7 Modern Construction Techniques for Sustainable Homes

Modern appliances and building techniques can make homes more sustainable and eco-friendly. When homeowners want to be more conscious about energy and water conservation, the first step is to learn how a new construction home can incorporate these features. Sustainable construction techniques involve how a home is built, the materials used, and the features inside the home once construction is completed. Modern technology allows homeowners to control more aspects of their home’s construction and how the home runs. The techniques in this guide can equip a new home construction with more eco-friendly features and materials.

1. Renewable Energy

One of the most significant advancements in sustainable home construction is the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. The inclusion of solar or wind power in new construction homes for sale not only promotes immediate sustainability but also reduces the reliance on non-renewable resources. When integrated into the roof or property, solar panels or wind turbines provide a consistent and eco-friendly energy source. For those looking for a more compact alternative, solar shingles offer the same benefits of solar energy storage without needing larger panels.

2. Natural Materials

Many eco-conscious homebuyers want to incorporate more sustainability into their new home’s construction materials. When materials are locally sourced, they support small businesses and families and reduce material waste larger companies produce. Repurposed materials don’t require new resources at all. Natural materials, such as timber or cob, are biodegradable and renewable. These sustainable materials may come at a higher cost, but they can help preserve the local ecosystem. Natural materials like timber and wood can also add a rustic, charming look to a home that more modern materials can’t emulate as well.

3. Water Efficiency

New homes can be constructed with water conservation in mind. Water recycling systems, such as greywater and rainwater collecting, can be built into a home’s design. Tankless water heaters can conserve energy by heating as needed instead of constantly heating a preset amount of water. A home reaches peak sustainability when it can store, collect, and filter its water. Piping and faucets should be properly installed to prevent leaks and water waste. Showers can also be equipped with water-conserving shower heads to eliminate water waste.

4. Cool Roofing

A home’s roof can deflect a lot of heat depending on the material and color. Cool roofing reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, cooling the home. A cool roof’s reflection of the sunlight can cause the air conditioning system to run less, saving energy and lowering energy bills in one fell swoop. Cool roofs can also make room temperatures more comfortable if you go without an air conditioning system.

5. Energy-Efficient Windows

Properly installed, insulated, and sealed windows can make a lot of difference in sustainability and eco-friendliness. When windows are sealed and insulated, weather leaks are blocked, helping homeowners regulate the room’s temperature. Smart windows automatically block out particular light to lower the temperature of a room while still allowing natural lighting. The natural light filter reduces the energy load of your home’s artificial lighting and air conditioning system. Smart windows also can include automated shading or tinting when less natural light is desired, or privacy is needed.

6. Energy-Saving Lighting

Modern lighting is much more efficient than traditional lighting with LED light bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy to illuminate. A new home’s lighting can also connect to wireless internet for easy automation, programming, and brightness controls, so they’re more customizable as a bonus. Artificial lighting can also be used sparingly in favor of natural lighting; adding large, energy-efficient windows can provide cost-free light sources!

7. Appliances and HVAC

Depending on the type, a new home’s appliances can use a lot less energy. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and other eco-friendly systems can significantly reduce the energy used in the home, even more so if they are programmable from a distance using smart technology.

The most essential appliance in the home is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as this uses the most energy out of all other appliances. Eco-friendly HVAC systems will use less energy and run less. Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature according to season and time of day, reducing the HVAC’s workload and saving energy bills. These systems also improve the natural air quality in the room.

Conclusion

Consider the materials, appliances, and water systems if you want an eco-friendly and sustainable new construction home. ENERGY-STAR appliances, LED lighting, and smart technology can help reduce a home’s energy input. Many elements in a home’s construction, such as roofing and windows, can be outfitted with light-filtering and cooling technology for added efficiency. The use of locally sourced biodegradable home materials like timber can enhance the visual aesthetic of the home while maintaining eco-friendliness. There are many different ways to incorporate sustainability into your home.