Both the construction process and the project’s final result can negatively impact the environment. However, now it is more crucial than ever to make the construction industry more environmentally friendly. Luckily, you can make buildings more sustainable by conducting some research and continuously learning about new trends and materials. By constructing the building with the environment in mind, you will provide future residents with a better quality of life and help them cut down on their bills. On top of that, you will work towards reducing the overall carbon footprint. Here are tips that will help you to make buildings more sustainable and make a positive impact on the lives of their residents.
Do Not Underestimate Insulation
Through proper insulation of walls, roofs and floors, you can minimise the amount of heat leaking out of the building during the colder months. If the property is well insulated, the residents will not use heating more than they need to. Like this, there will be fewer household emissions, which might cut their energy consumption and expenses dramatically. One of the standard insulation materials is, for instance, timber. Due to its structure and air pockets, it is an ideal material to use during the insulation stage. Timber merchants such as George Hill can offer you a variety of timber supplies and building materials that will fit the needs of your project.
Ensure That The Building Is Airtight
By ensuring that the building is airtight and there are only minimal gaps, you will help the insulation reach its maximum effectivity. When the building is airtight, there will not be much heat escaping outside. This way, it will take residents less time to make a room warm and stay at a suitable temperature for a more extended period of time. With such a precaution, residents will reduce their energy usage and expenses at the same time. However, remember that you need to include in your plans ventilation solutions so the air can circulate throughout the property.
Try To Use More Sustainable Materials
Sourcing and using more sustainable materials will reduce the CO2 emissions of your construction project and the result of your efforts at the same time. The final building will become more energy efficient and friendly to the environment. For example, try to include natural materials. Such materials have been used in the industry for a very long time and have proven effectiveness and durability. You can also try to source the material from local companies, so it does not need to travel that far. Like this, you might save on delivery fees and do something good for the environment simultaneously.
Explore How You Can Benefit From Thermal Mass
Materials such as brick or concrete will help you to create the thermal mass. This will help the construction of the building to absorb the heat from the sunshine during the day. Then, it will make the interior warmer later in the evening. You can also support the thermal mass by choosing suitable natural insulation materials. Using a thermal mass correctly can help you to make the building more energy efficient. Like this, residents will not need to use the heating as much and will save their surroundings from harmful emissions.
Let In Plenty Of Natural Light
By letting into the property plenty of natural light, residents will not need to use artificial lights too much. Good use of windows, roof lights, doorways and open spaces can help you to light up the interior. If you choose the right windows, you might even be able to capture the heat coming from the sunshine. This will improve the overall energy efficiency of the property. The building will be able to retain heat, and residents will not need to use radiators for too long. This way, you will help to make the property more sustainable, and residents will be able to save on their energy bills.
Consider Adding A Cool Roof
If the house is located in an area where the summers get very hot, adding a cooling roof to the property can help to keep residents colder during such days. Cool roofs reflect more sunlight than they absorb. This way, there is not much heat coming into the property through the roof. Such a feature can help residents to reduce their cooling bills. If there is not much heat coming inside in the first place, they will not need to use a fan or ventilation as much.
Reduce The Carbon Footprint Through Renewable Energy Systems
When building a house, you can try to think of renewable energy systems that would reduce the property’s carbon emissions and cut the residents’ energy bills at the same time. Some of the solutions you might consider are wind turbines and solar panels. However, there are many things you need to take into account before investing in such systems. For instance, if you are considering solar panels, you need to know how much sunlight the area actually gets. With renewable energy systems, the residents will be able to get electricity from natural sources and live a bit more off-grid.
Help Residents Save On Bills By Adding A Rainwater Harvesting System
Harvesting rainwater can help residents not to rely so much on the water from their water tap. The collected rainwater can be used in many ways in a household. For example, residents can use the water for watering plants or washing dishes. However, the water needs to go through the filter to be fully safe to use. After filtration, they can also use the water for bathing or consumption. Especially in areas that have plenty of rain during the year, this can prove an effective way of saving money on water bills.
Talk To Sustainability Experts When In Doubt
As you can see, making a building more sustainable does not need to be too difficult. It is all a matter of conscious choices and educating yourself on the latest developments and trends. And suppose you are ever stuck on a problem or are looking for a more creative, sustainable solution. In that case, you can always contact experts with more experience with environmentally friendly construction projects. You might be able to look at the issue from a different perspective and come up with a solution you have not thought of before.