Over recent years, an increasing number of people have become interested in learning to live more sustainably. Although it is considerably more difficult for an individual to preserve the environment than it is for a large company, there are a number of ways in which a difference can be made. One of the most effective ways is through sustainable homeownership. While this most certainly does involve implementing sustainable practices on a daily basis, there are several sustainable home design trends that can boost the level of sustainability of a house even more. From implementing passive housing to sourcing building materials and labor locally, here’s a closer look at some of the most prominent sustainable housing design trends of the year.
Passive housing is a game-changer
Passive housing is a building concept that incorporates sustainability from the get-go by reducing energy consumption. By paying careful attention to the orientation of the house, passive energy can be created by allowing natural heat and light to enter the house through windows, glass doors, and walls constructed out of glass blocks.
When enough heat and light enters a home naturally, the reliance on on-grid energy decreases exponentially. Such passive housing can, in fact, result in energy savings of as much as 90% compared to traditional houses, and approximately 75% when compared to modern-day buildings.
Multigenerational homes promote foundational sustainability
While having a nuclear family unit continues to appeal to many, especially millennials, multigenerational homes have once again become a trending concept. While multigenerational homes tend to be larger than your typical suburban house, they do present a fundamental opportunity to decrease overall resource consumption.
By accommodating a multigenerational family under one custom-made roof, everything from land and building materials to water and energy can be saved on. Representatives of one experienced Austin home builder assert that a custom home building process such as this needs to be as customer-centered as it is adaptable to rapidly-changing market trends. This will ensure that the sustainability level of the house can be maximized, without compromising on aesthetics and comfort.
Support local where possible
Although the concept of ‘supporting local’ to increase sustainability is typically associated with consumer goods and services, it is applicable to house design as well. Making use of local building materials and enlisting the services of local architects, builders, and contractors is a trend that developers and homeowners should all get behind.
Sustainable housing aims to diminish environmental impacts of building
When locally-manufactured building materials are used, the energy and cost relating to their transport are reduced considerably. Apart from benefiting the environment, supporting local also boosts the local economy and the collective community. Another reason to make use of local materials and labor is the higher quality that can be expected.
Bottom Line
An increasing number of people are seeking out sustainable housing options to boost their overall sustainable living efforts. By staying abreast of the latest trends in sustainable homes, individuals can also actively contribute towards a more sustainable society.
