Sustainable Building & Design

During building, there are several ways to incorporate sustainable building.

When selecting construction materials, consider these points:

  • Is the material recycled or recyclable?
  • What is the longevity or durability of the material?
  • What is the origin of the material?

Steel is considered a good choice for sustainable structural support because of its longevity and ability to be recycled. Pervious concrete and FlexiPave are great for areas that need a hard surface, like driveways. These materials allow rainwater to filter through to the groundwater and reduce run-off. Salvage companies also provide recycled wood options and some companies certify wood as sustainably harvested. Work with your architect and builder to find the best options for your home.

You can also find ways to recycle or salvage leftover materials during construction and incorporate recycled materials into your home. Things like ceiling tiles, ceramic tiles, glass and concrete can all be crushed and reused in other ways. Your builder can work with a salvage company to pick up waste from your home site during construction. This will save the builder money by reducing his tipping or disposal fees.

You should also consider the energy used to maintain your home. Geo-thermal energy uses the ground’s temperature to run heating and cooling units. High performance glass cuts down on the energy used to maintain your home’s internal climate. And passive solar water heaters use solar energy to preheat the water in a conventional water heater and switch to either electricity or gas if there isn’t enough sun to heat the water, reducing the power needed to run a traditional water heater.