TRENDS THAT MAKE HOUSING MORE ECO-FRIENDLY
As more people strive to build a sustainable future, the housing industry sees more innovative changes that shift toward environmental consciousness. These trends will likely continue as the rising generations are increasingly concerned with climate change and other “green” causes.
Eco-friendly housing not only cuts down environmental impact but creates healthier, more efficient living spaces—and health is a priority for many in the senior population. Making a shift toward sustainability can save senior clients money and improve the resale value of their properties. Here are five of the main trends shaping the landscape of eco-friendly housing.
Passive Design and Net-Zero Homes:
Passive design optimizes natural resources such as wind and sunlight to create living spaces that don’t rely as heavily on artificial heating and cooling systems. Skylights, windows, and ventilation are planned strategically to keep dwellings cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The location and orientation of the home also make a difference in passive design.
Net-zero homes aim to produce as much energy as they consume. This often means that net zero homes boast superefficient floor plans, but sustainability-seekers can use a variety of methods to reach net-zero. They can incorporate features like solar panels to produce energy while also using energy-efficient appliances, advanced insulation, and xeriscape yards to conserve resources. The blend of producing and reducing resources is key to building a net-zero home.
Smart Home Technology for Energy Efficiency:
Smart home systems are designed to simplify residents’ lives by saving them time, effort, and money. This means that many smart homes include systems that focus on energy efficiency. Smart homes often come with controls that allow homeowners to monitor and control energy consumption in real time, even when away. Energy-efficient appliances, automated lighting, and smart thermostats reduce energy use. These features not only enhance the comfort and convenience of living in a smart home but also make them more eco-friendly.
As an added benefit, using smart home and energy-efficient appliances can often save clients money. In our current economy, inflated pricing puts pressure on bills related to our use of fossil fuel resources, including home heating and cooling, water bills, and electrical bills. Cutting down clients’ environmental impact could also mean cutting down on their monthly expenses.
Recycled and Sustainable Building Materials:
According to the EPA’s Advancing Sustainable Materials Management 2018 Fact Sheet, in 2018, the
US added 144 million tons of construction-related waste to its landfills. Luckily, the amount of housing-related refuse can decrease as more consumers use recycled and sustainable building materials in their homes.
Homebuyers are more inclined to choose green resources than before, including reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled steel, and eco-friendly insulation. Using sustainable building materials helps reduce the environmental impact of construction and promotes a more circular economy.
Homeowners are also conserving more resources by purchasing secondhand materials when building or remodeling, and they are donating extra items instead of throwing them out. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores are all effective platforms for recycling building
materials and cutting down waste.
Water Conservation and Management:
Water shortages and competition for water sources make conserving this resource a priority for many.
The EPA notes that using less water provides consumers with many benefits. When we collectively use less water, not only is the resource conserved, but water quality, costs, and public health all improve. Lowflow
fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and drought-resistant landscaping are all eco-friendly housing trends that conserve water.
Greywater systems recycle water from sinks and showers for nonpotable uses. Xeriscape yards require little or no watering and rely on smart designs and naturally occurring rainfall to stay beautiful.
These home improvements are some of the many trends that contribute to water conservation.
Prefab and Modular Construction:
The preference for prefabricated and modular construction is a trend in the building construction industry that is here to stay. Modular construction techniques reduce waste, energy consumption, and project time. These methods often involve manufacturing building components off-site and then transporting them to the building lot where they are put together. This approach to building often yields more precise construction, reduced transportation-related emissions, and increased overall efficiency. Not only are these practices better for the environment, but they can be extremely cost-effective. This trend will likely safeguard the earth’s resources as well as your clients’.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly housing trends are evolving rapidly. Innovative designs, advanced technology, and conscious construction aim to use resources efficiently and show how the future of housing is moving in a green direction. Moving toward sustainable housing can help your clients save money, improve health, increase resale values, and create more resilient communities.
Staying informed about these sustainability trends positions you to guide your clients as they make
housing decisions that align with both their present needs and future aspirations.