The Guide to Sustainable Building Practices: Strategies & Trends
When it comes to sustainable living, the practices and habits we decide to live with are key. Saving the world from ecological imbalance and preserving resources for future generations implies that we need to take action to reduce our negative impact on the environment. It’s a fact that actions like reducing our waste and water consumption, using public transportation, and minimizing our unnecessary electricity use, contribute greatly to reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. But have you ever considered what your home or business can contribute to having a healthier planet for generations to come?
In a world where electricity and heat, transport, manufacturing, and construction are the first three sectors that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the concept of sustainable building practices is important for all of us. This refers to practices and methods used in the building industry to ensure its environmental impact is reduced and that our homes and businesses are energy-efficient, durable, and eco-friendly.
At Sustainable Living Builders, not only are we interested in making every project that we work on a new opportunity to improve our clients’ lifestyle and offer practical solutions for your roofing and solar needs, but we are invested in educating them about the ways in which the construction industry should also be committed to ensuring the planet is in safe hands. Let’s look at some trends and strategies of sustainable building practices that are here to stay.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES YOU HAVE TO KNOW
- Energy-Efficient Design
Trend: Solar panel, Solar Roofing, Skylight, and Energy Storage Systems installation
Practice: Whether it’s new construction or an existing property, it’s important to ensure the building reduces energy loss by leveraging natural light and heat from the sun. Installing energy storage units can help lower electricity expenses, monitor and control energy use, while incorporating skylights to enhance natural illumination and airflow is a growing practice in sustainable construction. - High-Performance Insulation
Trend: High R-Value and Air Sealing insulation services
Practice: More and more home and business owners are opting for high-quality insulation services to reduce a property’s energy consumption in heating and cooling, ensure moisture resistance to prevent damage as well as provide thermal and acoustic comfort. For insulation, the construction industry is also opting to use recycled and non-toxic materials such as cellulose, denim, cork, hemp, and wool, that ensure longevity and maintenance of indoor air quality. - Cool Roofs and Reflective Surfaces
Trend: Highly reflective technology in shingles
Practice: Roofing systems designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat help home and business owners significantly lower the temperature of their buildings. This sustainable construction practice not only reduces energy expenses but also protects their investment by extending the roof’s lifespan. - Sustainable Building Materials
Trend: Biophilic design
Practice: Incorporating sustainably sourced materials is a practice that the roofing industry is betting on. Natural materials like wood, clay, and slate in shingles and tiles offer the opportunity to reuse the materials they are made of. Waste materials such as rubber and plastic are being repurposed to make long-lasting and aesthetically appealing shingles. People are also choosing to install metal roofs as materials such as aluminum or steel not only offer a longer lifespan but are also easily recycled at their end.
A ONE-STOP-SHOP WITH SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES!
If any of these trends caught your attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Sustainable Living Builders! We are proud to be a solar panel installer and roofing company based in Santa Rosa, California, and to partner up with brands that implement top-notch technology to reduce the harm done to our planet. GAF offers you a wide variety of sustainable materials for your roofing project, and Tesla has innovative alternatives to make your home more energy-efficient.