Green (Earth Friendly) Homebuilding Ideas
In front of the public conscious is the idea that we need to move towards environmentally friendly designs for transportation, agriculture, and office and residential dwellings. In the past, materials were cheap and resources were plentiful. There was also a plausible ignorance of our impact upon the planet; a luxury we can no longer claim.
Alternatives to the exploitation of the land were too expensive to pursue with any sincerity. But now the tide is beginning to change. While alternative solutions are only incrementally cheaper, the primary resources are becoming scarcer, thereby driving up prices. Now there is a potential for economic parity plus a societal will power to make this positive and responsible change.
Wood, one of the most common building materials is becoming cost prohibitive. Already (and for years), builders have turned to composite wood fiber products that are cheaper and far more durable than the original material. This is the first step towards recycling existing materials. Recycling alone will accomplish much of our goal to protecting and preserving our resources.
Solar power has long been an expensive and unreliable method of generating electricity. There are some new discoveries that promise exciting potential to both reduce costs and increase efficiency. While solar may still be years away from effectively generating electricity, it has come into its own for heating water and reflective lighting in enclosed spaces. Both applications will go a long way in reducing gas and electrical consumption.
A technique that is thousands of years old is making a clever comeback. Collection of rainwater through gutters and grading of the land reduces storm water runoff to our public systems. The water is collected and stored in cisterns dug into the ground. The water is then channeled for outdoor use such as washing cars, watering lawns and landscaping. Treated water is not necessary for these activities and this alternative will reduce strain upon the public water recycling system.
New insulating materials are also reducing the demand for power. Better insulation, tighter building specifications, moisture controlling barriers, and insulated windows are all contributing to the efficiency of new construction and renovations.
Do some homework before building or purchasing your next home. The benefits of going green are becoming more evident with each passing year. We can do something about our environment and we have a responsibility as good tenants to make this change.
