Eco-Friendly Building: Paving the Way for a Greener Future
Custom home building has always been an industry that likes to challenge conventional ideas by pushing the limits of what is possible. With so many environmentally friendly home design ideas available, there’s never been a better time to explore what it means to build green.
At LIDA Construction, we deeply value integrating sustainability and style in every home we create. At every stage of construction, we aim to redefine the norms of home design by prioritizing eco-friendly practices. With a dedicated team, we continuously strive to innovate and implement the latest in green building technologies, ensuring that each home we build is a testament to our commitment to a healthier planet.
These days, environmental sustainability is at the forefront of almost all new design ideas. Whatever the topic, whether it’s fashion, transportation or architecture, it’s clear that most consumers are looking for quality options to fulfill their needs without negatively impacting the environment around them.
Read on for our top 6 environmentally friendly home design ideas.
Considerations Before The Build
Determining exactly where a home is built is equally important as how it is built. When considering the placement of a house, it’s important to:
- Examine the location of trees and any bodies of water that might run through or border the lot.
- Consider the land’s exposure to the sun and wind. Sun exposure can impact the natural light within the house and, in certain circumstances, can also assist with aspects of thermal regulation.
An essential principle of green construction is minimizing any negative impact on the surrounding environment whenever possible.
Choosing A Style
When deciding to build a custom home, our clients get to choose something that caters specifically to their tastes and preferences.
Environmentally friendly home design ideas have become much more mainstream in the last two decades. This is largely because:
- Materials and appliances used in green buildings are more accessible
- Building eco-friendly homes leads to significant financial savings on energy bills & home maintenance.
*Did you know? In 2023, our modern Island View Home was awarded the CHBA Vancouver Island Building Excellence Award for “Best Environmental Initiative.”
6 Environmentally Friendly Home Design Ideas
Energy efficiency is at the heart of all eco-friendly buildings. Numerous advancements in technology and appliances allow us ample opportunity to create beautiful and efficient custom homes.
Let’s review a few of the latest innovations on the market that help us prioritize efficiency:
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Electric Heat Pumps
Unlike traditional gas furnaces, which in most climates are only used in the colder months, a heat pump can act as a heater and an air conditioner. When heating a home, a heat pump pulls heat out of the air outside and blows it into the house, increasing the temperature. When in air conditioning mode, the pump pulls the coolness out of the air outdoors and pumps it indoors, making it cooler.
Heat pumps are up to 3 times more efficient in average climates than gas furnaces. In our relatively mild climate, conventional heat pumps are well-suited. Unlike colder regions such as the prairies or other frigid climates, where cold-climate heat pumps, often accompanied by a secondary source of heat, are necessary.
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Tankless Water Heaters (Hot Water On Demand)
Tankless water heaters can be powered by either gas or electricity and are extremely energy efficient, using far less energy than a traditional hot water tank. The system provides immediate hot water on demand, eliminating water wastage. Another positive feature of a tankless water heater is that it requires less setup space. With no need for water storage in a tank, the possibility of tank failure & flooding is also eliminated.
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Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV)
Heat recovery ventilator systems (HRV) help improve the air quality inside a home by using a heat-exchanging process that brings filtered fresh air from outside into the building while removing stale air from indoors and blowing it outside. They help eliminate odours, moisture, pollen, dust and pollutants such as chemicals. It also transfers some of the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, which helps with energy savings for heating in colder months (and vice versa in hotter months)
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High-Performance Windows For Thermal Regulation
High-quality windows can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency by improving thermal regulation and preventing heat from escaping through air gaps in window frames. Another benefit of quality windows is that they help reduce the noise exchange between indoors & outdoors.
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Solar Power For Alternative Energy Source
Solar panels have become more affordable, which has led to increased usage in residential areas. Solar power is a clean, renewable energy that can be converted into electricity to help power lights, plugs & appliances. While there is some initial cost to install them & a small amount of maintenance required, solar panels can help decrease electricity bills, making them cost-effective.
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Energy Star Systems and Appliances
The Energy Star program was developed between governments and the many industries that produce home systems and appliances. The intention behind the partnership was to create specific guidelines around what is considered “environmentally friendly” when it comes to home systems. The program also supports the development of eco-friendly products at more affordable prices, making the choice to go green more attainable for the general public.
As we can see, many incredible strides forward in technology and innovation keep the list of environmentally friendly home design ideas growing.
At LIDA Construction, We’re Building A Legacy Of Environmental Responsibility
Every choice we make in designing our homes plays a pivotal role. At LIDA Construction in Victoria, BC, we understand the significance of creating homes that reflect your unique style and embrace environmentally friendly practices. Our custom home-building expertise extends beyond construction; we strive to create homes that are a testament to responsible living.
Your home is more than just a structure; it’s a statement of your commitment to a sustainable and harmonious future. From harnessing solar power to incorporating smart technologies, our choices today impact the world we leave for future generations.
Ready to embark on your journey towards a custom dream home? Contact LIDA Construction today, and let’s start building a greener tomorrow together.
