In the last decade or so, the terms ‘eco-friendly’, ‘energy-efficient’ and ‘green’ have become our compass references. It will interest you to know that real estate agents today offer an eco-rating to a home because buyers need to know where their prospective homes stand in terms of eco-friendliness (add energy-efficiency to their wishlist, too).
Use sustainable materials for your home
There is a need to choose materials that are sustainable as they offer many advantages. We are living in times when recycled materials can salvage what we have brought upon ourselves through our gross neglect. We do not care about carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions as much as we should; in fact, we are nowhere near the proposed mark. At least we can ensure that our homes stay in line with the need of sustainability.
Passive design principle and thermal endurance
While energy sustainability is still a distant shout, we can begin with choosing sustainable raw materials for our homes. It’s first and — without doubt — its greatest advantage is that it considers the healthiness and well-being of the residents. Eco-friendly materials respect the need for passive design principles and are well above their peers in terms of thermal endurance.
Long-lasting and naturally ‘efficient’
Eco-friendly building materials are durable enough to last even generations. This way, they do not put stress on our current resources. Because they understand ‘efficiency’, they are less of a burden on our energy bills.
Sustainable building materials understand the man-environment fit
I am the biggest admirer of such products because they improve the indoor air quality of a home and reduce any possible sick building syndrome. As a designer, pretty early in the day, I learnt a lot about the need for the man-environment fit. Man’s place of residence and the entire paraphernalia should respond to this ‘fit’. Recycled, sustainable building materials add to this fit, seamless blending the inhabitant and the abode.
What is your take on choosing sustainable building materials for your home?