12 Approaches That Will Make Your New Home Build More Sustainable
Building a home that’s both comfortable and sustainable is more important than ever in today’s changing climate.
Every decision you make in your new home build or renovation matters - from the materials you choose to the way you manage the resources your home uses.
In this article, I’m going to share 12 things you can consider in your design project that will help you build a sustainable home. One that not only reduces your environmental footprint, but also enhances your family’s quality of life and wellbeing.
12 Potted Approaches Photo by Lan Deng on Unsplash
#1 Using Sustainable Materials
I’m a huge fan of eco-friendly materials, and it goes without saying that achieving a more sustainable home starts with smart material choices.
Prioritising durable and locally sourced materials supports both sustainability goals and the local economy.
Options like hempcrete, rammed earth, straw bale, sustainably harvested timber, and recycled materials offer plenty of practical advantages, including improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Choosing sustainable materials reduces your environmental impact, but it can also improve the long-term value of your home.
#2 Reducing Your Resource Consumption
For a home that’s truly sustainable, it pays to think beyond the build and also make thoughtful choices to minimise resource consumption over your home’s lifetime.
Integrating features like water tanks, solar panels, and efficient heating and cooling systems can significantly reduce your environmental impact while also easing the burden on your hip pocket.
When you invest in these sustainable elements upfront, you’ll see long-term savings and enhanced home durability, contributing positively to both the environment and the cost of running your home.
#3 Consider Natural Ventilation
Bringing fresh, natural air into your home significantly improves comfort and well-being while making the most of mother nature.
Planning for effective natural ventilation creates a more comfortable and sustainable home and contributes to healthier living by improving indoor air quality and reducing humidity.
To optimise this in your new home or renovation project, consider how air naturally moves through your space.
Thoughtful placement of windows and doors, along with the use of vents, enhances natural airflow. And actively operating strategically placed windows and doors, especially during cooler nights, can help your home effectively reset its temperature over those hot periods.
#4 Implement Solar Passive Design
Solar Passive Design isn’t about solar panels, though that’s probably what first springs to mind when you think solar.
It’s actually about using the sun to naturally heat and cool your home.
Building or renovating with the sun in mind makes for a much more comfortable and energy-efficient home. So, whether you're building a new place or fixing up an old one, take into consideration how the sun will hit your house. Put windows in the right spots, use materials that hold warmth, and make sure your walls and roof are well insulated.
Open up to the winter sun, and block out the summer heat for comfy temperatures all year round.
Different design choices can make each room feel just right, and a solar passive design approach saves energy and money, keeping your home temperature balanced without constantly relying on heaters and air conditioners.
#5 Make Your Home a Healthy Building
A healthy home is a place where you and your family can thrive. How will your new home build or renovation achieve this?
Healthy Buildings are about having clean, dry air to breathe, your home being kept at a comfortable temperature and solutions to keep things tidy to avoid dust and germs. Making sure there are no leaks or mould is important, and so is having good airflow.
Healthy Buildings are also about safety. Considered design should ensure you can prevent falls, store harmful chemicals out of the way and keep your home free from bugs and pests.
Choosing low-VOC paints and natural fibre furnishings can also contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
#6 Small House Design
Small home design is all about maximising every centimetre of space without sacrificing comfort or style.
And while it’s not for everyone, it’s definitely a sustainable choice for a home.
It focuses on smart storage solutions, like built-in shelving and multi-functional furniture, to keep clutter at bay. Open floor plans and large windows create a sense of spaciousness, while natural light makes the home feel brighter and more inviting.
Thoughtful design choices, like using vertical space and incorporating hidden storage, can make even the smallest home feel roomy and efficient.
Having a smaller home doesn't mean being cramped - it means using fewer material resources, consuming less energy for heating and cooling, and enjoying the convenience of less cleaning.
With building costs on the rise, a tiny or small house might be the right solution for you. This approach is about prioritising what matters most and being smart about how you use space.
#7 Going Off-Grid
Building your new home off-grid homes is a thoughtful approach to living that prioritises self-sufficiency and a smaller footprint.
Just like small house design, off-grid living isn’t for everyone.
But it offers a unique sense of independence and connection with nature by harnessing renewable energy, like solar or wind, to power your home and managing your own water resources.
Off-grid design focuses on resource conservation and resilience, often incorporating natural building materials and passive heating and cooling techniques.
Efficient energy storage and appliances are key to a comfortable off-grid lifestyle, and sustainable waste management practices, such as composting and management of grey and black water, contribute to a reduced environmental impact.
#8 Passivhaus
Employing rigorous construction standards, including high levels of insulation, airtight building envelopes, and advanced window technology, to minimise energy consumption, Passivhaus construction standards focus on achieving exceptional energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Passive design principles reduce the input required from active heating and cooling systems, aiming to create a comfortable and sustainable living environment through careful planning and precise execution.
#9 Take Advantage of Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is like having a big, warm hug for your house.
Imagine materials like concrete or brick that soak up heat from the sun during the day, and then when it gets chilly at night, they slowly release that warmth back into your home.
It's a simple way to keep your house comfortable without using as much heating or cooling, simply by letting the materials do their thing!
However, it's worth noting that Passivhaus and thermal mass often don't play well together. Passivhaus designs prioritise precise mechanical temperature control and efficient insulation, and large thermal mass can introduce unwanted heat fluctuations that disrupt this delicate balance.
Make sure you consider both options, and chat to your architect about their benefits before you make a decision for your home.
#10 Insulation & Airtightness
Insulation and airtightness are like your home's cozy winter coat and windbreaker, working together to keep you comfortable.
Insulation slows down the flow of heat, keeping warmth on the inside during cold weather and on the outside during hot weather.
Airtightness stops drafts and unwanted air leaks, preventing that precious warm or cool air from escaping.
Many houses have countless draughts and leaks where all the perfectly heated or cooled air we invest in just slips away, costing both money and comfort.
But with their powers combined, proper insulation and airtightness create a stable and comfortable indoor environment, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling, and saving you energy and money.
#11 Build-in Adaptability
Adaptability in home design is all about creating spaces that can evolve with your changing needs.
Think flexible layouts with movable walls, multi-functional furniture that transforms, and open spaces that can be easily repurposed.
It's about designing for the "what ifs" of life, from welcoming a growing family to accommodating changing lifestyle preferences.
Adaptable homes are not just about today; they're about creating a living space that stays relevant and comfortable for years to come.
#12 Garden & Waste Management
Imagine a backyard that's both a food source and a haven for local wildlife! An edible garden, orchard, and wicking beds provide fresh produce, while frog-friendly ponds and native plant havens support local ecosystems.
Creating an adaptable home extends beyond the interior, embracing the garden and our waste practices too.
Permaculture principles and water-wise plantings minimise your environmental impact, and a worm farm and composting system turn waste into valuable resources.
Inside and out, adaptability means thoughtful choices: composting food scraps, making preserves, recycling, repairing, and swapping with neighbours.
And when you take it into consideration from the very start, even construction of your new home build can be waste-free or significantly reduced.
Are you ready to talk sustainability for your new home or renovation?
By embracing these sustainable design principles, we can create homes that are not only comfortable and efficient for our families but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
And sustainability starts at the very beginning - when you’re designing your dream home.
I’d love you to join us on the journey, where thoughtful design meets responsible living. If you’re ready to talk about how to consider sustainability in your new home or renovation project you can contact me to discuss it here.