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Wall selection is a key component of sustainable design. Sustainable walls help reduce heat island effect, provide insulation and natural cooling. Sustainable walls can slow down stormwater runoff, and when properly designed and installed can add value to a house, and reduce energy costs.
Choosing the correct wall system is part of good sustainable design. Homeowners should demand good sustainable wall design, builders should be knowledgeable about them, and architects should include them in every building design.
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If you are building a new house or replacing your roof, try and install a sustainable roof.
It's a roofing system that is designed, constructed, maintained, rehabilitated, and demolished with an emphasis throughout its life cycle on using natural resources efficiently and preserving the global environment.
While many homeowners may think that a sustainable roof requires a large gesture, choosing any one of these options can make a large environmental impact. Even asphalt shingles can be upgraded to reduce energy and construction waste and could just get you a break on your homeowner's insurance.
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Green Building Cost, Budgeting and ROI
Green building skeptics sometimes argue that it's difficult or even impossible to build green without paying a big cost premium. But real-world examples show that you can complete a LEED-certified green building project for an average of 2 percent more in upfront costs, and sometimes even below standard market construction costs.
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Energy-efficient windows
Energy-efficient windows can help lower a home's heating, cooling, and lighting costs. Windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation, but they can also negatively impact a home's energy efficiency. You can reduce energy costs by installing energy-efficient windows in your home. Some energy efficiency improvements to existing windows can also help.
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Water Heaters
Water heating uses up to 25 percent of the energy in U.S. homes and is the second largest energy expense in U.S. households, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), so it's definitely worth it to invest the time and effort in researching different water heating options.
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Rainwater Harvesting in Texas
Water has long been a precious commodity in Texas. In the past, 50 percent of water used in Central Texas was from mineral rich groundwater.
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Electronic or toxic Waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, accounts for 70 percent of the overall toxic waste that you currently find in landfills.
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Make a difference: Recycling your office paper
One of the easiest ways that we can make a difference in the environment is to recycle the paper that is generated in an office setting.
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