“What’s the use of a fine house if you have an intolerable planet to put it on” -Henry David.
The environment is a humanity equalizer. We come together with a mutual interest, to share the earth’s available resources. However, human activity has led to continuous earth depletion. This has led to the harmful effects of the environment.
Therefore, we should all take care of our surroundings. When it comes to construction, employing Eco-friendly tips is necessary. Utilizing efficient resources and procedures that will limit the environmental hazards is what the planet needs.
This may sound technical but it isn’t. You only need to change a few things and invest little more on sustainable environmental resources.
Eco-friendly tips for building construction
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Install solar energy
Most people consider the use of solar energy an expensive investment. However, in a span of 10 years, you will have received your money back from energy savings. You will have also contributed to environmental safety.
While most parts of the world use fossil fuel for energy needs, it gravely affects the ecosystem.
One of the major effects is global warming. Other effects include massive emission of carbon dioxide and climatic changes. These effects threaten not only the core of the planet but also humanity.
In fact, fossil fuel overuse has seen a massive depletion over the years. This has led to solar power popularity. Solar power is a renewable source of energy and eco-friendly for it doesn’t emit harmful chemicals. Apart from the initial investment, it’s a cheaper option.
You could also decide to invest in green products. This will reduce the energy consumption in form of cooling, heating and lighting. Reducing energy consumption means saving on cost while you save our environment.
Always remember to seek advice from the professional if you want to install the solar energy.
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Use eco-friendly materials to build
Most buildings have their foundation done using the concrete. The constructors work for hours on the concrete and this may take a toll on their bodies. It affects their feet more. A good construction company should invest in the best work boots for concrete to offer human safety.
Note that, although people build using concrete it’s not an Eco-friendly material because it heavily emits carbon. Whether you are making the concrete, using it for construction or disposing it off, concrete is hazardous to the environment.
Sourcing the raw materials for the production of concrete require the use of energy and water. The same applies to the sand and fly ash quarrying. The whole process is destructive. Instead of concrete, use honeycomb blocks as they are light.
If you aim at being part of the environmental safety campaign, use natural, non-toxic and sustainable resources for your building. Even the paint you use, building materials, insulation items, solvents and adhesives.
For all the gadgets in your house, buy the energy star appliances. Choose the fridge, dishwasher and other electronic devices that meet the energy star rated label. They may be expensive but worth it in the long run.
In short, take care of both your environment and your life. You do this when you go for all the healthier options available.
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Earth sheltered home
This refers to the use of earth to shelter your house. At some point, you may use the earth on the walls. The method reduces the heating or cooling of your indoors.
The system literary maintains a constant temperature. Thus, your house needs no AC or heaters since they consume a lot of energy leading to earth depletion. The earth sheltered house is a natural way of home insulation.
Today, earth sheltering is more popular, though, it existed in the olden days. You will find these homes in the hillside. The common instance is the houses with inbuilt earth.
There’s a major concern however when it comes to building these houses. People fear living with worms.
But, you don’t have to worry about this, especially when your architect designs the house. The designer will cater to your concerns by building the house above ground or below it. This means the house utilizes the soil energy or plant energy around its ecosystem.
Constructing such houses is easy and they also utilize the natural resources.
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Eco-friendly insulation methods
Keeping the summer days cool and winter days warmer is every human’s wish. Regardless of where the houses are. This reduces the need to use heating and cooling items.
The traditional insulation (use of AC and heaters) methods work but they aren’t Eco-friendly. You may use the Eco-friendly options below when building for insulation purposes.
- Aerogel: the material comprises of air and to make it, you reduce the liquid from silica.
- Sheep’s wool: you are probably familiar with the use of wool in your clothes to keep you warm. Similarly, it keeps your house warm or cool.
- Denim: this is a cotton plant that is renewable and natural.
- Cellulose: you use 85% recycled newsprint to make the Eco-friendly material.
- Spray foam units: it’s a form of insulation that makes the building air-tight and gap-free. You should, however, invest in their proper alignment for proper insulation.
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Consider water saving
Water wastage is another form of depleting natural resources. When building, always use water fixtures that either minimize the use of water or stop the leakages. Only buy Eco-friendly fixtures since they will offer you sustainability.
Moreover, install a rainwater harvesting system. You can install proper rain barrels that will channel the rainwater into the tanks. This water is best used in your toilets, for cleaning and gardening. Additionally, use the tankless water heaters.
They save energy because they only heat the water you need at that moment. The water passes through the coil that heats it. Now, this method eliminates excess heat generation that would aid global warming.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly investment isn’t always expensive yet it greatly affects our livelihood. When building, focus on energy saving technique and reduce the waste of water. Additionally, ensure you use non-toxic materials as well as recycling and reusing the resources to reduce waste.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sophie Elise is a passionate cyclist, author, and blogger. She is very passionate about writing on different types of women’s bikes, accessories, health, fitness and more. She regularly writes on sportsly.net
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