The increase in the green building market has never been more popular with the number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications rising from only 296 certified projects in 2006 to over 65,000 in 2017. The results of which contribute to the green building market as being one of the fastest growing industries globally. As we become more environmentally aware, than so do our desires to inhabit homes that match our natural surroundings. If ever there were reasons to go after your dreams, then finding ways to saving energy and take responsibility for our planet while living within an environment you’ve made your home should be top of the list.
Choose a Manufactured Home
A popular way in which to create an eco-friendly home is to consider the growing world of prefab builds whereby you can choose a LEED or zero energy house to have installed in a location of your choice. A major benefit is that a prefab home is generally a cheaper possibility than purchasing a site-built house, and lenders are recognizing this potential by offering loans and even reverse mortgages, particularly if you’re a senior. Although dwellings have to meet specific requirements, it could be extremely advantageous in order to live in a sustainable home while reducing your environmental footprint.
Get Creative with Cob Housing
As we move towards incorporating sustainable housing, green builds are becoming more affordable and cost-effective way to design and construct a home. If you want to get creative and build a home for less than a few thousand dollars, then consider cob housing. Not only has it been around for many centuries, it’s also extremely versatile and is built using three essential earth friendly resources: straw, sand and clay. Cob housing can be built to your own specifications and size, complete with energy saving functions to limit your impact on the environment while keeping warm in winter and cool in summer.
Live Off-Grid
Deciding to go off grid is an appealing choice for people who desire a self-sufficient lifestyle whereby they’re not reliant on the normal constraints of society. This option offers the possibility of living in any type of dwelling, from an old school bus to an airplane! It also means that you can produce your own power through solar panels and collect or pump your own water supply, thus reducing your dependency on fossil fuels. While this might not be for everyone, the idea of living amongst nature, growing your own food and having a minimal impact on the environment is most certainly gaining in popularity.
As we collectively become increasingly aware of the impact our lives have on the environment, the shift towards finding sustainable and energy efficient housing is becoming ever more desirable and is worth considering next time you’re thinking of moving home.