Benefits of Living in Eco Houses, and Tips to Build One
The ongoing population explosion has given rise to an unprecedented demand for natural resources, threatening their availability for future generations. Hence, sustainable living is the need of the hour for resource conservation. Building an eco house is one way of contributing toward sustainability. An eco house is designed using sustainable materials and technology to reduce its environmental impact. Here is some information on the benefits of eco houses, together with some tips for building one:
Benefits of living in an eco house
– Excellent thermal insulation Thermal insulation refers to the reduction of heat transfer between solid objects, gasses, or fluids due to the development of a barrier between them.
This process helps prevent heat loss and ensures energy efficiency over a period of time. Eco houses ensure thermal insulation by leveraging efficient insulation materials, such as thermafleece – made of wool – and warmcel, made of recycled newspaper. Eco houses may also leverage insulation techniques such as reflective insulation, made by laminating aluminum foil on plastic or paper, and bulk insulation, which involves trapping air pockets and blocking heat transfer.
– Low maintenance and energy costs Sustainable products are often durable, requiring less maintenance over the years. They also facilitate a new and polished look to one’s home, even with the passage of time.
Moreover, these products ensure maximum energy efficiency, considerably reducing one’s electricity bills.
– Value appreciation over time With increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability, eco houses are gaining widespread popularity. Thus, their value is likely to be appreciated with time, causing homeowners to earn significantly high profits upon selling them off. Hence, it may be viewed as a lucrative long-term real-estate investment.
– Use of thermal mass for increased comfort An eco house that utilizes thermal mass increases comfort levels and reduces energy consumption. It also regulates internal temperatures by neutralizing extreme temperatures during the day and night.
– Enhanced air quality inside the home The house is not only beneficial for its surroundings but also its internal space. Eco houses ensure enhanced air quality and ventilation inside the home, preventing respiratory problems and ensuring the overall health and well-being of inhabitants.
– A step toward saving water Green buildings and houses often derive water through alternative methods like rainwater harvesting, which reduces water waste generated through installing plumbing fixtures. This reduces the pressure exerted on natural water sources to supply water, facilitating resource conservation.
– Lower carbon footprints Reducing the earth’s carbon footprint is the responsibility of every individual for a sustainable future. Eco houses play an integral role in reducing overall carbon-dioxide emissions.
Tips for establishing an eco house
– Utilize renewable sources of energy Renewable energy sources are those that do not use tangible natural resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, to generate electricity. Solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectricity are examples of renewable energy. While establishing an eco house, one should try to harness energy through renewable fuel sources to facilitate an energy-efficient home.
– Use naturally sourced materials Natural materials like wood, bamboo, cob, adobe, and stone are eco-friendly and durable and are better alternatives to the conventional materials used to build a home. Hence, it is advisable to design an eco house using these natural products.
– Consider water conservation methods and alternative water sources As mentioned earlier, water conservation methods like rainwater harvesting reduce the pressure on natural water bodies to supply water, contributing to resource conservation. Reclaimed wastewater, rainwater harvested from rooftops, greywater, and captured condensate are other alternative, unconventional means of procuring safe, clean water while practicing water conservation in eco houses.
– Design the house based on its natural setting The best eco houses are the ones that blend perfectly with their surrounding landscapes. For example, an eco house ensconced in greenery may entail a green rooftop and an ebony-painted surface to camouflage with the greenery around. Such ideas can help integrate aesthetics with utility.
– Install double-glazed windows It has been found that double-glazed windows reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 680 kg annually. These windows also ensure optimal insulation, protecting against cold weather conditions and offering resilience against storms and heavy rains. Thus, it is a good idea to install double-glazed windows while establishing an eco house.
– Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs LED light bulbs are excellent alternatives to regular light bulbs, helping reduce electricity bills and facilitating optimal resource conservation while ensuring brightness and durability. One may also opt for other alternatives like CFL bulbs in eco homes.
– Track energy consumption A smart meter is an effective device for tracking energy consumption. Installing one in the house can help identify which appliances consume the most energy and find more sustainable and affordable alternatives.
– Prepare compost using biodegradable waste A house typically generates a massive chunk of biodegradable waste daily, including fruit and vegetable peels, old newspapers and other paper products, food waste, withered leaves and flowers, and grass clippings. These waste products may be decomposed in soil to create compost, which may be used to balance soil density and create a hospitable environment for plant growth. It helps to reserve a dedicated space in one’s garden to collect such biodegradable waste and prepare compost when establishing an eco house.
Using environment-friendly materials and methods can help facilitate a cheap yet durable eco house. The best eco house deals integrate design and functionality features to establish a green environment and overall wel-lbeing.
