Green Living
Net Positive Energy Homes
Zero used to be the hero when it came to green building; Zero Energy Homes that produced enough energy to make up for what they consumed. But in 2017, Zero Energy moves aside as Positive Energy takes the lead.
Homes set the new gold (green) standard for energy efficiency. Positive Energy homes use solar power to produce more energy than they consume, with excess being sold back to the grid, or used to power things like electric vehicles, saunas, yard equipment, and power tools.
Smart appliances are helping consumers get even closer to net-zero energy use. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, appliances combined with lighting and electronics use up to 34.6% of a home’s overall energy. Look for Energy Star certified appliances to reduce energy use in the home.
Water Reuse and Supply
Water efficiency and conservation become even more important as some states continue to experience record-breaking droughts. Look for water conservation fixtures, rainwater, greywater reuse, efficient irrigation technologies, and drought-resistant landscaping to be even bigger this year.
Drought Resistant Yards
Be prepared to hear the word Xeriscaping even more, as drought resistant yards become even more popular. Xeriscaping is a creative way of landscaping that focuses on conserving water usage. Water conservation in landscaping starts at the design level, and includes the right soil, local plants that are drought resistant, and limited or no grass areas.
According to Rodale’s Organic Life, well-designed drip systems use at least 30 percent, and in some cases 50 percent, less water than other methods of watering. Drip irrigation systems that slowly deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, without wasting it on nearby areas, will continue to be on trend. Drip irrigation will be in even higher demand in drought states such as California.
Cool Roofs
The roofing industry will continue to get greener with cool roofs and green roofs in both the residential and commercial sectors. Cool roofs absorb less heat and reflect sunlight away with special tiles, and reflective paints. This keeps the entire building cooler and a more constant temperature, reducing energy usage. Green roofs have a layer of vegetation on top, and these rooftop gardens reduce the temperature of the roof and surrounding air through evapotranspiration. Green roofs not only reduce energy usage, they also reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Nanotechnology
Green building starts on the molecular level with exciting new innovations in Nanotechnology. Nano insulation is non-toxic, and the insulating coatings are so thin and clear that they appear to be invisible. Nano insulation is about 30% more efficient than conventional insulation materials.
Sustainable Flooring
Inside a green home, sustainable flooring options can be attractive, eco-friendly, and contribute to the overall health of the home. Innovative flooring options include carpets made not only from recycled carpet fibers, but also from recycled plastic water bottles.
Stunning floor surfaces made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, cork, salvaged wood, and recycled materials such as glass, ceramics, stone, and even rubber can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and all over the home. Low- and no-voc sealants will keep bathrooms and kitchens water-tight, while remaining environmentally friendly.
Recycled Countertops
One of the newest trends for countertops is breathing new life into old materials. Recycled glass, steel, aluminum, and even paper countertops are eco-friendly and compliment the design style of any home. Reclaimed and bamboo wood countertops provide a rustic warmth to kitchens, and can stand up to years of kitchen abuse. Bamboo countertops are not only eco-friendly and sustainable, they also contribute to a healthy home; bamboo is naturally resistant to mold and bacteria.
A Return to Steel
Steel is not a new building material, it’s been used to frame buildings since the 1800s. But steel is making a big comeback as a sustainable building material; all steel products can be recycled again and again. According to the Steel Recycling Institute, a 2,000 sq foot two story house can be framed from the steel recycled from six cars. It would take nearly an acre of trees to produce the wood needed to produce a comparable wood frame. And steel isn’t just for framing, either. Recycled steel countertops, furniture, and tiles can be used throughout the home, as well.