<p>As resources become more limited, it is our responsibility to ensure that they are used prudently. One of the basic ways in which we can make a difference to society is by investing in an eco-friendly home. The demand for such homes is on the rise among many homeowners over the past few years.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Eco-friendly homes or green homes work on the principle of using energy, <br />water and building materials efficiently. Although they might prove to be expensive initially, they are cost-efficient in the long run and put less strain on the environment as well.<br /><br />Stronger foundations<br /><br />Scientific understanding of structural requirements, properties of materials, efficient engineering and construction are some of the important foundations on which green homes are built. However, when one is building it or considering to build it, one should be aware of the kind of materials, fittings and fixtures that are needed.<br /><br />By keeping these in check, you would be able to keep your home energy-efficient and eco-friendly. So, here are a few aspects that you need to keep in mind:<br /><br />* Design for natural light & ventilation: Design is one of the most important features to pay attention to while planning a home, especially a green one. While doing so, it’s important to plan for adequate natural light and cross ventilation as well. These can include large windows, wide verandahs, air channels for circulation, and thermally conducive materials. These reduce the necessity for artificial light and ventilation. Additionally, these also help in making the home look spacious and channelise natural energy.<br /><br />* Sustainable building materials: Materials that do not have high embodied energy used in its production like aluminium, reclaimed lumber like timber, and earth-based materials like mud blocks and terracotta are some of the sustainable materials that can be used to build your home. These materials reduce the adverse impact of construction on the environment. Use them conservatively and only where required. The materials must be used functionally, which creates a better aesthetic rather than just using them to create an artificial aesthetic. <br /><br />* Reduce, reuse, recycle: Reduce your need for buying new products that are not environment friendly. Reuse old materials such as wood floors, doors, windows etc in your next home. Recycle materials like glass, aluminium, tiles, and plastic to use in building the green home.<br /><br />* Install solar panels: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy. Today, solar panels are a hot technology for people who want to utilise solar power to its maximum potential. By taking advantage of solar power, you can bring down your energy consumption and supply excess energy, if any, to your utility company.<br /><br />The location of your house and the way you have constructed the solar panels can determine how much power you can collect. Although they are expensive to set up, the long-term savings you enjoy, more than make up for the initial investment. <br /><br />Over the years, you’ll see that there are numerous benefits of leading a green life. There are government grants, incentives and tax breaks available for using solar energy. This is a huge bonus to those who want to use solar power in their home.<br /><br />* Rainwater harvesting: During the construction of your home, install a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater from roofs and store it in a tank. The collected water can then be used for purposes other than drinking, such as cleaning and gardening. Rain barrels are one of the most common methods being used today.<br /><br />* Water-conserving fixtures: Faucets, toilets and showerheads that have low flow are some ways to conserve water. They can cut down on your water bills and make your home more environment friendly. Apart from that, it’s a good idea to consider buying a washing machine or dishwasher that gives you efficient cleaning, albeit using lesser water and energy.<br /><br />By taking these aspects of construction and design into account, you can build a green home that has the power to change the way you live. It is simply a means to have a lifestyle that is better for the environment and for inhabitants of the home as well. Additionally, it acts as a tool that can create environments that are responsive to climate, location and human needs. <br /><br />One step at a time<br /><br />Shelter is a basic human requirement and investing in a planet-friendly home is the need of the hour, if we wish to preserve this beautiful world for our future generations. <br /><br />A good way to begin this journey is by conserving water, driving less, consuming less energy, buying recycled products, eating locally-grown vegetables, joining environmental groups to combat air pollution, creating less waste, and planting more trees. <br /><br />It’s also possible to convert a non-green home into an eco-friendly one by taking small steps in the direction and implementing some easy-to-do green practices. You may not realise it now, but your contribution can make the planet a better place to live in.<br /><br />(The author is director, GoodEarth)</p>
<p>As resources become more limited, it is our responsibility to ensure that they are used prudently. One of the basic ways in which we can make a difference to society is by investing in an eco-friendly home. The demand for such homes is on the rise among many homeowners over the past few years.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Eco-friendly homes or green homes work on the principle of using energy, <br />water and building materials efficiently. Although they might prove to be expensive initially, they are cost-efficient in the long run and put less strain on the environment as well.<br /><br />Stronger foundations<br /><br />Scientific understanding of structural requirements, properties of materials, efficient engineering and construction are some of the important foundations on which green homes are built. However, when one is building it or considering to build it, one should be aware of the kind of materials, fittings and fixtures that are needed.<br /><br />By keeping these in check, you would be able to keep your home energy-efficient and eco-friendly. So, here are a few aspects that you need to keep in mind:<br /><br />* Design for natural light & ventilation: Design is one of the most important features to pay attention to while planning a home, especially a green one. While doing so, it’s important to plan for adequate natural light and cross ventilation as well. These can include large windows, wide verandahs, air channels for circulation, and thermally conducive materials. These reduce the necessity for artificial light and ventilation. Additionally, these also help in making the home look spacious and channelise natural energy.<br /><br />* Sustainable building materials: Materials that do not have high embodied energy used in its production like aluminium, reclaimed lumber like timber, and earth-based materials like mud blocks and terracotta are some of the sustainable materials that can be used to build your home. These materials reduce the adverse impact of construction on the environment. Use them conservatively and only where required. The materials must be used functionally, which creates a better aesthetic rather than just using them to create an artificial aesthetic. <br /><br />* Reduce, reuse, recycle: Reduce your need for buying new products that are not environment friendly. Reuse old materials such as wood floors, doors, windows etc in your next home. Recycle materials like glass, aluminium, tiles, and plastic to use in building the green home.<br /><br />* Install solar panels: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy. Today, solar panels are a hot technology for people who want to utilise solar power to its maximum potential. By taking advantage of solar power, you can bring down your energy consumption and supply excess energy, if any, to your utility company.<br /><br />The location of your house and the way you have constructed the solar panels can determine how much power you can collect. Although they are expensive to set up, the long-term savings you enjoy, more than make up for the initial investment. <br /><br />Over the years, you’ll see that there are numerous benefits of leading a green life. There are government grants, incentives and tax breaks available for using solar energy. This is a huge bonus to those who want to use solar power in their home.<br /><br />* Rainwater harvesting: During the construction of your home, install a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater from roofs and store it in a tank. The collected water can then be used for purposes other than drinking, such as cleaning and gardening. Rain barrels are one of the most common methods being used today.<br /><br />* Water-conserving fixtures: Faucets, toilets and showerheads that have low flow are some ways to conserve water. They can cut down on your water bills and make your home more environment friendly. Apart from that, it’s a good idea to consider buying a washing machine or dishwasher that gives you efficient cleaning, albeit using lesser water and energy.<br /><br />By taking these aspects of construction and design into account, you can build a green home that has the power to change the way you live. It is simply a means to have a lifestyle that is better for the environment and for inhabitants of the home as well. Additionally, it acts as a tool that can create environments that are responsive to climate, location and human needs. <br /><br />One step at a time<br /><br />Shelter is a basic human requirement and investing in a planet-friendly home is the need of the hour, if we wish to preserve this beautiful world for our future generations. <br /><br />A good way to begin this journey is by conserving water, driving less, consuming less energy, buying recycled products, eating locally-grown vegetables, joining environmental groups to combat air pollution, creating less waste, and planting more trees. <br /><br />It’s also possible to convert a non-green home into an eco-friendly one by taking small steps in the direction and implementing some easy-to-do green practices. You may not realise it now, but your contribution can make the planet a better place to live in.<br /><br />(The author is director, GoodEarth)</p>
