Green Home Guide: 5 Eco-Friendly Features to Consider in Your New Build

Whether you’ve been browsing beautiful display homes in Bellarine Peninsula, Australia, or spectacular show homes in Syracuse, New York, you’re bound to have wondered about the eco-friendly features they include. After all, you can be inspired and incorporate some of them into your future build. 

Of course, not all display homes boast the best and brightest eco-friendly features. So before your building plans get underway, take a moment to review the eco-friendly upgrades below. Some of them may pique your curiosity enough to consider them in your dream home. 

Indoor Air Quality

You might not see the air in your home, but it’s still an important consideration. Indeed, anything you do to improve the air quality can have a profound long-term effect on your health. 

Some of the best eco-friendly air quality upgrades include paints and finishes free from harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemical gases that evaporate from liquids or solids and are a significant source of indoor and outdoor pollution.

Air filtration systems to reduce allergens and green roofing materials to combat heat may also be worth learning about. When you move in, be sure to fill your kitchen with high-quality PFAS-free cookware, and you’ll really be able to breathe easy in your new space. 

Energy Efficiency 

Energy efficiency is undoubtedly one of the most important factors when planning a new build. The more energy-efficient a property is, the less it costs to own in the long term, and the more comfortable you can be.

There are many ways to prioritize energy efficiency in a new or existing home. Smart thermostats to program temperature control and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption are just a few. You can also invest in solar panels to harness renewable energy and install double or triple-glazed windows for superior insulation.  

Don’t look past eco-friendly appliances, either. Certified appliances that use less water and electricity than traditional options may take care of your wallet and the environment. 

Sustainable Materials

Building materials are widely available and mass-produced. Yet, not all building materials look after our environment. That’s where sustainable materials come in. If you’re planning a new build, look for materials that are kinder to the environment than the more traditional options.

For example, consider using reclaimed, recycled wood for your furniture, walls, and flooring. Bamboo can also be a sustainable alternative to traditional materials because it’s fast-growing and abundant. In some situations, recycled insulation materials like denim or cellulose can be worth exploring. 

Water Conservation

How you’ll receive and use water may be among the last things you think about when planning your new home, but it can be worthwhile to put some thought into. The average family spends over $1,000 annually on water, but we can all use 20% less through water-efficient fixtures and appliances. 

You may like to learn more about low-flow fixtures, such as water-saving shower heads, toilets, and faucets. There can even be value in buying rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling systems. Check if these are acceptable in your area. 

Home Design and Landscaping

It’s not just building materials and fixtures that can make all the difference in an eco-friendly house. The design of your home and how you landscape it can also contribute to its eco-friendliness.

For example, the orientation of your property can contribute to how ventilated and well-lit it is. By taking advantage of your natural surroundings, you can be less reliant on home heating and cooling systems. 

Even the plants you buy can contribute to your home’s eco-friendliness. Native plants tend to work more favorably with your local area’s climate. This may reduce water usage and maintenance. 

Planning a new build is an exciting adventure, especially when you have the opportunity to choose every material and feature to make it your dream home. While on this journey, don’t forget to consider the environment. A few simple eco-friendly features may make all the difference to your health and the future of our beautiful planet.