People are becoming increasingly concerned about the state of the environment. Everyone is worried about what might happen to the planet next, especially after the fires in California and reports of melting Antarctic glaciers.

But, as with so many things, change begins at home. Sustainable house design is a new movement that seeks to build green credentials in the building’s fabric, enabling it to exert a lesser impact on the environment and surrounding ecosystem.

But what specifically, does sustainable home design involve?

That’s what we look at here. This post covers the essential elements of greening your home and what they ultimately mean.

Sustainable Materials

Top of the list is sustainable materials. These reduce environmental impact substantially by reducing energy consumption and avoiding any threats to pristine habitats.

For example, low-VOC paints are less harmful to humans, animals, soils, and general air quality. These contain fewer dangerous compounds that could cause illness, toxicity, and damage.

Bamboo flooring is another popular option. As a renewable resource, it’s a stylish alternative to hardwood, and it may be more durable in some settings.

Reclaimed wood is similar, but comes from old harvests. It has character but should be okay as long as there isn’t any rot inside.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is another critical element in sustainable home design. Using as little of it as possible is desirable everywhere, but especially in places where resources are scarce.

Low-flow fixtures are common in these settings. These save water by reducing the amount that faucets and toilets use.

Rainwater harvesting is another option in some areas. This system collects water locally instead of using energy to pump it to the desired location.

Even drought-resistant landscaping can be helpful. This provides underground structures to store stormwater which then remains on-site, ready to percolate through soils during dry seasons (instead of relying on external irrigation).

Passive Design Principles

Passive design principles are also making their mark on sustainable design. These aim to increase the amount of energy delivered to the home by natural light.

For example, conservatory glass windows often have one-way technology that allows warming energy to enter, but not to leave. This innovation means that external rooms can be far warmer than their surroundings without requiring external heat sources, like central heating.

Thermal mass materials are also playing a role. Brick and concrete absorb heat during the day, keeping homes cool, while emitting it at night, increasing outdoor warmth. These solutions can be helpful in regions with marked day and night temperature fluctuations.

Waste Reduction

Finally, we’re seeing massive efforts to reduce the amount of waste homes produce, again, all built into their design.

Waste reduction can take various forms, including recycling programs for paper, plastic, and organic waste. These usually work on the municipal level, although homeowners can take steps to make the collection more efficient.

Furthermore, many homes now incorporate composting into their design. This transforms regular food waste into a nutrient-dense soil that’s perfect for growing plants and flowers in the garden later on.

This is a collaborative post.