All over Australia, people are striving to reduce their carbon footprint. It has now become part of our daily lives. We think about it in the things we buy, what we eat, and the way we travel. However, there are some incredible things that builders can do to also help.
A home is where most people will spend the majority of their time, so it is crucial to ensure it is as eco-friendly as possible.
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1: It’s all in the design
Builders are now starting to prioritise energy-efficient designs more than ever. They do this by incorporating proper insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, and high-performance windows, maximising ventilation, and much more.
Architects are constantly coming up with ways to improve their designs. When considering a new build or an extension, the most reputable builders will give you the option to use the most energy-efficient designs possible.
2: Sourcing sustainable material
If you are hiring builders, it is always a good idea to cross-check how sustainable the materials they plan to use are. Thankfully, in Brisbane, we have some incredible companies taking the lead in adhering to the constantly improving eco-friendly building standards; see here for Brisbane builders.
It isn’t too difficult to ensure the materials used are low-impact and sourced from an ethical location that focuses on producing low-carbon emissions. Ensuring the materials have a long lifespan is vital, so the building is a one-time job. Many people are also using reclaimed materials, which can save a fortune.
3: Integrating renewable energy
The perfect time to integrate renewable energy into your home is obviously during the build. All over Australia, we see creative ways to stray away from fossil fuels. If you care about the environment, it is crucial to start getting your energy from things such as solar panels and wind turbines.
4: Choose the right HVAC systems
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) are some of the things that can significantly impact your home’s carbon emissions.
However, there is no need to worry. There are now plenty of ways to make these systems as environmentally friendly as they can be. Some of the most well-known are smart thermostats, energy-efficient heat pumps, good insulation, and air-tight sealing. There are also many other creative ways for your home to improve.
5: Introduce measures to conserve water
A good builder will be able to install fixtures that will guarantee your house uses less water. There are toilets, faucets, and showers that can limit the flow of water, and it is also possible to install a rainwater harvesting system.
Final thoughts
There are some brilliant ways to tailor your home towards a greener future, and we are lucky enough to have companies in Australia that are striving to make every building as friendly to our planet as it can be. If an eco-friendly home is something you thought was out of reach, you would be surprised at how much you can actually do.
