How to Make Your Custom Home as Green as Possible

​Individuals and families designing custom houses can build the homes of their dreams. They can personally oversee every aspect of construction, including adding environmentally conscious details and amenities. Architects and construction teams can help clients make their custom homes cleaner and more energy-efficient in several ways.

Before assessing specific green features and elements of eco-friendly construction, homebuilders should research the core principles of sustainable home design. Property owners who want to optimize sustainability while minimizing their home's carbon footprint must consider every phase of construction and every part of the house, from using environmentally friendly materials to using advanced alternative energy technologies. Incorporating sustainable building practices at every construction project step can sometimes prove challenging. Still, the result is a healthier living space for the inhabitants and the surrounding environment.

When it comes to using eco-friendly building materials, property owners should prioritize locally sourced and recycled materials. Local vendors can help with holistically designed construction projects, as it reduces fuel and carbon emissions associated with transporting the materials. Recycled materials cut down on waste and provide homes with a unique, inimitable character. Popular options include reclaimed wood, metals, bricks, stones, recycled countertops, and drywall.

Sustainable home designers must prioritize keeping warm air inside the house. Inadequate seals and other leaks lead to a greater energy demand in the winter. Energy-efficient windows and doors can greatly reduce energy loss. Examples of energy-efficient windows include double or triple-glazed windows and low-emissivity windows, while energy-efficient door options feature insulated cores and reinforced weatherstripping and seals. Similarly, custom home designers cannot afford to skimp on weak insulation. Insulation keeps homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The insulation should have a high quality and environmentally friendly rating, meaning the manufacturer did not incorporate harsh chemicals or additives in the insulation.

As construction teams set down the bones of a custom home, designers should start considering the interior spaces. Kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces should have Energy Star-rated appliances. The Energy Star tag means that an appliance has satisfied the energy efficiency standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Energy Star certification processes apply to appliances, including dishwashers, washer-dryer units, and refrigerators. These appliances require less water and energy, benefiting the planet and reducing utility bills. Custom home designers can enjoy further savings by securing rebates and incentives offered by local municipalities.

Another way to reduce water expenses involves installing a rainwater harvesting system. These systems collect natural water and store it in a container inside or near the home. The storage container features a filtration and treatment device that purifies the water for many household activities, including bathing, watering yards and gardens, and powering landscaping and water features.

These are only a few eco-friendly ideas property owners can discuss with construction professionals. Other possibilities include tankless water heat, which ranks up to 34 percent more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters, and optimized HVAC systems, many of which can operate without fuel and minimal electricity requirements.

Thomas Keehn Maryland

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