In the last decade, people have become more conscious of their environmental impact. As a result, new home builders are building more energy-efficient, comfortable homes. Some of them even use less water and electricity. One of the most common ways to cut energy consumption in a new home is by installing Energy Star appliances. Water-efficient fixtures also make a difference. But what makes a green home truly green? Read on to discover the features of a green home.
Many of the materials used in building green homes are made of recycled materials. Some companies even produce carpets from recycled bottles or tires. Other homes make use of salvaged materials from demolished buildings. In addition to recycled materials, green homes also use rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo and hemp. In addition, the wood used in green homes is usually certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes socially responsible forestry practices. A typical 2,500-square-foot home produces two tons of construction waste during construction.
When building a green home, builders must follow strict guidelines to ensure it meets the highest LEED standards. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the leading industry rating system for green homes. To become certified, a home must meet strict standards in energy, water, materials, and building site. Certified homes often cost less than their non-green counterparts, so it is worth checking out the benefits of a certified green home before making a purchase.