Sustainability is something that everyone should strive for. With global warming becoming more powerful, it’s our duty as humans to look at our lifestyles and try to make them as less harmful as possible. Many people already do this by not eating meat daily, opting to walk or cycle to places rather than travel by car, and even smaller swaps like using a reusable bottle rather than a plastic one. These small changes can make a big difference. Some exchanges can make an even more significant impact, like sustainable homes, for example. With a few simple swaps, any home can become more sustainable. However, building a sustainable house from the ground up will ensure a home is as sustainable as possible, significantly impacting the environment around it. This is precisely what the Highland Bridge development team has done. By having five premier builders within the development team, new properties are being designed and built with sustainability in mind, encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle, which is good for both occupants and the environment. So, what are the benefits of a sustainable home?
Energy and water-efficient
When built, sustainable homes are built with different components compared to non-sustainable homes. They will likely be fitted with different heating and water systems to those used in an ordinary house. This is because, usually, the common heating and water systems that are used are often quite wasteful. Looking at electricity and heating first, as we can’t see electricity and heating, it’s often forgotten about. This means it’s used frequently. This also means that if we fail to turn an appliance off or turn the heating down, an abundance of energy is wasted. However, with more sustainable homes, there will be a renewable energy source in place so that if an appliance were to be left on, the energy wasted would be lost, but as it’s from a renewable energy source, it’s far less damaging to the environment. Plus, as the power comes from a renewable energy source, such as solar panels, it can easily replenish itself. Newer homes are often more water-efficient too, preserving water supplies and making them last longer. This is a great way to reduce water usage and reduce the impact on the local environment. This concern for resources is also great for a homeowner’s pocket too, by using renewable resources and fewer resources, utility bills are far more affordable.
Designed to last
When we consider sustainability, we think about something lasting for quite a long time. This is the same with sustainable homes. As sustainable homes have been well thought out, they’re likely to last far longer than the average home. This is because the materials sourced have been designed to withstand time. A lot of the time, recycled materials are used when building sustainable homes too, which means that not only is the construction eco-friendly, but even after it’s built, it’s not using unnecessary resources. As these homes are designed to last, it also means fewer repairs will need to be done over time too, making a sustainable home even more affordable as there will need to be less maintenance. This is great as fewer resources will need to be used to maintain the property and great for a homeowner too as they won’t need to spend a lot keeping the property looking pretty.
Improved property value
Attitudes towards sustainability are changing significantly and more and more people are liking the idea of being more eco-friendly. This in turn means homes with sustainable features are more sought after and desirable. This can then bump up the property value of a home. Nowadays, many buyers seek out homes with certain sustainable features, such as solar panels, insulated windows, and eco-friendly waste management. By just have one of these green features, the property value of a home significantly increases. After all, buyers want a home that will last for them, and the idea of a home saving them money is also appealing in the long run.
Reduced carbon footprint
One of the most significant benefits of having a sustainable home is that it can significantly reduce a household’s carbon footprint. During the building process of a typical home, there are multiple different resources needed, most of which are not renewable. This is not the case with sustainable homes. Renewable resources are often used, most of them being sourced locally too. This already significantly improves a home’s carbon footprint, and that’s before a family lives in it. Once constructed, a sustainable home is built with the intention of being just that, sustainable. So, even the smallest of changes are helping reduce an overall carbon footprint.
It’s easy to see why sustainable homes are becoming so popular these days! There are far more benefits to a sustainable home compared to an ordinary home.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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