The average US household produces 48 metric tons of carbon footprint every year.

With food supply disruption and extreme weather conditions, it’s time to make a change in our lives.

Sustainable living can reduce the effects of greenhouse gases and save our environment.

One way to do this is through a green home building.

Are you wondering how you can create a sustainable home?

Read on to discover some great tips on green home building.

Create a Green Home Building Plan

Like any building project, creating a sustainable home starts with a plan.

It’s the first and most crucial step in a green home building because it allows you to consider your options.

Some may picture a green home as something tiny and minimal.

While these homes aren’t bad in any way, it isn’t what everyone wants.

Fortunately, green homes have many forms, and you don’t have to sacrifice your idea of a dream house.

Start by researching crucial green home features.

This involves your lighting, insulation, and utility connections.

Consider your needs, then set a realistic budget for your green home building or remodeling project.

Doing so allows you to track building progress and allow you to stay on schedule.

Determine the lifestyle you want to live. Knowing the life you want can help you design the best green architecture for your home.

Keep Your Green Home Small

A large home can have a significant environmental impact.

Using a large plot of land can make it hard to create a sustainable home because it’s so scarce.

The more people build residential buildings and roads, the more the soil degrades.

A smaller green home needs fewer materials, uses less energy, and saves space.

Further, it can inspire you to be more creative with your design to create a space-wise house.

Unlike traditional houses, a smaller home allows you to manage it in an efficient manner.

For green home building, align the design with your lifestyle.

Contact a general contractor to learn more about green architecture.

Use Sustainable Building Materials

Sustainable materials are a crucial element of a green home, but what does it mean from a green home building perspective?

A “sustainable” item must be reusable, renewable, and non-toxic.

In addition, it should be available in your local area and harvested in a sustainable manner.

Although there is no 100% sustainable material, using things that meet the criteria is better.

When looking for paint, lighting, flooring, insulation, and other fixtures, opt for recycled, renewable, and non-toxic products.

Apart from the cost, these can impact the durability, air quality, and interior surfaces.

It can also affect the type of maintenance your home will need in the future.

Prioritize Water and Energy Efficiency

Some homeowners are careless about water and energy because they are renewable resources.

Although replaceable, these resources are finite.

Nowadays, clean, drinkable water is a priceless commodity.

When building an eco-friendly home, ensure your design promotes water and energy efficiency.

Instead of using tons of utility resources, you consume them in an efficient and optimal manner.

Sustainable homes practice water efficiency by collecting rainwater and reusing gray water.

You can use them to water your plants, wash clothes, or flush the toilet.

Consider installing efficient bathroom fixtures, such as low-flow shower heads, too.

Taking advantage of the sunlight is one way to create an energy-efficient home.

When building or remodeling, you can use solar power as your native technology.

Solar panels can also reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.

Remember Your Indoor Air Quality

Air quality is something that not many homeowners think or talk about.

However, indoor air pollution is more common than you think and can increase your risk of getting sick.

Inhaling airborne allergens it carries can result in heart and respiratory diseases.

So, what affects indoor air quality?

Some materials that cause pollution can be found in our very own homes.

This includes your paint, flooring, and HVAC filtration.

Apart from allergens, these items contain toxic chemicals like VOCs and formaldehyde.

When building a green home, avoid materials with harmful chemicals or attracting allergens.

Acrylic or latex paints on your wall are much more eco-friendly than oil-based paint.

If you have an HVAC system, ensure it carries a HEPA-level filter.

Installing ceiling fans in your bathroom and laundry room can help prevent moisture that would otherwise lead to mold.

Reduce Your Waste

Poor waste management contributes to the deterioration of the environment.

Americans throw out an average of 4.9 pounds of trash every day.

As a contributor to the landfill, managing your waste is one way you can help and create a green home.

You can do this by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials.

Instead of buying single packs, purchase items in bulk to reduce packaging usage.

Glass bottles for shampoo or dish soap are also recommended, as you can always refill them.

Reuse the plastic bags by using them as trash bags.

If you have old clothes, upcycle them into tote bags or rugs.

You can put on a garage sale to sell unwanted items or donate them to your local charities.

These simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in saving the environment.

Install Energy-Efficient Appliances

Apart from using solar panels, installing energy-efficient appliances makes your home green.

Today, you have many affordable options when it comes to sustainable devices.

Some examples are tankless water heaters, coffee grinders, and air fryers.

How do these appliances make your home green?

Apart from reducing energy consumption, they lower carbon emissions.

In addition, you can save money because your utility bill decreases as you use less energy.

Everything You Need to Know About Green Home Building

Green home building is a great way to do your part as a steward of our beautiful and finite earth.

Change is possible, but the only way to achieve it is if you start today.

At 4 Gen Homes, we deliver the home renovation projects of your dreams to your doorstep.

Contact us today to learn more about eco-conscious homeownership.

Are you interested in building a green home, or renovating your current home to be more eco-friendly? We can help! As one of the top custom home builders in Paradise Valley, 4 Gen Homes has been helping homeowners with custom home designs and remodels in the valley for 20+ years. Contact us to set up a consultation. Call (602) 694-7030 today!

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