Green Building - creating an eco-friendly home
Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, it's a good time to think about its environmental impact. Here are some tips to make your home lean and green.
Home orientation
Take advantage of any northern orientation to add natural heating to your home. Provide sun-shading on the eastern, western and northern sides, and keep cross-ventilation in mind for energy efficient cooling in summer.
Insulate your home
Good insulation is essential for reducing energy use when heating and cooling your home.
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Energy efficient windows
Standard window glass provides no insulation at all. Installing double glazing or low-emissivity (Low-E) glass will save money and carbon in the long run.
Sustainable water, heating and cooling
Consider installing a rainwater tank, solar hot water system and water efficient showerheads, taps and toilets.
Now is also the time to replace any old heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers and washing machines with modern energy-efficient models.
Low VOC paint
Ensure your paint is marked 'low VOC'. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are carbon-containing chemicals that can cause air pollution and a number of health problems.
Low formaldehyde materials
Only use low formaldehyde MDF (medium density fibreboard) or particleboard. Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic substance that standard particleboard releases over time.
Sustainable timber
Make sure your timber comes from sustainable plantations, not old growth hardwood forests. Look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) logo to be sure.
Recycled building materials
Many companies sell recycled hardwood timber, which is environmentally sustainable and looks amazing in your doors and windows
Consider using recycled bricks. This works out significantly cheaper than buying new bricks and will dramatically reduce your home's eco-footprint
Eco-friendly materials
There are a variety of eco-friendly building materials out there, such as mudbrick, rammed earth, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete and strawbale. You can even buy lightweight building panels made from recycled paper!
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