Nearly eight billion people live on Earth, and every person requires the usage of natural resources in some way. However, as the world's population rises, its resources are depleting even more rapidly. The rising pollution levels and resource depletion are attributed to the mass production of goods and other commercial uses. Due to this, there is an urgent need to conserve resources and protect the environment.
On the global architecture scene, the "Green Building" or sustainable house development movement is an important and practical method in the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable urban infrastructure. Sustainable home improvement is something all of us can do to benefit the environment, and at the same time, lowering the costs of running your home. This involves lessening energy consumption with electricity, water, and maintaining appliances.
Making changes, even small ones, will help lower your energy bills and make a more energy efficient living space. Plus, it can also boost your emotional and mental wellbeing. With sustainable condo living, you can create a healthier environment for yourself, your family, pets, and Vista Residences community.
Sustainable Home Defined
A sustainable home is one that is created or renovated in a way that conserves resources, optimizes the use of energy and water, and has durable high-quality systems.
Low-impact, high-performance materials that are economical to produce, ship, and install are used to construct sustainable homes. Additionally, it can generate less waste, break less frequently, emit fewer toxins, take less energy, and last longer.
The secret to keeping a house sustainable is energy efficiency. To save energy and achieve sustainability, start by following these energy saving guidelines:
- Use a "fabric first" design strategy.
- Make as little use of environmental toxins as possible.
- Integrate features to guarantee maximum energy efficiency.
- Make the most of the heat and light that are produced by nature.
- When possible, reuse items to reduce waste.
Benefits of Sustainable Living
Social
Your decision to build a sustainable house will not only enhance your quality of life but will also make a substantial difference in easing the strain on the city's infrastructure. The health and comfort levels of the community's residents will improve as more sustainable homes are built.
Economic
Promoting sustainable living has significant economic advantages, particularly in nations with increasing populations or rising resource usage.
Having an ideal sustainable house design can significantly lower your daily operating costs. Likewise, the productivity of city dwellers will be increased by an efficient lifestyle.
In addition to these benefits, promoting the increased development of sustainable homes naturally develops a fresh, vibrant market for eco-friendly goods and services in your community, thus boosting the economy.
Environmental
The primary goal of creating a sustainable home is preserving the environment. When you build a sustainable home, you are actively contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and eco-systems around the area.
Water, one of the primary resources of human civilization, is often used less needlessly in a sustainable house. Controlling carbon emissions and preventing them altogether helps improve the water and air quality.
Building a Sustainable Home
1. Use sustainable materials
Choosing the right mix of eco-friendly building materials is one of the first stages in having a sustainable interior design for your condominium. Despite the fact that cement and concrete are now the standard, professional green builders are now choosing clay bricks as their building material.
Decorate your home with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint, which are now widely available and come in a big variety of colors. VOCs are chemical substances that can be hazardous to individuals and the environment and are present in a wide range of products.
2. Repurpose and recycle
What are the things to consider when shopping for an eco-friendly condo? Well, you can use what you have whether you're expanding, renovating, or starting from fresh.
Some of the most distinctive and inventive design concepts can be made by repurposing and recycling old furniture or building materials. You can decide to save old wooden floors or use bricks from a portion of the house you just tore down. Maybe you could use your creative skills to paint or clothe an outdated piece of furniture.
If you're installing a new kitchen, look at the existing cabinet carcasses. If they're in good shape, you can reuse them; otherwise, you just need to buy new doors and countertops. This is not only a terrific way to build a greener house, but it will also cost you less money.
3. Utilizing energy-effective lighting
There are numerous energy-saving tips to reduce your power usage, save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen your carbon footprint for a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
One of the easiest ways in doing this is by having energy efficient lighting, specifically to replace fluorescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. Although at first glance these may appear expensive, the energy savings far surpass the costs.
4. Think about renewable energy sources
You should really consider some of the available renewable energy systems because they are always evolving if you're serious about building a sustainable home. This describes power produced using renewable resources like the wind, water, or sun's energy.
Solar Panel
Having to install solar panels may seem like a financial commitment, but you won't doubt why many are now turning to solar energy after you see the significant savings solar power has on your electricity consumption.
In terms of heating and cooling, combining a tankless water heater with solar energy may further reduce your energy usage as it has a lower need for fossil fuels. Tankless water heaters are a wise purchase for any homeowner saving energy and money over time because of its numerous advantages.
Sustainable Alternative
You should give a log-burning stove alternative careful thought as an environmentally beneficial option. More sustainable choices include gas, electric, and biofuel.
Furthermore, other renewable systems include biomass-powered boilers, pumps that use ground-source heat, and heat pumps using an air source.
5. Replace/Upgrade your Appliances
Modern versions of common electrical equipment like washers, dryers, and refrigerators are better at conserving energy. Replace or upgrade your outdated appliances with the most latest, energy-efficient models.
It might be difficult to choose energy-saving appliances for your condo, especially if you don't know which one uses the least amount of power. Energy efficient appliances will not only save electricity and enable you to make long-term financial savings, but they will also make your condo more aesthetically pleasing.
6. Change your windows
By using double-glazed windows, it will be possible to control the temperature inside of your condo without the need of electrical appliances, like an air conditioner or ceiling fan.
It minimizes draughts and heat loss through the window frame, which maintains the temperature inside. Additionally, they may assist in lowering outside noise levels. Also, remember to keep your windows clean to get adequate natural light.
7. Install a rainwater collection system
Collecting rainwater to use elsewhere in your home is an excellent way to reduce the need for extra uses of your tap water supply, such as gardening, car washing, and as a backup during droughts.
Installing a rainwater harvesting system can be a good step if you want to take it even further. In order for rainwater collecting systems to function, collected rainwater must be filtered before being kept below ground, away from light, and at a constant cool temperature. After that, it can be used for irrigation, washing machines, and flushing toilets.
So there you have it — 10 methods to increase the sustainability of your home. Even if you can just implement two or three of these suggestions, you will still be helping the environment and perhaps even save money on your energy bill. If you want to learn more, read Going Green for Condo Living and Eco-Friendly Design Ideas for Your Condo for helpful resources.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
