The importance of sustainability – especially in regard to the way we live our everyday lives – is becoming increasingly evident. If you’re building a new home, you might want to consider ways that you can offset your carbon footprint. This means that you are making up for the carbon emissions you are producing by reducing your footprint elsewhere.
Here are a few things to consider when building a new home that will help to reduce your carbon offsets in everyday living.
Insulation
HVAC accounts for about 40% of total carbon emissions. By properly insulating your home, you will have less of a need for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. As well as insulating the walls of your home, you should consider double glazed windows and using heavy-duty curtains as an extra layer of insulation.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are a sustainable source of energy and can also help you to save money in the long run. Harness the power of the sun and reduce your carbon emissions.
Water Efficiency
Installing a water tank can help to reduce your water bill as well as increasing your home’s sustainability. Water efficient appliances – like toilets, washing machines and shower heads – will help to reduce your water consumption.
Image Source: https://www.phillymag.com/property/2016/12/16/how-passive-houses-yield-aggressive-savings/
Passive House
Passive House design can reduce a building’s carbon emissions by 90%. These houses use landscape, superinsulation, window technology, airtightness, ventilation and space heating to achieve ultimate energy efficiency.