Some of the main features and aspects of a green or eco-friendly home today primarily include sustainability, energy efficiency and recycled materials. Your home can also be a modern oasis, where the conveniences of the modern technological age are incorporated with green, sustainable features, taking your home to a whole new level. Solar panels, energy-efficient heating solutions and recycled or locally sourced materials are being used to their full extent throughout the whole estate.
Sustainable Materials
In the past, construction of buildings and houses was made with local materials, primarily because it was the most convenient and available thing to do, but also to support local enterprises. Locally sourced materials were always in abundance and it was a common practice. Today, architects and contractors are going back to those practices when thinking about green, sustainable solutions. High-end luxury homes can be made entirely out of locally sourced or recycled material. This is a durable, permanent and environmentally beneficial solution.
Solar Panels
Solar energy solution in the form of solar panels is probably the most well-known and most widely used energy solution. Solar panels harvest the energy from the sun and can be used to power anything from small electronics to big appliances, and even your entire home estate. Along with solar panels, there are also solar water heating systems that use the sun’s energy to heat water. The heated water is collected in an insulated tank and can then be used when needed. This system can also be used to heat the water in a pool.
Geothermal Heating
A geothermal heating and cooling system is an excellent solution to reducing your home's carbon footprint. Just like solar panels, it uses natural energy and renewable resources to heat your home and create healthy and sustainable living conditions. Geothermal system functions based on the exchange of air inside your house with the outside air, just like a regular central heating system. The main difference is that there is a geothermal pump placed underground. The temperature there is much more stable, making the exchange easier with minimal energy consumption. With the development of high tech domestic equipment, the system can also be synced with your phones, iPhones or iPads. Through them you can control your entire household and regulate the heating inside your house or even in the pool.
LEED Certification
LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification has become the symbol and the main rating system of sustainable housing. It is a program by the US Green Building Council that evaluates sustainability and efficiency standards and awards certifications for projects and buildings that meet the criteria. Being LEED certified increases the value of your home as well as the consciousness about the importance of green living and preserving the environment. The number of certified homes is constantly growing and is even expected to increase in the coming years.
Smart Technology
To increase the energy efficiency even more, smart technology is installed within the house throughout its system. Controls for nearly every part of the house can be integrated into this smart system. You can control the heating, lighting, sound, appliances, irrigation and more through in-wall touch screens, which can also function remotely. It is an excellent option for those who don’t spend a lot of time at home or travel a lot. This will prevent the waste of power and energy when the house is empty.
