How to Design an Eco-Friendly Home or Office
Eco-friendly or energy-efficient homes and office spaces are fast becoming popular. One reason for this is the greater eco-consciousness among people. The other is, they cost less as far as both construction and function are concerned. Due to their eco-friendly nature, these spaces are said to boast ‘green architecture'. Such buildings use construction methods and raw materials that significantly reduce adverse effects to the environment and human health. There are several ways in which you can design an eco-friendly home or office, and the following are some of them.
Efficient Utilization of Space
First, while designing your home, make sure you utilize the space in an efficient manner with considerable ventilation. Large spaces are not only unnecessary, but also use more energy to warm or cool the area. Opt for comfortable rooms and make practical provisions for storage areas. For instance, in a bedroom, you can design drawers on either sides of the cot for that extra storage space instead of creating huge wardrobe units.
Consult with green architecture specialists if you intent to build an eco-friendly home. Such professionals will provide useful suggestions and will work around your specifications, allotted space and budget constraints to build an energy-efficient and practical home.
Use Local and Safe Raw Materials
Utilize local raw materials when constructing your home. One of the most important elements of a green home is the use of building materials that are non-toxic and non-synthetic. You can source local products such as stone and wood instead of opting for highly priced wood and synthetic materials.
Alternate Sources of Energy
An eco-friendly home should not fully rely on conventional electricity. Use solar panels and geysers to save on energy consumption and costs. For appliances and lighting fixtures, go for energy-efficient options such as CFL light bulbs. They not only provide good light, but are less harmful to the environment.
Make provisions for ventilating systems that will efficiently cool or heat your home according to the change in seasons. There are some firms specializing in green architecture that provide doors and windows with energy-efficient glazing. Depending on your budget and the space of the area, you can choose from several options to make the home or office personal and pleasing.
Water Conservation Techniques
The increase in water consumption is a serious environmental issue. When you design your home or office space, ensure that you employ water conservation techniques to use this natural resource judiciously. Recycle the water and use it for other purposes around the house. For instance, the water used in your home can be re-used to water any garden area that you may have. Rainwater harvesting can be another fantastic water source and does not cost much to install.
Efficient Utilization of Space
First, while designing your home, make sure you utilize the space in an efficient manner with considerable ventilation. Large spaces are not only unnecessary, but also use more energy to warm or cool the area. Opt for comfortable rooms and make practical provisions for storage areas. For instance, in a bedroom, you can design drawers on either sides of the cot for that extra storage space instead of creating huge wardrobe units.
Consult with green architecture specialists if you intent to build an eco-friendly home. Such professionals will provide useful suggestions and will work around your specifications, allotted space and budget constraints to build an energy-efficient and practical home.
Use Local and Safe Raw Materials
Utilize local raw materials when constructing your home. One of the most important elements of a green home is the use of building materials that are non-toxic and non-synthetic. You can source local products such as stone and wood instead of opting for highly priced wood and synthetic materials.
Alternate Sources of Energy
An eco-friendly home should not fully rely on conventional electricity. Use solar panels and geysers to save on energy consumption and costs. For appliances and lighting fixtures, go for energy-efficient options such as CFL light bulbs. They not only provide good light, but are less harmful to the environment.
Make provisions for ventilating systems that will efficiently cool or heat your home according to the change in seasons. There are some firms specializing in green architecture that provide doors and windows with energy-efficient glazing. Depending on your budget and the space of the area, you can choose from several options to make the home or office personal and pleasing.
Water Conservation Techniques
The increase in water consumption is a serious environmental issue. When you design your home or office space, ensure that you employ water conservation techniques to use this natural resource judiciously. Recycle the water and use it for other purposes around the house. For instance, the water used in your home can be re-used to water any garden area that you may have. Rainwater harvesting can be another fantastic water source and does not cost much to install.
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