Building a Greener Home

The harrowing effects of climate change are more apparent now than ever. We can no longer deny the increasing temperature, stronger storms, and significant changes in the rise of sea levels, higher flooding, the massive landslides, intense heat waves and longer droughts, and the fast shrinking sea ice and glaciers. We can all help on reversing the negative impact we see right now and start healing the earth. We can start right from our homes in Brisbane.

Use Sustainable Materials

Choose sustainable or renewable building materials like wood, rocks, aluminium, clay tiles, concrete, and mudbricks. Wood can be sustained through ample tree planting, aluminium is infinitely recyclable, while concrete walls can sufficiently insulate your home.

Solar Power

Eastern Australia is blessed with ample sunshine. Brisbane homes should take advantage of this by using the sun’s energy. Installing solar panels could mean a significant addition to your building costs, but it is something that will pay for itself from the subsequent benefits and savings. Stop paying power bills, using non-renewable resources, and disrupting the earth’s natural composition.

Energy Efficient Fixtures and Appliances

This is something that you easily do, whether you are buying a new home in Brisbane or building one. Remove and old appliances and replace them with newer, more energy efficient models. Choose refrigerators, freezers, heaters, and AC units with high energy efficiency ratings. Also, time to retire those old incandescent bulbs and install energy efficient LED and CFL lighting fixtures.

Green Roof

The roof can help you a lot in going green. You can start by using energy efficient and renewable roofing materials like clay or slate tiles. Installing a living roof, or a rooftop garden is a cool and excellent idea with a lot of benefits – cools your home, cleans the air, and gives you fresh produce. Roofs have to be sturdy enough to bear a roof garden. Make sure to discuss any plans with a structural engineer before starting a garden.

Don’t build more than you need

Gone are the days of large homes with numerous unused or rarely used rooms. Build only what you need. Empty home space is costing you money for its upkeep.  Plan your home accordingly, taking into consideration your lifestyle and future plans. Do you rarely spend time at home? Do you frequently have guests to merit an extra bedroom? Are you planning you expand your family in the near future?

Stay away from undisturbed locations

A house in the woods or somewhere away from the city and suburbs usually comes with the idea of living with nature or living off grid. Building in and around undisturbed locations is doing more harm than good. The new installation, your home, can destroy the environmental balance and damage the natural ecosystem.

Install Proper Insulation and Ventilation

Proper insulation and ventilation help a lot in creating green homes. A properly insulated home maintains the ideal temperature for longer and therefore saves you heating and cooling expenses. Brisbane homes and in the surrounding suburbs enjoy plenty cooling breezes. Take advantage of the refreshing mountain or seaside air by building a properly designed home.

Water Efficiency

Rain water is something that we get in abundance. Stop complaining about the rain, and use it instead to your advantage. Install a rain harvesting and storing system that will significantly reduce your water bill. The water collected and stored can be used for toilets and gardening purposes.

If you need help or guidance, there are always an expert who can help. Call us to know more about your home building options. Click here to get in touch with the best real estate agents who can help you find property investments or build your home in Brisbane.