Key Tips To Consider When Building A Home With Sustainable Resources

Jim Graham
March 15, 2022


If you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly way to build your next home, look no further than sustainable materials. The quality of construction can be just as good if not better than traditional methods and the final product will have little or zero impact on air pollution because they are made with recycled products!

Not only do these homes save money when it comes time to clean up after yourself (they use half as much energy), but by limiting what kinds go into creating them we also help protect our environment too – giving everyone an opportunity at cleaner surroundings whether that means being able live healthier lives. Here at Sun and Earth, we will be sharing an article discussing the tips to consider when building a home using sustainable resources. If you want to know more information, make sure to keep reading below to find out.

What is a Sustainable Home?

When building a sustainable home, a lot of aspects are considered, such as using sustainable materials and resources, and you must also ensure that it optimizes energy and water use with quality systems that last longer.

A sustainable home is built using high-quality, great performance, and low-impact materials. These types of materials are efficiently done with regard to their manufacturing, shipping, and installation. Since it is made with sustainability in mind, it won’t break easily and can last for a long time, which can be beneficial to the homeowner because they will produce fewer waste materials during the process of building the home.

If you want your home to be sustainable you must consider the following:

  • Appliances
  • Building materials and techniques
  • Cooling, heating, and ventilation
  • Decoration
  • Energy generation and usage – Solar and wind energy
  • Insulation materials
  • Light fixtures
  • Plumbing
  • Smart systems
  • The way you perform regular maintenance, conservation, and green cleaning of the home can affect the sustainability of your home.

Which is better? To buy a sustainable home, renovate your home for sustainability, or to build a new construction using sustainable resources?

Choosing one can be challenging for you. Building a new home using sustainable resources gives you the flexibility to start from scratch and you can use the materials that you prefer and include the latest technology that can be beneficial to the environment in the long run, while renovating your old home for sustainability, on the other hand, can be a bit limited as you have to work on the existing structure.

There are other aspects that you have to consider such as the budget, cost, location, etc. Most homeowners will opt to invest in remodeling or renovating their homes to make them sustainable.

When building a new home you must consider the following:

Use sustainable building resources

Green homes may use the following sustainable building materials:

  • Recycled, reused, or repurposed – A recycled material has been reprocessed so it can be used as different material such as recycling rubber tires and creating them as flooring.
  • Reused materials – A reused material is something that has been taken from an old home and reused for its upgrade or remodel. You can reuse old windows, doors, and flooring and make necessary fixes when needed.
  • Repurposed materials – If you have broken household items, see to it if you can repurpose them before throwing them away. For example, if you have a broken chair you can get some of the wood and create a new item from it.
  • Sustainable harvested – An example of this is wood. When wood is sustainably harvested it comes from properly managed forests and it has been documented and certified by the supplier.
  • Quickly renewable – Bamboo is one of the most commonly used materials in creating flooring for sustainable homes. It is a type of grass that can be renewed quickly.
  • Non-toxic and non-allergenic – Lead, formaldehyde, and black mold are often found in toxic and allergenic building materials.
  • Locally sourced – When a material is locally sourced, it means it comes from a supplier or manufacturer within a 100-mile radius rather than being transported from far distances.

Incorporate water and energy efficiency when creating building plans and designs

When a sustainable home is built, you should also consider its water and energy efficiency. Water efficiency can be done by collecting rainwater and reusing gray water like water from the dishwasher, laundry, and sink run-off. It can also be done by incorporating water-saving measures like the installation of low-flow showerheads and toilets.

Energy efficiency is accomplished by installing energy-efficient appliances, proper installation of insulation, and installing skylights and windows so you can have access to natural light thus decreasing your electricity bills.

Prioritize indoor air quality

When building a home, you must use sustainable building materials as it can also affect indoor air quality. This means you have to avoid or eliminate the materials that can add to the increase of toxins and allergens in the air which can affect the indoor air quality of your home.

Watch out for building materials that may contain formaldehyde

Particleboard and plywood may contain formaldehyde while natural wood does not. When shopping for building materials, you must go for formaldehyde-free materials. You must also inform your builder about this during the planning of the design of your home.

Formaldehyde-based resins are popularly used for manufacturing composite and engineered wood products. They are used for creating cabinets, countertops, flooring, furniture, moldings, shelving, stair systems, support beams, wall sheathing, etc.

You must also use low VOC paints. Make sure to choose floor coverings made from natural resources such as wood for hard flooring, and wool for carpeting, instead of the commonly used vinyl, laminate, and man-made carpets that are made from synthetic materials.

  • Paint – Acrylic and latex paints are low or have no VOC. Oil-based paints contain VOCs and must be avoided at all costs.
  • Floor coverings – Carpets and laminates are not recommended for floor coverings as they do not help improve the indoor air quality as they contain harmful chemicals and also harbor dust. If you prefer to have carpeted flooring you must go for a natural and sustainable material like wool.
  • HVAC Filtration – You must consider using a HEPA level filter if you are planning to have central air or a furnace. You can also consider installing a standalone air filtration system. f
  • Moisture – When there is excess moisture in your home, it will be prone to mold growth. While mold is not always harmful, sometimes it can be as bad as toxic black mold. Black mold is commonly found in cellulose-rich building materials from structures that have damp or water-damaged areas.

Black mold can cause health issues in some individuals. You should install bathroom and laundry room ceiling fans to prevent water from collecting on walls. You must check remote areas like the attic and crawlspaces to make sure that no mold growth is happening. If you see any mold growth, make sure to attend to it right away.

  • Radon – Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive inert gas. It is colorless and odorless. It is the second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is naturally present in the atmosphere in trace amounts. You must ask your builder to test your location before building your home.

Construction Tips for Building a Sustainable Home

Use passive solar design

Passive solar design uses solar energy for heating and cooling a home. It does not use mechanical or electric equipment. Its function depends on the building materials used to create it. It will reflect, absorb, and transmit sunlight. Indoor spaces will be designed to allow the movement of sun-heated air without using fans. This will result in reducing the amount of energy used to cool and heat the home.

Install a water filter that segregates microplastics

You can add a water filter to your washing machine so that you can prevent microplastics from spreading to the surrounding areas. You can also add a water filter to your faucet so your drinking water will not contain microplastics.

Install high-performance windows

Windows are responsible for around 50% or more of lost energy. You can consider using windows with double glazing, special coatings, and non-conductive framing materials to ensure air-tight circulation. When you install high-performance windows during the construction of your home it will result in better energy efficiency.

For areas with a warm climate, you can use low solar gain. Less heat will be conducted indoors through the windows of your home. You can use windows with double glazing. You can also use windows that allow proper ventilation. For areas with a cold climate, you can use window frames that are properly insulated. It must have a tight fit to prevent drafts and minimize heat loss.

If you want to build a sustainable home in Las Cruces, New Mexico you must choose a reliable construction company like Sun and Earth. Please check out our portfolio by clicking this link here. To know more about the services that we are currently offering please visit this link. If you want to know more information about our company or if you have any questions for us you can send us a message by filling up this contact form.

If you are interested in hiring us for our services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Please call us at (575) 521-3537. When building a new home using sustainable resources, make sure to choose a reliable company like Sun and Earth. What are you waiting for? Contact us today! We are looking forward to hearing from you!

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If you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly way to build your next home, look no further than sustainable materials. The quality of construction can be just as good if not better than traditional methods and the final product will have little or zero impact on air pollution because they are made with recycled products!

Not only do these homes save money when it comes time to clean up after yourself (they use half as much energy), but by limiting what kinds go into creating them we also help protect our environment too – giving everyone an opportunity at cleaner surroundings whether that means being able live healthier lives. Here at Sun and Earth, we will be sharing an article discussing the tips to consider when building a home using sustainable resources. If you want to know more information, make sure to keep reading below to find out.

What is a Sustainable Home?

When building a sustainable home, a lot of aspects are considered, such as using sustainable materials and resources, and you must also ensure that it optimizes energy and water use with quality systems that last longer.

A sustainable home is built using high-quality, great performance, and low-impact materials. These types of materials are efficiently done with regard to their manufacturing, shipping, and installation. Since it is made with sustainability in mind, it won’t break easily and can last for a long time, which can be beneficial to the homeowner because they will produce fewer waste materials during the process of building the home.

If you want your home to be sustainable you must consider the following:

  • Appliances
  • Building materials and techniques
  • Cooling, heating, and ventilation
  • Decoration
  • Energy generation and usage – Solar and wind energy
  • Insulation materials
  • Light fixtures
  • Plumbing
  • Smart systems
  • The way you perform regular maintenance, conservation, and green cleaning of the home can affect the sustainability of your home.

Which is better? To buy a sustainable home, renovate your home for sustainability, or to build a new construction using sustainable resources?

Choosing one can be challenging for you. Building a new home using sustainable resources gives you the flexibility to start from scratch and you can use the materials that you prefer and include the latest technology that can be beneficial to the environment in the long run, while renovating your old home for sustainability, on the other hand, can be a bit limited as you have to work on the existing structure.

There are other aspects that you have to consider such as the budget, cost, location, etc. Most homeowners will opt to invest in remodeling or renovating their homes to make them sustainable.

When building a new home you must consider the following:

Use sustainable building resources

Green homes may use the following sustainable building materials:

  • Recycled, reused, or repurposed – A recycled material has been reprocessed so it can be used as different material such as recycling rubber tires and creating them as flooring.
  • Reused materials – A reused material is something that has been taken from an old home and reused for its upgrade or remodel. You can reuse old windows, doors, and flooring and make necessary fixes when needed.
  • Repurposed materials – If you have broken household items, see to it if you can repurpose them before throwing them away. For example, if you have a broken chair you can get some of the wood and create a new item from it.
  • Sustainable harvested – An example of this is wood. When wood is sustainably harvested it comes from properly managed forests and it has been documented and certified by the supplier.
  • Quickly renewable – Bamboo is one of the most commonly used materials in creating flooring for sustainable homes. It is a type of grass that can be renewed quickly.
  • Non-toxic and non-allergenic – Lead, formaldehyde, and black mold are often found in toxic and allergenic building materials.
  • Locally sourced – When a material is locally sourced, it means it comes from a supplier or manufacturer within a 100-mile radius rather than being transported from far distances.

Incorporate water and energy efficiency when creating building plans and designs

When a sustainable home is built, you should also consider its water and energy efficiency. Water efficiency can be done by collecting rainwater and reusing gray water like water from the dishwasher, laundry, and sink run-off. It can also be done by incorporating water-saving measures like the installation of low-flow showerheads and toilets.

Energy efficiency is accomplished by installing energy-efficient appliances, proper installation of insulation, and installing skylights and windows so you can have access to natural light thus decreasing your electricity bills.

Prioritize indoor air quality

When building a home, you must use sustainable building materials as it can also affect indoor air quality. This means you have to avoid or eliminate the materials that can add to the increase of toxins and allergens in the air which can affect the indoor air quality of your home.

Watch out for building materials that may contain formaldehyde

Particleboard and plywood may contain formaldehyde while natural wood does not. When shopping for building materials, you must go for formaldehyde-free materials. You must also inform your builder about this during the planning of the design of your home.

Formaldehyde-based resins are popularly used for manufacturing composite and engineered wood products. They are used for creating cabinets, countertops, flooring, furniture, moldings, shelving, stair systems, support beams, wall sheathing, etc.

You must also use low VOC paints. Make sure to choose floor coverings made from natural resources such as wood for hard flooring, and wool for carpeting, instead of the commonly used vinyl, laminate, and man-made carpets that are made from synthetic materials.

  • Paint – Acrylic and latex paints are low or have no VOC. Oil-based paints contain VOCs and must be avoided at all costs.
  • Floor coverings – Carpets and laminates are not recommended for floor coverings as they do not help improve the indoor air quality as they contain harmful chemicals and also harbor dust. If you prefer to have carpeted flooring you must go for a natural and sustainable material like wool.
  • HVAC Filtration – You must consider using a HEPA level filter if you are planning to have central air or a furnace. You can also consider installing a standalone air filtration system. f
  • Moisture – When there is excess moisture in your home, it will be prone to mold growth. While mold is not always harmful, sometimes it can be as bad as toxic black mold. Black mold is commonly found in cellulose-rich building materials from structures that have damp or water-damaged areas.

Black mold can cause health issues in some individuals. You should install bathroom and laundry room ceiling fans to prevent water from collecting on walls. You must check remote areas like the attic and crawlspaces to make sure that no mold growth is happening. If you see any mold growth, make sure to attend to it right away.

  • Radon – Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive inert gas. It is colorless and odorless. It is the second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is naturally present in the atmosphere in trace amounts. You must ask your builder to test your location before building your home.

Construction Tips for Building a Sustainable Home

Use passive solar design

Passive solar design uses solar energy for heating and cooling a home. It does not use mechanical or electric equipment. Its function depends on the building materials used to create it. It will reflect, absorb, and transmit sunlight. Indoor spaces will be designed to allow the movement of sun-heated air without using fans. This will result in reducing the amount of energy used to cool and heat the home.

Install a water filter that segregates microplastics

You can add a water filter to your washing machine so that you can prevent microplastics from spreading to the surrounding areas. You can also add a water filter to your faucet so your drinking water will not contain microplastics.

Install high-performance windows

Windows are responsible for around 50% or more of lost energy. You can consider using windows with double glazing, special coatings, and non-conductive framing materials to ensure air-tight circulation. When you install high-performance windows during the construction of your home it will result in better energy efficiency.

For areas with a warm climate, you can use low solar gain. Less heat will be conducted indoors through the windows of your home. You can use windows with double glazing. You can also use windows that allow proper ventilation. For areas with a cold climate, you can use window frames that are properly insulated. It must have a tight fit to prevent drafts and minimize heat loss.

If you want to build a sustainable home in Las Cruces, New Mexico you must choose a reliable construction company like Sun and Earth. Please check out our portfolio by clicking this link here. To know more about the services that we are currently offering please visit this link. If you want to know more information about our company or if you have any questions for us you can send us a message by filling up this contact form.

If you are interested in hiring us for our services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Please call us at (575) 521-3537. When building a new home using sustainable resources, make sure to choose a reliable company like Sun and Earth. What are you waiting for? Contact us today! We are looking forward to hearing from you!