Inclusions For A More Sustainable Home

Article by Davina Deluao

To future proof your home and enjoy a more planet-friendly way of living, it is worth considering ways in which you can make your home more sustainable and efficient. Including sustainable design in your home from the outset will allow you to see a great return on your investment. Ultimately you can feel good about leaving less of a carbon footprint while saving money on things like lower energy bills in the long run. There are many ways to make your home more sustainable and we cover some of them here in this article. 

From The Start 

It’s never too early to set your plans into motion and during the building stage, you’ll already be able to begin to make eco-friendly choices. Many builders and developers are now choosing non-toxic building materials and sourcing material locally if they can. Think about the orientation of your dwelling and include passive design principles if possible to optimise temperature, airflow and light. 

From The Inside 

It will be the space where everyone is going to spend most of their time, so it’s no surprise that you’ll be wanting the indoors of your home to be secure, look its best. A couple of options to keep it sustainable are:

1. Installing water-saving taps and shower fittings in bathrooms and kitchen
2. The amount of household waste can be lessened and put to good use by building a compost bin which in return, will help enrich your garden
3. In addition, the type of lighting you’re using can make a huge difference in conserving energy. You will be a lot safer and avoid the risk of toxic effects by simply swapping out incandescent lights for LED bulbs or fluorescent lamps and
4. Choosing environmentally friendly carpets made of wool and other natural fibres
5. Be sure to include some indoor plants in your interior design to embrace a more organic environment. Not only will it improve the whole look of the house, the greenery also serves as purifiers for better air quality.
6. Opt for appliances that have high Energy Star ratings which indicates that the manufacturer has met specific guidelines and been properly tested.

From The Outside 

With a sustainable house design, you don’t need to go above and beyond in order to make the most of your surroundings. The use of solar panels on the roof or walls can maximise the sunlight plus keep the house cool during hot days. Along with insulated walls, consider setting up double-glazed windows to keep the temperature just right and skylights for welcoming natural light. Without having to overuse the air conditioner or heater, you’ll be able to spend less on electricity costs. Rainwater tanks are also a great alternative and can reduce your water bills. It is worthwhile to take the time and select a power company that chooses renewable sources. Also, think about the landscaping of your yard if you’re lucky enough to have one. Plant for the local climate, choose natives and species that have lower water needs if you live in dry climate. 

Each home will all have a unique look and a different layout but a sustainable house design can be easily adaptable without requiring too many adjustments. Whether you’re getting started during the early stages of the build or after moving into your place, any small changes made will contribute to improving your impact on the environment. 

To explore more about sustainable new homes and other properties available, give us a call on 1200 123 284 or book a call for some free advice!