17 Apr How Green Homes Help Fight Climate Change
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.
As home builders, it is our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment. That’s why every Bella Home is certified green by the Florida Green Building Coalition. We utilize green building practices that reduce our effect on the environment and greatly minimize our homeowners’ carbon footprints.
Here are just a few ways that green homes are helping to fight climate change:
Natural Materials
Sustainably sourced building materials make a huge difference in how much a building’s construction affects the environment. Materials like natural stone and reclaimed wood are more eco-friendly, as they require less modification before installation and there is less energy needed to produce them. Natural materials are often higher quality and will last longer than other materials, so green homes require less 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. Green homes are often 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. Green homes also incorporate low emissivity, or “Low-E,” windows that minimize the amount of heat that enters the home through sunlight, ideal for hotter climates where frequent air conditioning is required.
Energy-Efficient Appliances & Technology
Perhaps the most important element of any green building is its energy efficiency. Green homes are often 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. Green homes also incorporate high SEER A/C units that consistently run at lower speeds, causing them to draw less energy over time and provide better temperature control.
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 takes 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, get in touch today!