Building an eco-friendly home is something that is easier said than done. There are so many different aspects to consider if the ultimate goal is to try and construct something that is net-zero, or at least net-zero ready. However, there are a few major trends to follow that can put any new home on the path to net-zero, and these trends may not be as difficult as you’d think. To that end, Zillow has created a list of six trends to consider when building a new home to make it as energy efficient and sustainable as possible.
Upon construction, a home may not necessarily be net-zero, but it can be net-zero ready. By planning ahead and orienting the home to the south, leaving space for solar panels, and getting a solar conduit and meter on the house will make the transition to solar power easier in the future. Even something like adding an electric car charger in the garage, regardless of whether or not the current homeowner owns an electric car, can help to avoid the hassle of a post-build installation.
Sealing the home to make it as airtight as possible is another key trend. The better a home is at maintaining its temperature, the lower the energy needed to heat or cool the home will be. The less energy that is needed, the more money will be saved.
Using locally sourced materials and eco-friendly paint can also decrease a home’s carbon footprint. Using locally sourced materials will help support the local economy, and will also reduce the energy usage and the pollutants caused by transporting the materials. Paints with low or zero levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) should also be selected.
To view the entire list of eco-friendly recommendations, click the link below.
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