Sustainable housing – creating eco friendly living space

Home design and construction has lagged behind somewhat as we seek to lessen the environmental impact of our behaviour and actions. Sustainable housing as reality rather than just concept is starting to move forward however, as more and more construction companies and builders start to employ environmentally friendly methods of house building.

This is evident in the use of recycled materials, greater energy efficiency and more sympathetic design, in keeping with local surroundings. Choosing an environmentally friendly home doesn’t have to involve sacrifice when it comes to facilities and amenities. In fact there are significant benefits – lower utility bills for example.

Sustainable housing is about building homes with natural or recycled materials that are produced locally and do not contain toxic substances. Timber construction is experiencing something of a revolution. Materials are sourced from dedicated plantations where trees can be grown quickly and replaced cyclically. This is particularly relevant to garden buildings, many of which are made of wood.

When it comes to interiors, sustainable choices are attractive choices. Take flooring for example. Bamboo and cork are great alternatives to hard woods. They are quicker to cultivate and less damaging to the environment.Harmony with nature has practical benefits for any home, not just aesthetic ones.  Shade from trees provides insulation. Solar and wind power saves on bills. Opting for garden buildings rather than an extension is a green and cost effective way to expand living space without disrupting the feel of an area.

Perhaps the biggest factor in persuading construction companies and home buyers to go green is the financial incentives. Not just the reduction in bills for the home owner, but financial incentives put in place by governments such as rebates or tax breaks.So being green doesn’t have to mean compromise. You can be thoughtful and appreciative of environmental issues and concerns while reaping the benefits of having a beautiful home that is cheaper to fun and better for the planet.