Posted by Global warming is primarily the result of human activity. It is not a common thought but a fact recorded by the scientific community on a global scale. According to the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human activity accounts for 95% of the observed global warming over the past 50 years. In addition, industrial buildings emit 40% of all greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and fluorescent gas), which is, yet another major cause of global warming. Fortunately, by adopting eco-friendly housing infrastructure, we can reduce at least 30% impact on climate change.
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An eco-friendly house builds resilience in our homes and communities through its planning, construction, operation, and recycling. Since eco-friendly structuring techniques use natural materials and reduce energy waste, they are less damaging to the environment. Start by implementing the changes to bring a greener life to any dwelling, whether it is a small apartment in the city or a large farmhouse. For now, let’s start small. As they say, change begins at home, so here are a few things to consider while constructing an eco-friendly house.
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Advanced house framing:
To reduce energy and environmental impact, this technique uses less wood for building houses. It is also called Optimal Value Engineering (OVE). Additionally, it reduces house-building costs. In the construction of the house, there are a number of options available to replace wood, such as using composite gates instead of wooden gates. Compared to wooden gates, composite electric gates offer more strength, style and privacy. These gates are also cost-effective and easy to maintain.
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Install a smart meter:
Home heating systems and boilers account for the majority of energy consumption in a building, which can be determined by installing a smart meter. You can program smart meters to turn on only when the heating is needed, such as early in the morning or when you are returning home. Also, it reduces the accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere and the cost of energy.
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Use energy-efficient light bulbs:
It has been a while since energy-efficient bulbs were introduced to the market, and more people are becoming aware of its benefits. Thanks to technological advancements, these bulbs no longer produce dim light. Energy-efficient bulbs can save you money by consuming less electricity and lasting longer than the standard bulbs.
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Insulate your home:
Properly insulated homes require less energy to reheat. Insulation keeps heat from escaping, thereby keeping homes warm for longer periods of time. The walls, windows, and roofs of your house must be properly insulated in order to ensure proper heating and cooling. It is recommended to use double glazed windows to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
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Use solar energy:
Installing solar panels is an essential step to becoming an eco-friendly home. Solar panels are expensive, but the investment pays off in the long run. Ultimately, you will save more money than you spend. The installation of solar panels can also help you go entirely off the grid.
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Underfloor heating:
A cost-effective and simple method of heating your home is underfloor heating. New houses typically use this method of heating. Nevertheless, you can install it in older homes as well. By using it, you can avoid the high energy costs of heaters and radiators.
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Use water-based paints:
Water-based paints contain natural pigments. If you’re looking forward to building an environmentally friendly house, avoid the use of oil-based paints in home décor. Rather, substitute it with water-based paints, which are not only appealing, but are also available in a wide range of colors.
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Go natural when cleaning:
Detergents and cleaning products are harmful to the environment. Once they have been mixed with the water supply, repurifying the impure water requires a lot of energy. To kill bacteria and keep our homes free of grease and odor, we can use bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice, or vinegar. Another approach to reducing the need for cleaning products that sterilize and kill germs is to replace them with steam cleaners.
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Compost your leftover food:
Place leftover food in a compost bin instead of throwing it away. The food will turn into compost that can be used in the soil in your backyard garden.
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Use recycled furniture:
Chopping off woods to make furniture is going against nature. Using eco-friendly furniture material is a much better alternative. No matter which material you choose, your refined piece of furniture will be brand new. You can also purchase furniture through online auctions. A lot of times, you can find items that don’t require a lot of maintenance and are affordable.
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Regularly service your boilers:
The new versions of boilers are more energy-efficient, but they need regular maintenance to operate efficiently. If old boilers are properly maintained, they can operate efficiently as well. Nevertheless, it is recommended to replace your boiler every ten years.
Take note of your temperature at the thermostat, and then reduce it by a few degrees to see how it works. A one-degree drop in temperature can have a significant impact on your energy bill.
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Replace blinds with the thicker curtains:
For better energy conservation, install thicker curtains in the bedrooms. During summers, they keep the room cool and darker.
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Cook Smart:
Choosing the correct appliances and knowing how to operate them is important. For example, when you open the oven during cooking to check on the food frequently, it will take longer for the food to cook. It is smart to use halogen ovens since they do not need preheating, release a great deal of heat, and cook food rapidly.
Conclusion:
Make sure your house is designed in a way that preserves the environment and will also help you save money in the future. As the building contributes 40% to global warming, it is important to build eco-friendly houses to save the planet. Environmentally friendly products are costly, but their costs are recouped over the life of the product. On the whole, eco-friendly products are more efficient and cost-effective than conventional ones.