Sustainable Homes

With the severe weather conditions in the different parts of the world, it is time to apply climate change adaptation techniques in our own homes. Nowadays, the drive of many builders is to construct sustainable homes so that they become resilient to the changing climate. Innovations and investments in the construction sector are geared towards sustainable homes. Sustainable homes do not necessarily use expensive technology. Rather, constructing sustainable homes require practical building techniques where environmental factors are thoroughly considered. Designs of sustainable homes are based on the location of the home, the weather condition of the place, the availability of materials, the land conditions and several other external factors that will directly affect how the home will withstand these weather conditions.

Sustainable homes maximize the energy efficiency of the home. While one of the strategies for energy efficiency in sustainable homes is the use of solar energy, there are a lot of other ways to improve energy efficiency.  Sustainable homes can tap natural lighting to illuminate the space. Large windows can allow light inside these sustainable homes. Drapes can be used to regulate the light coming in.  Good drainage system that can conserve water and reuse it for other purposes can also be applied in sustainable homes.  Practical strategies like tightly sealing walls to manage air circulation are usually adapted in sustainable homes. Many engineers, architects and builders already shifted their mindset towards sustainable homes.

The climate is changing and if we employ the same techniques in building as before, homes will not be able to withstand the extreme weather conditions.  Sustainable homes are getting the attention because the direction in home building now is towards sustainability. This ensures that the structures are built not only to survive the changing weather but they should not also contribute to the increase in energy consumption. For more information on sustainable homes, visit http://zerohomes.org.