When it comes to one’s home, a circular economy approach considers the entire lifecycle of the construction materials. This means selecting materials that have been responsibly sourced and those that produce less waste when they are manufactured.
There is an emphasis on using resources more efficiently under this model. As responsible homeowners, sustainability should be front and center in all aspects of building your home.
Why Green Building Materials Matter
Traditional materials often come with a hefty environmental cost. A study in 2016 estimates that about three billion tons of raw materials are being used annually to manufacture building products.
The construction industry consumes a lot of the world’s natural resources. From extraction to manufacturing processes, the carbon footprint associated with these materials is substantial.
It doesn’t stop there. Buildings continue to contribute to pollution once they’re built. Whether it’s big tall skyscrapers or one’s humble home, these structures consume energy and produce waste in copious amounts.
Shifting to green building materials is a recognition that the world has finite resources and that it’s everyone’s responsibility to use them responsibly.
Sustainable Flooring Options
Consider the material’s durability when choosing the right flooring. Even if it’s sourced ethically or made of natural material, if it won’t last long, then it’s not good for the environment. Toxicity is also something that should be taken into account. Some floors contain high levels of volatile organic chemicals (VOC), which affect air quality.
Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly products in the market. It only takes at least three years for it to mature compared to hardwood trees which take decades. However, bamboo is predominantly grown in tropical or subtropical countries. The shipping alone can be costly and a source of emissions.
There are flooring options made out of recycled materials. For instance, reclaimed wood can give the look of natural wood without having to cut down trees. Glass is also infinitely recyclable, which makes it a sustainable material for floor tiles.
Energy-Efficient Insulation
More than half of energy use is due to air conditioning and heating. Improper insulation in homes is like opening a window all year round. Homeowners should look for structural gaps to prevent such air loss.
The attic should be first on the list because the roof regulates most of the home’s temperature. Use materials like fiberglass to insulate floors, walls, and ceilings. Check the thickness and consider reflective insulation for hotter climates.
Alternatively, you can also use polystyrene, which is made of compressed foam balls. It can be molded into boards or poured into open spaces. Polyurethane, another form of insulation, comes in closed-cell and open-cell forms, with the former being denser and expanding to provide better insulation.
Eco-Friendly Paints and Finishes
There are two basic types of paints, water-based and oil-based. The former is regarded as more eco-friendly because it releases fewer VOCs into the air as the paint dries. It’s important to paint in a well-ventilated area with good airflow since high exposure to these chemicals can cause health complications.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set limits on the amount of VOC that should be contained in paints. To be classified as “low-VOC,” oil-based paints should have no more than 380 grams per liter. Look for certification seals to ensure that a particular paint brand is safe to use. Those that have the GREENGUARD label have less than 50 grams per liter.
There are brands nowadays that pride themselves on having zero levels of VOC in their paint products, like some varieties of milk paint and chalk paint. These cost more than conventional brands but are often made with natural ingredients.
Sustainable Roofing Materials
A roofing material is considered sustainable based on how well the roof performs and lasts over time. Durability and heat resistance are important factors to consider because they directly impact the temperature of your home. The Energy Star program certifies various roofing materials based on these criteria.
The color, particularly painting the roof white, helps in cooling down indoor temperature. In fact in countries with warm climates, it’s common to see entire buildings coated in white paint. These roofs better reflect sunlight and heat away from the home. The inside remains cool and cozy, reducing the need to use air conditioning.
Installing solar panels on the roof is another sustainable choice homeowners can make this year. According to Forbes, the average cost of installing solar panels in the US is about $16,000, depending on the size, weight, and number of panels. In other states like Connecticut, solar panel installation estimates can go as low as $11,500 for a 6-kw system.
Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures
According to the EPA, the average American household uses more than 300 gallons of water per day, and almost 70% of that is for indoor use. The right plumbing fixtures can lower water consumption without compromising on convenience.
The most common are low-flow fixtures which are present in toilets, faucets, and showerheads, among others. It uses less water compared to their standard counterparts. Less energy is also being used in a recirculating pump system which keeps hot water in a continuous loop reducing wait times. In the long term, you’ll see a reduction in your utility bills as a result.
Having a rainwater collection system at home also helps reduce the burden on municipal water supplies. Rainwater is collected from roofs and gutters and stored in a barrel or in a large cistern, which can then be used later for irrigation and other purposes.
Green Practices in Home Design
Home interiors rely heavily on lighting to see the mood of the space. During the daytime, take advantage of natural light by strategically putting windows and skylights where it would receive the most sunshine. For lighting fixtures, LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are the way to go because they produce less heat and consume less energy.
Placing plants in indoor spaces creates the feeling of being one with nature. They can help filter out toxins in the air, too. You can also put up a green wall for larger spaces which can double as a focal point in the house. Use poultry netting as a framework. Attach it to a vertical structure and place climbing plants like ivy or other vines to grow within the netting.
Conclusion
In a circular economy, what goes around comes back around. The choices homeowners make should be sustainable from the very start since everything is interconnected. It might seem inconsequential for most because the effects are not readily apparent, but small acts ripple over time.
The wood used in floors, the emissions produced in transporting it, the chemicals on the paint, or the water wasted in leakages, all of these add up without you even noticing it. This makes your choices and practices at home all the more significant.
