21 May Green Homes: A Way to Fight Climate Change
As home builders, it is our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment. With sea levels rising, ice sheets melting, and global temperatures rising, Climate Change is a serious issue the world is facing today. The world needs to start taking care of this planet before it is way too late. As an American company, we want to take this issue seriously and participate in fighting climate change. Part of our mission is to ensure all of our homes are certified green and are sustainable for years to come. We utilize green building practices that reduce our effect on the environment and greatly minimize our homeowners’ carbon footprints.
According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, U.S. residential and commercial buildings account for nearly 29% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. This means that buildings play a large role in climate change, from their initial construction to their day-to-day operations. By utilizing natural materials, Effective Insulation, Low-E Windows, and Energy-Efficient Appliances & Technology, Bella Homes builds are greener, leaving a minimal carbon footprint.
Natural Materials
Materials like natural stone and reclaimed wood are eco-friendly, as they require less modification before installation which means less energy is needed to produce them. Natural materials are often of higher quality and will last longer than other materials, so green homes require fewer repairs and renovations over time.
Effective Insulation and Low-E Windows
An effective way to reduce a home’s demand for energy and fuel is to implement proper insulation. Our green homes are insulated with open-cell spray foam, a more effective form of insulation than traditional fiberglass. The open-cell foam expands and contracts with the building over time, ensuring a long-term seal, and reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the home. Our green homes also incorporate low emissivity, or “Low-E,” windows that minimize the amount of heat that enters the home through sunlight, ideal for the Southern Florida climate where frequent air conditioning is required.
Energy-Efficient Appliances & Technology
Perhaps the most important element of building green is its energy efficiency. Our green homes are equipped with appliances that draw less electricity, reducing the homeowners’ daily energy consumption significantly. Smart home technology also plays a role in keeping the home energy efficient with advanced climate control technology and adaptive lighting. Our homes incorporate high SEER A/C units, programmable thermostats, and Control4Panels which allow less energy to be drawn over time.
Without a doubt, green homes play a large role in reducing our impact on the environment. From sustainable building methods to energy-efficient design, green homes help minimize the carbon footprint of builders and homeowners alike.
Bella Homes take our impact on the environment very seriously, and that’s why our eco-luxury homes provide custom solutions for green living. Learn more about our methods here, and if you’re interested in working together to build your own eco-friendly custom home, contact us today!