Green building is becoming a must
Given the state of our environment today, we should all consider designing and building houses that are more green efficient in the use of energy, water and building materials.
That, however, isn’t the case in the real world. Many people still find a number of excuses not to work towards building a greener home. However, are they just myths?
1. Green building is expensive
The truth is the cost for designing a traditional home and a green home is just about the same. How green a house will be depends on the design and the materials selected. About 80 per cent of a house’s efficiency can be attributed to the two aforementioned factors. The cost will be basically similar with standard building practices as long as the design calls for building smaller, simpler lines and proper orientation.
2. Green building is way too hard
Hardware stores now abound with sustainably sourced good quality materials like FSC certified wood.
In many cases, it all boils down to finding a builder who is open to new technologies and is quite knowledgeable when it comes to building an efficient home. If you want to, you can make the capability for green building a requirement for hiring a builder.
3. Green products V Traditional products
LED lights, for instance, use electricity far more efficiently than either incandescent or fluorescent lighting. Also significantly more efficient than their traditional counterparts are heat pump technologies and inverter air conditioners.
In many cases, many of the products and technologies used as part of green building these days have actually been around for a long time. They’re not new products, but are just old products being used differently, like the reverse brick engineering that’s meant to realise the benefits of an old practice like building brick veneer homes to help stabilise internal temperatures.
4. All I need to have a green home are energy saving appliances
While we concede that having energy saving heating systems or refrigerators helps make your home greener, there is more to green building than having them. Building green is a holistic approach where your energy saving appliances should go along with a building designed to be efficient, applying finishes and glues that are non-toxic and using consumer products that are environmentally friendly.
5. Green building is a passing fad
Making sure that your home is cost-effective, comfortable and healthier for you and your family is not a fad, and will never be.
Green building is all about making smart choices about your designs and available resources.
Need help with local businesses in Sydney?
Whether you are building, renovating, buying, selling, or moving, the Tadebusters Connect Top 3 Local Choice directory can help connect you with vetted and reputable local businesses with confidence.
From local tradies, to real estate services providers, property and finance services we have you covered with genuine recommendations. See who got a Top 3 spot near you.