Nurturing our environment, achieving a sustainable future and reducing global warming have been growing topics of concern for all of us. The need to protect the environment is in all of our hands and this responsibility needs to be exercised in almost everything we do and in the choices we make every hour of our lives. Actions we take now can lead to benefits later. When we all choose well and change our behavior to nurture, conserve and sustain, the effect can be enormous. The home in which we live is one such area where we have the ability to make a range of nurturing choices. In this article we will look at some of the more desirable elements that need to be included in green home plans.

Durability is a key tenet of a good green home plan. A green home plan will strive to use eco-friendly building materials and furnishings and will incorporate leftovers wherever possible. A green home design will make use of materials that are renewable and long lasting. The less often you have to replace materials, then the less material and effort that needs to go into maintaining them, resulting in a diminished cost of upkeep and less frequent replacement. Cork, bamboo and eucalyptus are examples of earth friendly and renewable materials that feature prominently in environmental building designs. Recycled materials should also be used wherever possible. This is relatively easily achieved when it comes to flooring as you can sand and refinish or even paint and stencil what is already there. Recycled glass (vertrazzo) looks attractive and comes in a range of colors. It can be used for both kitchen countertops and as a backsplash.

Efficient energy use is another key component of a green home plan. Using energy efficient appliances is a must and most manufactures these days will label their products with an energy star rating. But the biggest difference we can make is by leveraging that great bundle of natural energy called the sun. A solar power system can deliver most of an average household’s daytime energy needs and any excess energy that is created can be fed back into the electricity grid. Rebates for the installation of solar panels and also their improved efficiency are seeing the cost of installing residential solar power systems come rapidly down. The energy savings we can achieve by installing a solar panel array will be complemented by installing energy saving windows and ensuring that our homes are properly insulated. Both measures are designed to trap heat inside the house during cold weather and reflect heat when it is hot, leading to a reduction in heating and cooling costs respectively.

The third pillar of a good greenhouse plan should be the efficient use of water – something that is particularly pertinent for those living in drier climates. An enormous amount of perfectly good drinking water is wasted each day on activities like clothes washing and flushing toilets. These activities could just as soon be done using grey water (recycled water). Home water treatment systems such as a wet compost system or a sand filtration system will achieve the aim of using water efficiently.

A well-designed green home construction requires consideration of several factors, which must be incorporated in the initial structuring stages. Using eco-friendly raw materials is an important management measure in the construction of green homes. This could include using high fly ash content cement instead of normal cement. Wood salvaged from old buildings and reengineered wood can be used in constructing a green home. It is best to incorporate the green features during the construction phase. Installation of a drip irrigation system instead of a sprinkler system is one such measure. Investing in a rainwater harvesting system is yet another step toward going Green. Pathways, drive ways should be made of permeable paving so that rainwater can seep through the soil.

Using Forest Stewardship Council (SFC) certified wood for all wooden fittings in the house is favorable to a green house construction. Even employing no/low formaldehyde based paints for the interiors of the house helps in creating healthier living conditions. Harnessing the power of the sun by fitting solar heaters and photovoltaic cells helps reduce electricity consumption and lower bills. Greater reflectivity of light colored roofs as against dark colored helps in reducing heat buildup in the house. Also, they last longer because since the heat absorbed is less, they do not expand thermally as much as dark colored roofs.

Green Home Construction holistically handles both fixed as well as movable items in a house. It is best to use recycled wood furniture for the house interiors. Various companies advertise recycled plastic furniture for the garden. A green initiative gaining popularity is using cork or bamboo flooring instead of the usual hardwood flooring. Avoid using vinyl linoleum, natural linoleum is a better choice. Make sure that the ducting in the house is leak proof. Ducting leaks cause over 10% of energy losses in a house. Fitting flow reducers to faucets and shower heads and low volume flushes helps reduce 40% consumption of water without anybody noticing the difference. Use on insulation which does not contain formaldehyde helps prevent sickness. Cellulose insulation made out of recycled paper is one such good material for wall insulation.

In a green home construction, effective use is made of low emissive double paned windows. Double paned windows not only provide more insulation but also help make the house quieter. The frames of windows should be made of wood as these provide more insulation. The piping of the house should have a jacket to reduce loss of heat. Use these tips to make your home truly green.

Today there are tons of new products derived from recycled and renewable resources that not only help the environment, but can help you save some serious cash. If you want to do more for the planet than just recycle cans and bring reusable grocery bags to the store, consider turning your house into a green project and what better place to start changing to greener alternatives than with the very walls of your own home?

Spray foam insulation is an earth-friendly building material that not only pays for itself but can even produce a healthy profit. It is made from recyclable and renewable materials and is an investment that will make your house more energy efficient and even add value to your property.

Most homes use fiberglass sheets for insulation. These wiry, pink fibers provide minimal climate control and have been known to cause health problems. The sharp material can irritate skin when touched, and loose particles can become caught in the throat, creating scars inside of the esophagus. Although it may seem like a great deal, since fiberglass is cheaper to install than other types of insulation, it comes apart easily, often needing to be partially or fully replaced.

Spray polyurethane foam, commonly referred to as SPF, is a spray-applied insulating foam plastic that is installed as a liquid and then expands many times its original size. It is extremely energy efficient because it easily fills cracks and openings on the surface, making a solid barrier to protect against outside elements.

The tight seal it creates makes it the most energy – efficient insulation available. You won’t have to crank up the heater or air conditioner like you have to with fiberglass. And it stays put. You probably will never have to worry about repairs or replacement.

Spray foam insulation also acts as a pest, moisture, and sound repellant. Because it seals so thoroughly, spray foam insulation makes it nearly impossible for insects and other critters to sneak into your home. You’ll spend next to nothing on pest control and won’t have to fill the air with harmful pesticides.

Likewise moisture doesn’t stand a chance against the armor-like spray foam. You won’t have to worry about mold, which can destroy your house. And the cushioned walls even easily absorb excess noise, ensuring that you can’t hear your neighbors and they can’t hear you.

Polyurethane insulation is not only durable, but very versatile. It can be sprayed onto ceilings and floors to add extra protection and insulation. Due to the messy nature of the product, it is highly recommended to have professionals perform the job.

The best way to get green is to start in with your own home, and spray foam insulation is the ideal, environmentally friendly choice. You’ll not only improve your home, but you’ll help save energy and will contribute to a product that serves to protect the planet. For a small investment, you can save big money over the years with the knowledge that you are contributing to a worthy cause.