A well-designed green home construction requires consideration of several factors, which must be incorporated in the initial structuring stages. Using eco-friendly raw materials is an important management measure in the construction of green homes. This could include using high fly ash content cement instead of normal cement. Wood salvaged from old buildings and reengineered wood can be used in constructing a green home. It is best to incorporate the green features during the construction phase. This also involves installation of a drip irrigation system for landscaping instead of the usual sprinkler system. Investing in a rainwater harvesting system is yet another step toward going Green. Pathways, drive ways should be made of permeable paving so that rainwater can seep through the soil.
The use of Forest Stewardship Council (SFC) certified wood for doors, window frames and other places where wood is required also helps the green cause. Even employing no/low formaldehyde based paints for the interiors of the house helps in creating healthier living conditions. Installing solar heaters and photovoltaic panels helps conserve electricity and a lower utilities bill. Greater reflectivity of light colored roofs as against dark colored helps in reducing heat buildup in the house. Light colored roofs do not undergo as much thermal expansion as dark colored roofs and hence last longer.
Green Home construction need to also address the inside fittings of the house, both static as well as movable. In house furniture can be made from recycled wood. Various companies advertise recycled plastic furniture for the garden. Using cork or bamboo flooring instead of traditional hardwood flooring helps greening the house. Avoid using vinyl linoleum, natural linoleum is a better choice. Make sure that the ducting in the house is leak proof. Ducting leaks cause over 10% of energy losses in a house. Using low volume flush toilets and fitting flow reducers to faucets and shower heads helps cut down 40% of the water volume and nobody will even notice the difference. Use on insulation which does not contain formaldehyde helps prevent sickness. Cellulose insulation made out of recycled paper is one such good material for wall insulation.
Double paned windows with low emission are very good green concepts. The advantages of double paned windows are that they help in providing insulation as well as reduction of noise. The frames of windows should be made of wood as these provide more insulation. A piping jacket helps reduce heat loss. Use these tips to make your home truly green. Related information Green home construction ... Green home improvements ... Submit feeds ...