Green Homes are Designed to Address Environmental and Energy Challenges

Build more resilient communities to ensure the health and safety of homeowners, while also reducing energy expenses.

A home is one of the biggest investments a person can make, and it’s one of the ways many Americans can build equity. Homes represent a critical piece of the building industry. As we look to a future where health and climate concerns are at the forefront, designing and building homes to meet the challenges that we face today is crucial. Homes should be healthy living spaces that make us feel comfortable, happy, safe and productive. These days, where we live is being tested, and as a result, we need to start building our homes to address the growing needs of many Americans.

Climate change, for instance, is having a real effect on people’s homes. In 2021, 40% of Americans lived in counties that were affected by a climate disaster. This includes hurricanes, floods, wildfires and even severe storms. Moreover, 80% of Americans experienced extreme heat in 2021. Homes need to be more resilient as climate events become more common. Homes need to be able to withstand these conditions.

Green homes, like those certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s residential LEED rating system, are designed, constructed and operated to be resilient in adverse conditions. They are developed with proactive design planning for potential impacts of catastrophic weather, taking into account several strategies that can ensure the longevity of homes based on location and environmental issues specific to a particular region. More green homes mean more resilient communities impacted by climate change.

Americans also feel the effects of rising energy costs due to a surge in natural gas prices. We have seen higher than average temperatures across the country since May, while energy demand continues to climb. The national residential energy rate has seen an 8% increase since the beginning of the year. Homeowners are looking for some relief on their electric bills, making homes more energy-efficient and saving hundreds on energy bills.

RELATED: LEED’s pathway to healthy, green and resilient buildings

Green homes help us reduce our energy and water consumption, thereby lowering utility bills each month, among other financial benefits. LEED-certified homes, for example, use less energy and water, which means lower utility bills. On average, certified homes use 20 to 30% less energy than non-green homes, with some homes saving up to 60%.

Health is also an important consideration when it comes to homes. Over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic and airborne disease transmitted diseases have forced us to think about best practices to enhance indoor air quality, especially in people’s homes. A green home like those that are LEED-certified maximize indoor fresh air and minimize exposure to airborne toxins and pollutants, making it healthier and more comfortable.

The benefits of building green homes are enormous. Green homes can help create more resilient communities, keep homeowners healthy and safe as well as save on energy costs. But more importantly, with third-party certified green homes, there’s accountability and no cutting corners. Third-party validation helps guarantee that each project saves energy, water and other resources, reducing overall environmental impact.

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION

Author

Related Articles

2 COMMENTS

  1. Hello my name is matt d’agati.
    Solar technology happens to be one of the most promising and sought-after types of clean, renewable energy in the past few years. This really is because of its numerous benefits, including cost benefits, energy savings, and also the positive impact this has in the environment. In this specific article, we’re going to talk about the advantages of choosing solar technology in homes and businesses, the technology behind it, and exactly how it can be implemented to optimize its benefits.

    One of the main advantages of choosing solar power in homes may be the cost benefits it gives. Solar panel systems can handle generating electricity for your house, reducing or eliminating the necessity for traditional sourced elements of energy. This could bring about significant savings on your own monthly energy bill, particularly in areas with a high energy costs. In addition, the price of solar energy panels and associated equipment has decreased significantly through the years, which makes it less expensive for homeowners to purchase this technology.

    Another good thing about using solar technology in homes could be the increased value it may provide to your property. Homes which have solar energy panels installed are often valued greater than homes that don’t, because they offer an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly replacement for traditional energy sources. This increased value could be a significant benefit for homeowners who will be trying to sell their home later on.

    For businesses, some great benefits of using solar energy are wide ranging. One of several primary benefits is cost benefits, as businesses can significantly reduce their energy costs by adopting solar power. In addition, there are many different government incentives and tax credits offered to companies that adopt solar technology, which makes it much more affordable and cost-effective. Furthermore, businesses that adopt solar power will benefit from increased profitability and competitiveness, because they are viewed as environmentally conscious and energy-efficient.

    The technology behind solar technology is simple and easy, yet highly effective. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity can then be kept in batteries or fed straight into the electrical grid, with regards to the specific system design. So that you can maximize the advantages of solar technology, it’s important to design a custom system this is certainly tailored to your particular energy needs and requirements. This can make sure that you have just the right components set up, such as the appropriate wide range of solar power panels and also the right style of batteries, to maximise your power efficiency and value savings.

    Among the important aspects in designing a custom solar technology system is understanding the various kinds of solar panel systems and their performance characteristics. There’s two main forms of solar energy panels – monocrystalline and polycrystalline – each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Monocrystalline solar energy panels are manufactured from an individual, high-quality crystal, helping to make them more cost-effective and sturdy. However, they’re also more costly than polycrystalline panels, that are made of multiple, lower-quality crystals.

    Along with solar panel systems, a custom solar technology system will also include a battery system to keep excess energy, as well as an inverter to convert the stored energy into usable electricity. It is essential to choose a battery system this is certainly capable of storing the quantity of energy you’ll need for the specific energy needs and requirements. This will make certain you have a dependable way to obtain power in the case of power outages or any other disruptions to your time supply.

    Another advantageous asset of using solar technology could be the positive impact this has regarding the environment. Solar technology is a clean and renewable power source, producing no emissions or pollutants. This will make it a perfect alternative to traditional resources of energy, such as for example fossil fuels, that are a significant contributor to polluting of the environment and greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting solar power, homeowners and businesses can really help reduce their carbon footprint and subscribe to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

    To conclude, the many benefits of using solar energy both in homes and companies are numerous and cannot be overstated. From financial savings, energy efficiency, and increased property value to environmental impact and technological advancements, solar power provides a variety of advantages. By knowing the technology behind solar technology and designing a custom system tailored to specific energy needs, you’re able to maximize these benefits and then make a positive effect on both personal finances plus the environment. Overall, the adoption of solar power is a good investment for a sustainable and bright future.

    Should you want to learn more about our topic area check excellent web site: [url=http://www.audiosoft.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=18[color=black_url]https://business.tcnj.edu/ceo-peer-mentors/matt d’agatiMatt D’Agati[/color][/url]

  2. Does it matter which underlay I choose for my carpet and timber?
    Do carpets have to have joins, and will I see them?
    The answer is yes. Carpet usually comes in a roll 3.66 metres wide, a few come 4 metres wide. Unless your room is narrower than this, there will be a join. However, all joins you will initially see will settle the more you walk on them (do you notice the joins in your existing carpet?). And they may be more noticeable in loop pile carpets. Our staff are able to show you where joins are likely to be in your carpet and discuss possible options.
    From the time I select my new flooring, how long will it take for the job to start?
    How long does it take for carpet and/or hard flooring to be installed?
    Do I have to take-up my existing flooring and move the furniture?
    I am painting my walls as well, Should this be done before or after my new flooring is installed?
    What is shading?
    Will I see foot marks on my [url=https://www.johncootecarpets.com.au/]carpet?[/url]

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles