Incorporating eco-friendly elements into architectural designs has continued to grow in popularity over the years. From protecting the environment to saving on energy costs, the benefits of green architecture are endless.
Here are three of the top sustainable building trends you should be sure to adopt into your building design in 2021.
An increased focus on green, renewable energy is becoming more important in architectural designs. Instead of relying on traditional energy sources, more architects are looking for ways to create sustainable buildings that run on (or create) either solar, hydro, or wind energy.
Along with producing renewable energy, new construction homes can also be designed with energy efficiency in mind to help homeowners save even more. From Energy Star kitchen appliances to dual-pane windows, energy-efficient construction saves power, which lowers energy bills each month. Other innovations from interior insulation to simple timer switches that regulate lights can also play a key role in reducing energy consumption and costs each month.
It's been discovered that traditional building materials have chemicals in them that can be harmful to people. Homeowners are becoming more conscious of the negative environmental impact and health hazards that some of these materials can cause. Additionally, many homeowners now want to know exactly where the building materials were sourced from and what ingredients they contain.
In turn, healthy, sustainable building materials, such as low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, are becoming more widespread and requested when renovating or building new spaces. Along with being healthier, these materials are also more environmentally friendly, helping reduce the structure's carbon footprint.
Stormwater management is another sustainable practice that is growing in popularity. This is usually achieved through porous pavements to prevent flooding or landscape designs that incorporate filtration and water flow into a basin.
These designs help prevent damage from flooding, and the basin method specifically provides homeowners with the option of recycling and reusing all the rainwater that has collected inside. This water can then be used to water plants or irrigate the lawn.
Green architecture and building materials are constantly evolving, and it's increasingly important to homebuyers. If you are looking to develop property with sustainability in mind, feel free to get in touch to talk about all of the options available to you.