Eco-Friendly Home

Green building design process grows out of a connection with natural landscape. A set of informed decisions that consider the site and materials to reduce cost, maintenance and energy usage Green homes are healthier, safer, and more comfortable and cost less to operate. They connect people to the land and community around them. The following are seven green building ideas:

Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design for natural heating and cooling is in practice the world over. As energy costs rise, it is critical to use building orientation, window placement, stone floors, reflective barriers and other technologies to control natural solar energy. Some tips to passive solar design.

In warm climates, face the broad side of the home to the north or south to avoid excessive heat gain as the sun rises and drops in the horizon. Use deep overhangs and solar sunscreens to shield glass areas from direct sun. Avoid sky heights or greenhouse rooms as they allow too much heat gain.

In colder climates, solar heat can be captured or stored in materials such as concrete or stone to be slowly released during the evening.

An open floor plan optimizes the effect of passive solar heating / cooling.

Doors and windows should be placed to catch the prevailing breeze and allow cross ventilation.

Lower inflow and higher outflow windows keep air moving as hot air rises.

Double glass panes provide an insulating air space between the panes reducing heat transfer.

Ventilate Attic Space

In hot climate, attic spaces can accumulate heat, transferring it to living room below. AC ducts located in the attic will absorb the heat.

In cold climates, moisture can accumulate in unventilated attic spaces

Lighter color of roof materials absorb less heat

High insulation in attic and exterior walls is crucial for comfortable indoor temperature.

Optimize Heating / AC Systems

An oversized system will cool too quickly and leave the room clammy. Smaller systems run long enough, reach the desired temperature and clear the air of humidity

A smaller system lasts longer, doesn?t cycle on and a off frequently and costs less to purchase.

Check for leakage in duct, around windows, doors and electric outlets

Use programmable thermostats to regulate energy usage

Reduce Water Needs

Native landscaping suited to the rainfall in your area is fundamental to building green spaces

Water previous materials like crushed granite, open paving blocks as they allow water to percolate in the ground

Rainwater catchments use RWP and gutters to catch and store water that falls on roof and terrace.

Front loading washing machines use less energy and water

Low flow toilets and shower heads reduce water usage

Use Renewable and Recyclable Materials

Use locally produced and easily renewed materials wherever possible

Consider alternative building materials such as rammed earth, straw bales or structural insulated panels

Concrete floors utilize the foundation materials as finish floors, saving material and labor costs

Recycled wood floors are very attractive flooring materials

Bamboo floors are made from a rapidly renewable resource, as bamboo can grow several feet per day

Hard surface floors do not hold dust, moulds or allergens and are very durable

Site Safeguarding

Trees, vegetation and bird habitats on site should be protected during building construction

Reduce impact to the building site as much as possible

Dispose construction waste properly. Do not bury them on site

Native trees, grasses and rocks can be incorporated into landscaping design or as natural drainage

Use of Safe Materials

Look out for green labels on carpets and other home décor products

Use products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, water based and cold water compatible.

Avoid products containing dyes, ozone depleting chemicals (CFC), heavy metal etc.

Avoid solvent based finishes and particle boards, adhesives, fuzzy carpets and other products that release volatile chemicals into the air.

Green building is a common sense approach available to all home owners and implementation of green practice shall make the home more cost effective, enjoyable and sustainable to live in.

This article courtesy of  http://www.landscape-4u.com.
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