14 Nov Collector’s Notebook: Tips for Sustainability

Each year offers new opportunities to create a more environmentally conscious world around us. With developments in energy efficiency coupled with a rise in green-focused lifestyles, new technology, and the challenge of keeping up with what’s conceptually in style, the science and art behind creating sustainable structures continues to evolve. For most projects, net zero waste and efficient use of water and energy are the objectives. Here are some trends and technologies that have set a standard for green building.

Biophilic Design

In this home designed by Arkin Tilt Architects, a fireplace is surrounded by Watershed Block, a compressed-earth building material that uses locally sourced minerals and recycled aggregates | Photo by Ed Caldwell Photography

The U.S. Green Building Council began offering a biophilia credit in 2018 as part of its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. “Biophilic” spaces invite nature and its healing benefits into the home. Natural light is a significant design component, and these homes often flow seamlessly into outdoor spaces, such as rooftops, patios, or gardens. They often use local materials and a color palette that emphasizes the natural surroundings. Some homes integrate water features, living roofs, or moss and flower walls, and rooms incorporate trees and plants to help filter toxins out of the air, boost oxygen, and offset emissions.
Multi-Use Spaces
While not a new trend, multi-use spaces help keep a home’s footprint small and reduce the use of abundant building materials and heating costs. A single space that serves many purposes is especially prevalent in high-density and urban environments where real estate is limited and expensive, according to recent data from real estate buying and selling firm SellYourHome.com. These spaces are designed in a way that can adapt to the needs of their inhabitants over time. In these cases, the interior design and architectural planning lend themselves to efficiency and flow.

Net Zero Buildings

In net zero homes, the infrastructure and systems generate at least as much power as its occupants consume. These homes regulate temperature by using high-tech heat exchanges to preserve heat while bringing in fresh air. A sealed building envelope, passive solar heat, renewable energy sources, insulated windows and doors, energy-efficient lighting, and low-water-use appliances all contribute to the effort. There’s a perception that zero energy buildings are costly, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, an increasing number of projects are demonstrating that high performance can be achieved within typical budgets.

Energy Conserving Insulation

Heating and cooling systems consume the most energy in a home, which has led homeowners to incorporate extra insulation when building or remodeling. For optimal energy efficiency, a home should be insulated from the roof down to its foundation. It should also be properly air sealed, and one may consider including a moisture control system.

Living roofs, like this one designed by Arkin Tilt Architects, help offset emissions and encourage biodiversity in urban areas

Solar Power

There are two main types of solar technology: photovoltaics, which convert sunlight into electricity, and solar thermal technology, which captures the sun’s heat. While solar panels have been around for decades, solar roof tiles are becoming popular for their streamlined aesthetic. These appear as normal roofing tiles or can be customized to match the appearance of an existing roof.

Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly building materials help a home inch closer to sustainability. To reduce impact, consider the “life cycle” of the materials used, including what resources were needed for its growth, production, and transportation. Locally-sourced materials are ideal, and other relatively low-impact materials include bamboo, cork, precast concrete, sheep’s wool insulation, and reclaimed or recycled wood and metal. Rammed-earth bricks are low impact, as sourcing and formation have a smaller footprint, and the material helps stabilize the temperature of a building. Researchers are also creating concrete with recycled plastics, and “hempcrete,” bricks made of emission-offsetting hemp, is emerging as a construction and insulation material.

Designed by Energy 1 in Bozeman, Montana, this power system includes lithium batteries from Blue Planet Energy, which have a 20-year lifespan. It also includes solar storage from Outback Power for substantial energy reserve | Photo courtesy of Energy 1

LED Lighting

One of the top green trends for 2018, LEDs use 75 percent less energy and last up to 25 percent longer than incandescent lights according to the Department of Energy, which reports that the widespread use of LED lights has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the U.S. By 2027, LEDs could save about 348 terawatt hours, the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large power plants, and a reported savings of more than $30 billion at today’s electricity prices.

Water Efficient Appliances and Fixtures

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees WaterSense, a program that helps homeowners determine water-efficient appliances and home products. By installing a WaterSense labeled showerhead, for instance, the average family could save 2,900 gallons of water and 370 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power a house for 13 days. If every home replaced existing fixtures with WaterSense models, the U.S. would save nearly $1.2 billion in water and energy costs and 64 billion gallons of water annually — the equivalent to the annual water needs of more than 680,000 American homes. The EPA reports that toilets are one of the biggest water-wasters, accounting for as much as 30 percent of total consumption. A low flush toilet can be a great place to start.

Organic Textiles

Consider using low-impact materials when remodeling, building, and decorating. Nylon and polyester, for instance, are non-biodegradable. Nylon manufacturing also creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that’s reportedly 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Polyester is partially manufactured from crude oil and washing it releases plastic microfibers into waterways. Organic cotton, for example, makes a good substitute for an upholstery project.

Build Smaller

Prefab homes are efficient in their production and the amount of building materials required, resulting in less waste. Another sustainable design trend that’s on the rise: building homes or guest houses from recycled shipping containers, or “cargotecture.” Smaller homes mean a smaller carbon footprint.