extra insulation too.

Parking. Electric cars are the future and the time when they will take over is approaching. Like the internet in the 90s, the electric car market is growing. With 75% of CO2 emissions coming from road vehicles, electric cars are a sustainable solution since they produce zero emissions. However, these vehicles require electricity to charge the batteries and therefore, the important question when it comes to sustainability is where this electricity comes from. For electric cars to be more eco-friendly, manufacturing processes should improve. All in all, electrical charging points could be another addition to the house to contribute to a friendlier attitude towards the environment. Apart from that, pure sustainable means of transport like bicycles could also be used and therefore, having the appropriate storage and parking to encourage people buying them and using them.

Ground appearance. Permeable paving is a natural drainage solution to help manage stormwater efficiently and reduce the volume of runoff. The use of sustainable materials, like natural aggregate, marble or recycled glass, can also give an additional ecological aspect. However, apart from the materiality, the colour of the paving also plays an important role; a more earthy colour palette, closer to the ground appearance, creates a less car dominated environment and an aesthetically pleasing result.

Those principles do not only apply to the residential buildings, but also to employment, educational, health or any other types of structures. In addition, it is important to highlight that any of the above principles should be taken into account depending on the location and climate that the particular building is sitting on. Therefore, there could be some minor differences on what a 'green' building is, subject to its location.

Last but not least, when it comes to the people themselves, individuals can also have a significant impact on the environment depending on their own choices. Firstly, they can choose to adapt their lifestyle, like cooking, sleeping, exercising, to respond to the climate they live in, instead of using mechanical cooling. For example, a person could acclimatise his/her body to slightly warmer temperatures, do workouts on the outside during early morning, spend time outside the house when the conditions are suitable, like during cooler evenings or cook outside during hot months to reduce heat loads within the house. Furthermore, when building a house, they should aim to include some of the above eco-design techniques or even retrofit some into their existing properties. Of course, it is very hard, especially for lay people, to keep up to date with any available eco-technique, however one should feel responsible enough to seek the right specialists to get the information from when the times comes.

MEDIUM SCALE: STREETS

Moving from a smaller to a larger scale, streets should be the next in line. Indeed, street design can also help neighbourhoods, villages, towns and cities meet the challenges of a warming planet and therefore, their potential environmental benefits from certain interventions need to be highlighted.

Greening streets can improve the local climate, reduce urban heat and thus, minimise the need for mechanical ventilation in vehicles and surrounding buildings. Green features and landscape can also reduce noise and air pollution. Usual examples are green verges, street trees and flower plants along the public realm. Adding green features along the street improves the environment in both directly and indirectly ways; green makes streets attractive and therefore, encourages walking or cycling over driving, which consequently reduces car emissions and improves the quality of the air. In addition, green infrastructure techniques implemented along the streets help manage stormwater and reduce surface flooding. Bioretention trees are a common example of sustainable drainage solution that can be added into the design, as well as be retrofitted later in the process. Last but not least, greening the streets has a positive impact on people's mental health helping decrease stress and aggressive behavior.

Apart from integrating green features into the street design, there are other interventions that can create attractive streets as well. Wide pavements can facilitate pedestrian flow and offer a perception of safety and comfort to the users in relationship to the vehicles, as well as to other pedestrians. During the Covid period, wide pavements that offered a good level of social distancing between people were appreciated a lot by their users. In addition to this, wide pavements also give the possibility to the shops, restaurants and cafes that are fronting them, to have spill-out spaces offering more activity along the streets.

Integrated cycle lanes also provide a higher level of security to cyclists and encourage people to use their bicycles. Of course, the rest of the infrastructure should also be in place to make this work, for example cycle stands or cycle storages along the cycle lanes to facilitate the cyclists. On another note, however, shared lanes, where all users share the same space, are also recommended, but for lower traffic streets. Shared lanes encourage people to be more aware of their surroundings, to respect other users, whilst also creating a feeling of a less urban and more peaceful environment.

Positive facades along the streets can contribute to a pleasant environment that everyone wants to be part of. Building fronts should be designed with high quality standards and there should be an aesthetic consistency along the street to offer a positive visual result. Flower pots and planters in front of the shops can add to the environment and attract people. Paving materials can also create a positive facade; a good quality and consistent public realm creates a visual flow and improves the aesthetics of the public realm and the street. Furthermore, what also matters apart from the facades is the types of the shops; based on studies, a key parameter to create a sustainable street is the low number of fast food eateries or chains. Local shops, recycling centres, charity shops, health food stores, independent stores, vegan eateries etc should be supported instead. Overall, the shops along the street should do their best to help shape an eco-friendly mentality for people promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles for the neighbourhood, town or city.

Another option worth considering is the pedestrianisation of streets or at least the temporary closure of streets for markets, fairs, exhibitions or other community events. This will help reduce car emissions and encourage people to choose walking or cycling over driving, while also improving the civic pride of the area.

LARGE SCALE: NEIGHBOURHOODS

Neighbourhoods are systems of buildings, streets and green spaces. Therefore, a sustainable neighbourhood needs to be composed by 'green' buildings, 'green' streets and green spaces. The 'green' aspect of all those components has already been mentioned and analysed before, however, this last section will focus on the interrelationships between them. The whole system needs to work smoothly towards the improvement of people's habits and the environment.

A permeable network of streets is recommended to offer alternatives for routes and facilitate flow. Cul de sacs, on the other hand, are not generally recommended, however, when proposed they need to be connected with a network of footpaths to, at least, allow for pedestrian permeability. In principle, well-connected places are easier to explore by foot and a good network of footpaths could very much encourage walking and cycling. When talking about a 'good' network, this refers to a variety of traits; use of good quality materials for the footpaths to facilitate walking and cycling, strategic use of wayfinding systems (signposts, maps, QR codes etc.) to inform people about the network of footpaths, important destinations or landmarks, and good connectivity networks with residential areas and local centres. Designing just an 'attractive' street is not enough to lure people in; connectivity with important destinations is crucial.

Green/open spaces is another component of the neighbourhood system, the benefits of which have been analysed above. What is important to highlight in this section, is the vital role that the location and type of the green spaces also plays. Location and type matter and both parameters, if combined, could guarantee the success of a green space. Green spaces should be, in general, within 500m walking distance from each household. In addition to this, a variety of types of green spaces within a neighbourhood can also meet the needs and preferences of a wider group of people. More specifically, and based on a research I conducted, the findings of which can be found here, the majority of the people, living in a neighbourhood, would choose variety over location; they would prefer to have a variety of types of green spaces around, even if that meant they would have to walk 10 min. more to get there. Playgrounds, parks, small green spaces, allotments, sport courts are some types of green/open spaces. If all were to be found in a neighbourhood, it would give so many different choices to the people of any age.

Taking everything into account, a sustainable neighbourhood should provide a range of facilities and amenities to the residents, in order to discourage unnecessary daily travels to the nearby city/town and therefore, to mitigate traffic during peak times. This need became more apparent during the pandemic, when the consequent lockdowns and remote working proved to have improved some metrics related to the quality of air and environment. The idea of a polycentric city, with more independent neighbourhood centres, makes more sense than ever, especially now with all the talk about the necessity to reduce car emissions or maintain a level of social-distancing. Thus, a sustainable neighbourhood would need to provide a basic level of amenities and facilities to the locals, organise events to strengthen the community feel in the area and overall, attract people in the area instead of driving them away. A sustainable neighbourhood would offer recycling centres, electricity charging points to convenient locations, a good broadband network to facilitate remote working and good connections with cycle, foot and bus networks. A sustainable neighbourhood would cater for the needs of the locals and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle without imposing regulations but, on the contrary, by informing people and offering them a wider range of choices.

LIST OF FIGURES & USEFUL LINKS

Figure 01: https://bluprint.onemega.com/anatomy-sustainable-home/

Figure 02: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Life-cycle-thinking-buildings_fig1_319464500

Figure 03: https://dir.indiamart.com/impcat/domestic-windmills.html

Figure 04: http://2030palette.org/shading-devices/

Figure 05: https://www.archdaily.com/958193/passive-thermal-comfort-strategies-in-residential-projects

Figure 06: https://archive.curbed.com/2016/9/2/12755518/living-room-design-basics

Figure 07: https://blog.enduraplas.com/water-storage-rain-harvesting/what-type-of-water-tank-is-best-for-rainwater-harvesting

Figure 08: https://www.gardenchic.co.uk/garden-chic-kanny-bin-store-p2705

Figure 09: https://www.bgozarks.org/designing-rain-gardens-with-native-plants/

Figure 10: https://transsolar.com/projects/singapore-nus-school-of-design-and-environment

Figure 11: https://westerninterlock.com/what-are-permeable-pavers/

Figure 12: https://gfccommunityforestry.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/community-forestry-roundtable-stormwater-management-basics/

Figure 13: https://www.preston.gov.uk/article/2367/Preston-City-Council-pays-out-9-3million-of-business-support-grants

Figure 14: https://news.wokingham.gov.uk/wokingham-town-market-place/

Figure 15: https://www.civictrustawards.org.uk/benet/schemes/goose-green-altrincham

Figure 16: https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/altrincham-shakes-off-ghost-town-reputation/

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Go ECO, building sustainable houses, streets and neighbourhoods, or go home

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Being aware of the planet's environmental issues and having an eco-friendly attitude on any aspect of life, is not only a necessity but it has, lately, become a priority. Ecological awareness is raised and more coordinated efforts are organised to tackle environmental issues.

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16 Sustainable House Design Tips and Ideas - Green Coast

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A sustainable house is a home that has the least possible negative impact on our environment. This means energy efficiency, avoiding environmental toxins, and using materials and resources in a responsible manner while having a positive physical and psychological impact on its inhabitants.

What we build matters, and so does how we build it. Building with sustainability in mind should be standard for a twenty first century home. In this article we will outline 21 tips for a sustainable house design. Building sustainable homes not only saves you money in the long run, but also reduces your impact on the environment. Now, let's go over some ideas on how to build a sustainable house!

21 Ideas For Building a Sustainable Home:

Location For A Sustainable Home Design

Choosing a location is the first step in building a sustainable house. When possible, consider the following issues.

Transportation: Building a home within walking distance of public transportation is going to reduce your impact on our environment. Living in New York City makes this very easy for me, but it may not always be an option for you.

Infrastructure: The availability of utilities and infrastructure will vary. If you can use existing infrastructure, you are off to a good start in reducing your impact on the environment.

Sensitive or Hazardous Sites: Try to avoid hazardous areas like flood zones. If you build in a hazardous site, make sure the home is designed to withstand the hazard. You know what isn't green? Building your house twice. To learn more about building in high risk areas, check out another post we wrote on Flood Proof House Design Ideas.

Size; Smaller Houses Are More Efficient

Not everyone interested in sustainable house design is going to go down this route, but smaller houses are far more efficient. Building a smaller house is going to reduce your material use and energy needs. A larger house will obviously use more materials and require more energy for heating and cooling. Think about your needs and try not to go overboard with the size of your house. Smaller houses are inherently more efficient and less wasteful.

Orientation Of Your House For Natural Light And Heat

Orientation is important for sustainable homes. If you live in a cold climate in the Northern Hemisphere, you can take advantage of the sun by having more windows facing south. If you build a long wall with windows facing south, you maximize direct sunlight in the winter. This will help heat your home, as well as bring in natural light. You do not want too many windows facing west, as this will give lots of glare and provide heat in the summer. If you do have windows facing west, you can plant a large tree to block some of that uncomfortable sunlight.

You can plant a deciduous tree in front of your south facing windows for more energy saving. Deciduous means the tree loses its leaves in winter. The tree will block sunlight in the summer, but lose its leaves and allow the sunlight in during the winter. This will help reduce your heating usage. Another trick is sun shades or a roof overhang. The sun is higher in the summer than in the winter, so a roof overhang can block the sun in the summer. In the winter, the sun will be at a lower angle and not be blocked by the overhang. These types of passive design features can make a big difference in sustainability at low costs.

Layout Affects Energy Use In A Home

Did you know that igloos are very energy efficient house designs? An igloo is built in a cold climate with a shape that minimizes surface area. The reduced surface area reduces interior heat loss.

Building a house that is very wide and spread out is going to have more heat loss and less efficiency than a house that is compact. Building taller can be more efficient than building wider. A cube or a sphere are very efficient shapes. There will always be trade offs in sustainable house design. However, you don't have to actually make your home resemble an igloo (unless you want to)! The idea here is that a compact design is better than a spread out one. A compact two story house will tend to be more efficient than a one story spread out house. For example, if you want to build a 2,000 square foot house, building two stories with 1,000 sq ft per story is most likely going to be more efficient than building one story of 2,000 sq ft.

Use Local Materials for a Sustainable House

Using local materials in your new sustainable house will reduce the need for shipping. It's more green to buy wood that is locally milled than to order it from across the country. This is a tough one, though, because you may not have as many options based on your location. The availability of materials will vary depending on where you choose to build your house.

If there is a local stone quarry, why not use their stone for your patio? See what locally made materials and products you have available. If you live in Pennsylvania, I recommend getting local kitchen cabinets rather than importing designer European cabinets. It is significantly greener, and you might even find better quality products from local small businesses.

Recycled Materials For Sustainable House Construction

Recycling is very important. This will have to be balanced with availability. Depending where you are, the materials that are easily available will vary. There are all sorts of materials that are recycled, reclaimed, and reused. Here is a list of some materials made of recycled products that you may choose when building your sustainable house:

Countertops made from Recycled Glass

Steel made from recycled metals.

Reclaimed Wood. This can be beautiful! When a contractor demolishes a building or does a renovation, they can often reuse the old wood products they salvage for other projects. There are lumber yards that specialize in purchasing and selling reclaimed wood.

Reclaimed Bricks and other masonry. Bricks, stones, and pavers can also be reclaimed and reused.

Reuse soils from the excavation for new landscaping.

Roof shingles can have recycled content.

Plastic Products with recycled content.

Drywall materials that were recycled.

Just about any product in your new home could come from recycled materials.

You can also reduce job site waste by making sure the contractor recycles the waste materials during construction.

Insulation Is Essential for Sustainable Homes

Insulation is a big one. Check out another article we wrote on spray insulation for new homes. First things first: vocabulary. R value is a term we use to rate the insulation value of a material. R value = Resistance the higher the R value the more insulation. You want to make sure that your home has a sufficient R value for your climate. There are lots of different insulation types and techniques. When we design a house we make sure to review all the options with our clients. I find it is helpful to outline the importance of insulation and the different options available.

The most important thing is to insulate your home to keep the hot air out during the summer and keep the warm air in during the winter. New Home Insulation is really important. If your area has energy codes, you need to make sure to meet at least the minimum standards for insulation. At our firm we typically surpass the code insulation standards when building a green or sustainable home. Good insulation is one of the most important energy efficient house ideas to implement. Heating and air conditioning is the largest percentage of energy use and your energy bill. The better insulation you have, the less energy you will use.

Air Sealing for Energy Efficient Home Design

Air sealing, also known as draft stopping, goes with insulation. This is one of the lesser known energy efficient home design ideas, and one that people often forget about. Air sealing prevents air from leaking through your house. You want to make sure your house isn't leaking conditioned air. What is the point of all that insulation if cold air is blowing through cracks and crevices in your walls?

There needs to be sealing at all the openings and penetrations through your roofs and walls. This includes windows, doors, vents, electrical conduit, and any other holes and penetrations. These all need sufficient sealing through caulking or other methods. We often recommend closed cell spray foam insulation. It not only insulates but also expands to seal up openings, small holes, and cracks in the construction. This is one aspect that relies heavily on quality construction. Using good construction contractors is essential for building sustainable homes.

You can test a house's air sealing with a blower door test. This is an air pressure test that determines if your house is leaking air and at what rate.

Window and Door Selection For Energy Reduction

You have to use efficient windows and doors. They need to have proper weather stripping to keep out the elements. They need to close tight so as to seal the opening. The type of glass and material insulation value are also very important. Windows and doors are expensive, but you want to make sure they are not going to cost you more in the long run through inefficiency. Windows and doors are also a weak point for air leakage. Make sure you have proper air sealing around these areas. You don't want to buy good windows and install them with poor quality.

Double pane windows are a minimum standard as far as I am concerned, but triple pane is better.

Sustainable House Materials

We want to use materials that avoid Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC s. Examples include using low VOC paint or glues in the construction of your new home.

Use materials that can be recycled later or have already been recycled. Using local materials is a good start to sustainability. There are lots of sustainable materials in nature, for example wood, that are renewable and certified. You should also make sure that the materials you choose are durable! It is not sustainable to replace materials every few years.

Energy Star Appliances & Equipment

Using energy efficient appliances and equipment is the easiest of these energy efficient home ideas to achieve. As a minimum requirement, use Energy Star rated appliances. I am writing this article on an Energy Star rated computer monitor. Did you know you can get an Energy Star TV? Your kitchen appliances can use a good amount of energy, so look out for those Energy Star labels. Your heating, AC units, and water heaters should all be Energy Star rated.

LED Lighting For Energy Efficient Home Design

LED lights are becoming more and more common as an energy efficient home design feature. In our projects they are standard. All of our clients want LED lights. They are going to reduce your energy cost (they use less power) and you will not need to change the bulbs for many years. They might be a little more costly upfront, but think of the savings on electricity and less frequent changing of the bulbs! Energy efficient lighting is an easy addition to a sustainable house.

By the way, LED stands for Light Emitting Diode: these are the best option for energy efficient lighting and energy efficient house designs.

Water Conserving Plumbing Fixtures

Toilets and other plumbing fixtures are not the same as they used to be. They make dual flush toilets where you can choose a lower or higher flush rate as needed. All your plumbing fixtures can have reduced or Low-flow water usage, including faucets and shower heads. These fixtures are becoming very popular. You will have no trouble finding plumbing fixtures that use water at lower flow rates. There is no need to be wasteful.

Efficient HVAC Design for a Sustainable House

HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning.

Your Heat and AC will typically be the largest source of energy consumption in your home. You will want to use an efficient and well-designed system. HVAC is a huge portion of your energy consumption and, therefore, product and system selection is critical for energy efficient home design. Here are a few options that can help:

Smart Thermostat: One of easiest Sustainable Home tips to implement is using smart thermostats. A smart thermostat can reduce your energy consumption by learning your patterns and optimizing around your comfort level.

Zones: I am a big fan of zones. Did you ever live with someone who likes it hot when you want it cooler? If you break the house into zones, you can set independent temperatures by room. Also, you do not need to run the HVAC in rooms that are not often used, like the basement or laundry room.

Efficient Equipment: However you design the system, make sure the equipment is energy efficient and properly installed.

Mini-split units: Mini split heating and air conditioning units are incredibly popular right now because of their efficiency and ability to control a home in separate zones. These systems have a condenser outside the house and at least 1 unit in each room inside the house. To learn more about ductless mini splits and their energy saving advantages, look at the Department Of Energy mini splits energy saving information.

Check out another post we have explaining What Ductless Mini Splits are.

Recycle Your Energy With An ERV

Did you know you can recycle your energy?

Install an ERV or Energy Recovery Ventilator. If you have exhaust fans and ducts in your home, for example in your bathroom, the ERV can use the heat from the exhaust to preheat or precool the air being brought into your home. Preheat the air in the winter or precool the air in the summer with an ERV to reduce energy usage on your HVAC. Don't worry: it doesn't actually mix the exhaust air with the new air! It just uses the heat from the exhaust.

Rain Water Collection

Why let all that rain water go to waste? Install roof gutters and downspouts that direct the water to a tank for reuse. This water can be used to flush your toilets or water the garden. Rain water (depending on your area) can even be used for drinking if you filter and purify it. The most typical use of rainwater collection is for gardening / irrigation. You can use a concrete underground detention tank to store the water with a pump to circulate the water. Sustainable homes need a smart manner of dealing with water.

Renewable Energy for Sustainable Homes

Renewable energy is a hot topic these days for sustainability. Power source is very important when designing a sustainable house. Here are a couple options.

Photovoltaic Panels: Install Photovoltaic or Solar Panels to generate energy from the Sun. These store power in batteries so you can have electricity at night as well. Large trees blocking the sun may cause a problem for solar panels. The orientation of the house is also important. Make sure a professional determines if your location makes sense. In certain areas surplus energy can be sold back to your local energy source.

Windmills: Consider installing a small windmill if appropriate. See if your local energy source has wind power or other renewables available.

Geothermal Heat: Although the ground can be frozen in the winter, the soil deep below is warm. Use the Earth's heat to heat your home!

Solar Hot Water or Tankless Hot Water

Solar hot water is a system for heating water using the Sun. It can be installed on your roof and can heat your water. There are two basic types of solar water heating. Active system uses pumps, and passive system does not. This will reduce your energy expense and is a great feature for energy efficient house designs.

If you opt out of solar hot water, another option is to use tankless water heaters or instant hot water. These use less energy and they heat up instantly, so you do not need to let the water run until it gets hot when you get in the shower.

Intelligent Planting for a Sustainable House

This is my biggest pet peeve. People plant vegetation that does not belong in their climate or land type, which then require lots of water and maintenance. Don't do that! Green living requires planting the right types of plants in the right locations. Sustainable homes need sustainable landscapes and planting. You want to minimize maintenance and use of water.

Smart Planting: Use plant species that are native to your area or that are known to thrive in your climate. Make sure these plants can survive with minimal maintenance and watering.

Vegetable Garden: Try planting a vegetable garden. Growing your own organic food is very sustainable and can be a fun hobby. Make sure to plant fruits and vegetables that will thrive in your location. Use the rain water you collect from your roof drainage to water your garden.

Build To Last For Sustainable Homes

Build To Last! I can not emphasize this enough. If you want to build a sustainable house, you need to build it to last. Durability is essential for sustainable homes. If your house constantly needs repairs, that is not sustainable. If your roof needs to be redone every 6 years, that is not sustainable. Build your home to last! The craftsmanship should be such that it will survive time and hardship. Build with materials that require little maintenance. Build with intelligence. If you are in an area prone to hurricanes and you build a deck with recycled wood, it is not sustainable if the deck gets torn down in a hurricane. I am not saying not to build the deck, but build it with proper hurricane ties and strapping and use wood that can handle the elements. We rebuilt several houses in NY after Sandy, but we built concrete houses so that they could withstand the next one. Build a home suitable to your climate and environmental needs and build it well.

Take care of your home when you are living in it and build your house so it takes care of you. Sustainable house design cannot be achieved without thinking of construction quality and techniques for a long lasting home. Using durable materials and construction techniques is essential.

Build Something You Love

The most sustainable thing one can do in construction is build something you love. Build a home that you will love, build a home that your children will love. When people love their homes, they take care of them and they don't change them. Do not build a new home just to renovate your kitchen in five years. Build a home with which you are happy. Build a home of which you are proud.
It's your home! Build a house that makes you happy.
Don't forget, build a home that has as small an impact on our planet as possible. Build a sustainable house by starting with the right sustainable house design plan. Sustainable homes benefit our environment and their owners.

Bonus Sustainability Tip: Passive House

You should also consider looking into Passive House Design for sustainability and energy efficiency. The diagram below illustrates some basic concepts of Passive House. If you want to learn more, you can see another post we wrote explaining the five key principles of Passive House Design.

Sustainable House

As an architect I study home design and sustainability, but these are extensive topics. In this article we reviewed some basic ideas for building a sustainable house. This post does not assume to cover every possible issue or condition, but rather to provide a general overview of the topic.

Thank You for reading our blog post about Sustainable Home Design Ideas

I hope this article helps you understand a little more about how to build a sustainable home. Please contact us directly if you want to speak with an architect about a specific project.
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21 Sustainable House Design Ideas · Fontan Architecture

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A sustainable house is a home that has the least possible negative impact on our environment. This means energy efficiency, avoiding environmental toxins, and using materials and resources in a responsible manner while having a positive physical and psychological impact on its inhabitants. What we build matters, and so does how we build it.

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21 Sustainable House Design Ideas · Fontan Architecture

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Sustainable Materials

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Eco-Friendly And Sustainable Building Materials | Ecoliv

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Using sustainable building materials is key to creating an environmentally friendly home. Discover 8 green building materials we love and trust at Ecoliv.

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Examples of Eco-friendly houses

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10 Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Houses | Green Building Design

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Sustainable Living

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Sustainable living is trying to live in a way that reduces, or lessens, our use of the Earth's natural resources. This means using less water, electricity, fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, and timber products.

Using renewable forms of energy is part of sustainable living.

It means recycling materials such as paper, glass, alluminium, metal, plastic and stone.

It means using recycled materials whenever we can.

It means buying food that is seasonal and produced locally, therefore reducing the need for products to be transported long distances. (Transportation uses energy from fossil fuels.)

It means eating less meat. Meat production uses lots of water and food (feed for animals) and causes soil erosion and other damage to the land.

What people can do

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Sustainable living is trying to live in a way that reduces, or lessens, our use of the Earth's natural resources. This means using less water, electricity, fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, and timber products. Using renewable forms of energy is part of sustainable living.

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Inclusions for an eco-house

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The truth is that sustainable homes of the future will come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Some are the nature-loving cabins we've described above - but some are actually innovative, stylish, technologically-advanced city homes.

Are you thinking about building your own eco-house, or just interested to learn more about eco-friendly housing of the future? Keep reading, for ideas and inspiration to get you started.

What is an 'eco' house?

An eco-house is just what it sounds like: it's an environmentally-friendly house that's designed to have very little impact on our planet.

Why's that important? Because burning fossil fuels to power and heat our homes is one of the leading causes of climate change. Eco-friendly homes are all about using renewable energy sources, being energy-efficient, and using natural materials. Keep reading, to find out more about how to make a home that's truly sustainable.

Key elements of an eco house: what makes a home eco-friendly?

What does your ideal home look like: sleek city apartment, or vast farmhouse in the countryside? Eco-houses can vary widely in looks. But when it comes to making a house more environmentally-friendly, there are many different features to consider.

Broadly speaking, there are 3 key elements to most eco-friendly houses.

Renewable energy

A renewable electricity supply is vital for an eco-friendly home. You might choose to sign up to a green energy supplier like OVO, so your home gets 100% GreenPower, from sources like wind, sunshine, and tidal energy.

Some eco houses might even generate their own electricity. The most popular way of doing this is via solar panels on a north-facing roof. Solar panels can be pricey, but the savings you could make in the long run are huge - both in terms of carbon and cash! If you have lots of unobstructed land, you could also install your own domestic wind turbine.

Smart tech can also make home greener. Smart meters and smart thermostats give homeowners clever tools to track their energy use, and make savings.

Insulation

Another key consideration when building an eco-house is energy-efficiency. As well as using green electricity, it's important to make sure that none of that power is being wasted.

How? By getting rid of draughts and leaks! Eco-houses hold onto heat better - and insulation, airtightness, and double or triple glazed windows all play a big part in sustainable designs.

The best examples of this approach are Passive Houses. Invented in southwest Germany, Passive House (or Passivhaus) design is all about creating an airtight, super-insulated house that naturally regulates its own temperature - so you don't even need a conventional boiler or heating system!

Sustainable materials

Of course, a truly eco-friendly house is one that's built from sustainably sourced and natural materials.

Wood and lime are commonly used to build the timber frames of eco-houses. The best option is to use reclaimed or recycled materials, because creating something new from scratch takes much more energy 3 .

Straw bales are often used in eco-house building, as they're brilliant for insulation. Bamboo is also great. Unlike trees, which can take decades to mature, bamboo is plentiful, and it grows quickly 4 .

Benefits of eco houses: why do we need more eco-friendly homes?

Of course, the biggest benefit of an eco-friendly house is in lowering your environmental impact and carbon footprint.

But there are lots of secondary advantages to eco-houses, too - such as:

Lower energy bills

Less maintenance work (if you have a Passive House!)

Better air quality

Innovative design

Reduced strain on local resources

Higher property value

How do you build an eco-friendly house?

So, now you know how to cut down the carbon footprint of a new home, perhaps you're ready to get building your own eco-house. But where should you start?

Before you pick up your blueprint paper and get started on your eco-house design, the first step is to give some careful thought to these 6 questions.

Do you really need to build a new house? This is perhaps the most crucial question of all. Rather than building a brand new eco-house from scratch, it's always more sustainable to refurbish an older building, to make it more environmentally-friendly. If that's not an option, perhaps you can use recycled materials, or other elements of an older building, so the carbon footprint of your project is smaller.

How big will your house be? The less space you can take up, and the fewer materials you can get by with, the better for the planet 5 !

Where will you build the house? Choosing the right site is important when you're building an eco-house. So pick somewhere with plenty of daylight - which is better for solar panels - and also for giving natural warmth.

What kind of heating system will you use? Low-carbon heating systems like air source heat pumps are best. A self-heating Passive House is even better!

How will you power the house? Remember, home energy accounts for 26% of your total carbon footprint 6 . Choosing a green energy supplier, or installing your own electricity generator (such as solar panels), is a crucial part of establishing your eco lifestyle.

What materials will you use to build it? Recycled or reclaimed materials should be your first port of call. Natural materials like wood and bamboo may also feature heavily. (Read more about recycled materials, and why recycling is important, in our practical guide.)

How much does it cost to build an eco-friendly house?

The cost of your eco-friendly home will depend on lots of different factors - including its size, locations, and whether you're starting from scratch or updating an old property.

How to make your home more eco-friendly on a budget

If you're not up for building an eco-home from scratch, simple home improvements can make your existing home more sustainable on a tight budget. Here are some eco-friendly home ideas to get you started:

Draught-proofing. Did you know that you could save around £20 a year on energy bills, just by draught-proofing your windows and doors 7 ?

Get a smart meter. These clever little meters help you to save energy by showing you exactly how much you're using, and where it's all going.

Get a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can also help you to cut your heating bills, by up to 31% 8 . Use the app-based controls to turn the heating off when you're not at home, and adjust your temperatures according to the weather forecast. Never waste any energy on heating again!

Switch energy supplier. By switching to OVO , you can be sure that you're powering your home with 100% GreenPower energy with our Green Add-on.

10 amazing eco-friendly houses

The classic eco-conscious slogan "reduce, reuse, recycle" tells us that we should always try to make do with what we have, rather than consuming new things. So draught-proofing, insulating, and updating your current house is the best route when it comes to eco-friendly living.

Still - that needn't stop you fantasising about zero carbon homes. Here are 10 eco-friendly house designs we can't stop dreaming about!

1. A zero-bills house in Kent

Photo credit: Alison Hammond / https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/efficient-self-build-german-design/

This German-inspired, £1.5million home was designed to create zero utility bills. That's right: no bills at all. How? Via top-notch insulation, solar panels, and a home energy storage system.

2. The Meera Sky Garden House, Singapore

Photo credit: Patrick Bingham-Hall / https://www.ignant.com/2012/11/09/meera-sky-garden-house/

This amazing eco-friendly home makes use of a green roof, with gardens on every level. Not only does it look beautiful, it's also designed to have plenty of natural ventilation, so there's no need for air-conditioning.

3. An angular Canadian abode

Photo credit: Tom Arban Photography / https://inhabitat.com/ian-macdonalds-meadow-house-melts-into-the-canadian-landscape/

The Meadow House in Ontario is the work of architect Ian Macdonald. With its low profile, it's protected from strong winds, and other extreme weather.

4. The most futuristic street in Leeds

Photo credit: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/pioneering-eco-homes-launched-sale-citus-leeds-south-bank-site-1766832

Closer to home, there are 60 low-energy homes on this innovative street in the north of England, each one using up to 10 times less energy than a typical house.

5. The compact, convenient Ecocapsule

Photo credit: https://www.ecocapsule.sk/

6. Is it a bridge? Is it a house?

Photo credit: Max Pritchard Architect / https://www.archdaily.com/27470/bridge-house-max-pritchard-architect

7. This community house in Vietnam

Photo credit: https://www.archdaily.com/102639/suoi-re-village-community-house-ki-percent-e1-percent-ba-percent-bfn-vi-percent-e1-percent-bb-percent-87t

8. Going underground in Switzerland

Photo credit: https://inhabitat.com/a-luxury-swiss-villa-nestled-beneath-the-earth/

9. An affordable apartment complex in West Hollywood

Photo credit: Patrick Tighe Architecture / https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/sierra-bonita-housing

10. A Passive House in the English countryside

Photo: Kenny Forrester / https://www.archdaily.com/784191/pond-house-forresterarchitects

This home in Stalham Staithe, Norfolk , was designed and built with Passive House principles at its core. It's not only a spacious, beautiful house, but it's also fully sustainable.

Sources and references

2 https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/could-you-generate-your-own-energy/

3 http://www.thelivingvillagetrust.com/what-is-an-eco-house/

4 https://broadsword-group.co.uk/the-importance-of-eco-friendly-materials/

5 https://ecobnb.com/blog/2020/06/building-eco-friendly-house/

6 Based on analysis carried out by the Carbon Trust for OVO Group (2019), 26% of an average individual's carbon footprint in the UK comes from energy. In this analysis, the carbon footprint includes the following lifestyle categories: energy, transport, shopping, food and drink and holidays. See table for each category. This excludes emissions from things that the average person cannot directly control such as supporting the NHS, defence, government bodies, etc.

7 Based on a typical gas-fuelled property in England, Scotland or Wales, calculated by Energy Saving Trust https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/draught-proofing/

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How to build an eco-house: 10 amazing eco-friendly home designs to inspire you

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If you picture an eco-friendly house, what do you see? Perhaps an old-fashioned cabin in the woods, or a tiny, grass-covered house nestled into the landscape? The truth is that sustainable homes of...