In this article, we discuss the concept of green homes and how they are infiltrating the modern era. Various campaigns to use environmentally friendly items have led to creative innovations in landscaping and home design. There is now a sense of distinction to homes that are reducing their carbon footprint without losing their aesthetic appeal. Solar panels, rainwater collecting system, environmentally friendly landscaping are few of the features that are defining the modern era green home design. Not only are they appealing, but pretty cost effective as well. Envelope
Modern Era Of Green Homes
The building envelope is one of the initial features. The idea is that all regions of the home should be insulated in some manner. This is applicable on porches, roofs, windows among other areas. Enveloping provides covered porches, roof overhangs, spray foam insulation and cross ventilation. The National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL) in U.S. reveals that such basic measures can cause more than 30% reduction in energy usage.
The ‘green’ case of Texas
Minimalist home designs equipped with green innovation are becoming a norm in many states, especially Texas. One stimulus for this has been the deregulation of energy providers which has led people to choose the right company for them. The deregulation of the energy industry has given birth to a competitive market with respect to rates and eco-friendly solutions. Homeowners can now refer to comparison websites to make a decision between providers. For homeowners in places like Corpus Christi, the power to choose their provider means they can save on energy rates and also help to save the planet by choosing providers that use more efficient ways of producing power. This trend is spreading to other states as well.
Rainwater Harvesting System
While a rainwater harvesting system can’t be regarded as an innovation, it’s now a common sight in green homes. Modern systems need minimal maintenance and allow residents to make use of nature’s supply of water. An extension of this idea is the aerobic septic system which is basically a treatment setup for the home. Wastewater from the home is sent to the septic system and can be used for the sprinkler system in the yard or related usage. In this way, your average water consumption can be reduced by half every year. A rainwater garden is also an eco-friendly option that provides special plants with the water they need to grow. They, in turn, provide benefits to the soil as well as birds and insects.
Indoor Air Maintenance
After the enveloping has been done, maintaining the air quality inside the home is a necessity. Homeowners going green are now using an Energy Recovery Ventilator system that’s able to manage the task without a hassle. The benefits are two tiers. You can change the air in your home about 2 to 3 times a day. Secondly, the risk of molds, dust and allergens sustaining in your house is reduced.
Home Design
Keeping the general green home trend in Texas as standard, certain features can be defined. Using these standard options, homeowners can convert their homes into green housing facility which provides aesthetic appeal without burdening the environment. Many such homes can found towards the lakeside of Lake Buchanan in Texas.
Grid Tied Solar
As mentioned earlier, states with deregulated energy markets are offering their residents the choice to choose from different energy providers. So, the grid tied solar is the electricity being generated by the home using solar that’s controlled by the local utility company. Such systems are becoming a norm because if more electricity is produced than needed, it can either be saved or sold back to the energy provider. Based upon the facilities that different homes are using, it is possible to classify them into following: 1. 1. Energy efficient homes 2. 2. Net zero energy homes 3. 3. Positive energy homes 4. 4. Point source homes Out of these, the point source homes are of great interest because they have the maximum amount of self-sustenance and produce surplus power. The National Association of Home Builders, as well as initiatives like the Green Building Program, are verifying homes that have some sort of sustainable component. Using these models, it’s possible to modify your home into something of value along with increasing its aesthetic appeal. Recommended Reading:
- Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
- Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
Article by Brooklyn Williams Featured image for Green Homes article: By Jeff Kubina from the milky way galaxy – Solar Decathlon 2007, CC BY-SA 2.0
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