When building a sustainable home there are some obvious advantages, energy savings being the most prominent. But there are many more advantages that go unnoticed. The forefront of sustainability is the way in which it influences social, environmental and economic elements in our lives.
It is well known that the flow on effect of most sustainable initiatives is that it minimises the impact on the environment. But what if we told you that there is so much more? Let’s take a look at the realities that sustainable building brings to us.
Social Benefits:
Social benefits of sustainable homes are something that most of us are unfamiliar with. We often only think of the economic and environmental impacts that we have. Living in a home or community that is sustainable or eco-friendly gives us health and social advantages. The space that we are living in has an impact on our thoughts and our emotions. When it comes to improving the social environment within your home, it incorporates the following:
- Natural Lighting
- Improved Air Quality
- Natural Temperature Regulation
- Organic/Sustainable Building Material
- Efficient Spaces
- Plants
We have all heard that working in a clean and productive environment is the best way to increase productivity at work. The same goes for your home. If your home is a place where you feel good then your quality of life is naturally improved. A sustainable home can be designed to fit your needs and adapt to the environment that you are living in.
Living in a sustainable home has significant health benefits. A damp home can cause respiratory problems, especially those suffering from asthma. With a sustainable home, they are airtight and have air filtration systems that help you breathe easy. A healthier home means a happier family.
Economic Benefits:
The economic incentives for building a sustainable home is the main element we consider. How much is going to cost and how much will we save? The traditional premiums that are associated with building a home using sustainable designs and materials are misunderstood. The days of expensive sustainable homes are over. With more and more people opting for sustainable home building the materials and designs have become more available. Any extra costs that are associated have a quicker payback period than traditional ways of building. Simple insulation, such as insulating hot water cylinders, has a payback period of around 1 year. Larger insulation projects can be up to 3 years. Savings are made from:
- Water and Energy Efficiency
- Low Maintenance
- Increased Property Value
- Tax Incentives – location dependent
- Low Materials Cost
Sustainable homes are here to improve the quality of life for those living in them and to save us money. There’s nothing to lose, especially when it comes to your back pocket.
Environmental Benefits:
The environmental benefits associated with sustainable housing is the primary motive for people to build sustainably. We are constantly reminded about the impact we are having on the environment because of the way we are living. Building your home sustainably means using materials that have been sourced without compromising the environment. The materials are safer and healthier for your family with fewer chemicals. The building process can often be faster because sustainable or recycled materials are easier to work with. Environmental benefits include:
- Reduction in Waste
- Reduced Water Consumption/Wastage
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Lower Chemical Emissions
Building in a sustainable manner has a positive impact on the surrounding environment and ecosystem. Improving the way we build will ensure minimal impact on the environment as population increases and more homes are needed.
It is important to realise that sustainability is not limited to saving the natural environment. It is about bettering our way of living so that we can have greater social and economic environments to live in for us and future generations. They are interrelated, considering these environments together in a new home build will transform the way we live.
For more on building sustainability, make sure you check out our Energy Efficient Homes page or get in touch with us.
