What Makes A Sustainable Home? 5 Eco-Friendly Features To Consider by MyProperty

As we realize that our actions heavily affect our natural environment, choosing a sustainable lifestyle becomes essential. Of course, helping our environment heal doesn’t happen overnight. Still, we have to develop environment-conscious habits or routines that will allow us and future generations to enjoy the best of our planet. These changes have to start at home.

Opting for a green lifestyle means building our homes with sustainability in mind. Suppose you already plan to buy your dream home. Consider adding these five eco-friendly features to create a sustainable sanctuary for you and your family.  

More Natural Light And Air

A well-illuminated home feels more inviting and relaxing. Maximizing natural light means less need for artificial lighting and less electricity use. One way you can do this is by installing clerestory windows close to your home’s ceiling. These window features allow more sunshine and natural air to come inside without compromising your privacy.

Smart, Hi-tech Gadgets

Internet-powered devices don’t just make our lives more convenient, but they also help us reduce our electricity consumption. For instance, smart lighting features automatically turn on whenever you’re home and off when you go outside. Smart window coverings also respond to the environment by regulating temperature and lighting. 

 

Other hi-tech devices you must consider are self-cleaning handles and switches, robotic vacuum cleaners, and air purification systems. These gadgets clean and sanitize your home from harmful viruses and bacteria. Plus, they are also designed with sustainability features, so you won’t have to worry about negatively affecting the environment.

Locally-Sourced Materials

For furniture and decor, explore the nearby furniture shops to your home for less-hassle transportation of your goods. Look for sustainable construction materials, such as narra, mahogany, and other timber suitable for furniture and decor. Alternatively, you can get bamboo items as the tall grass grows quickly and more affordable than the other trees. Plus, they are also durable and mimic the look of timber furniture and flooring. 

 

Besides wood, recycled steel is another eco-friendly material you can use for remodeling projects. Let’s say you are buying a foreclosed home and plan to renovate it. You may reuse the steel already in the structure, beams, and rafters of the house. Incorporate new steel if you want to strengthen the foundation of your remodeled home.

Rainwater Harvesting System

Rain is a precious source of water. Having a rainwater catchment system means you’ll have stored water to supply your home during drought seasons or water interruptions. You’ll cut down on your water bills, depending on how much you’re able to store.

 

Before you install your rain harvesting system, consider the size of your water tank. While bigger isn’t always better, your tank should correspond to the number of people in your home using water. You’ll also have to consider the average rainfall in your area to assess which size can hold the most water.

Solar Panels

With most households depending on electricity to run, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions also increases. These emissions contribute to pollution and the thinning of the ozone layer, resulting in bizarre weather changes. Go for cleaner energy sources, such as solar panels to reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Solar panels may be a hefty investment. However, the massive savings you get in the long run make solar panels worthwhile assets. You’ll enjoy up to a 40-percent discount on your monthly energy bill. This renewable energy source is the most cost-effective option if you live in a larger house, such as farmhouses or beach villas. The panels also add an aesthetic touch to your roof and windows.

 

As a whole, sustainable living and eco-friendly choices start at home. Build your dream home to be eco-friendly, comfortable, and stylish with these five sustainable features.

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