Incorporating green architecture into an existing home – Introduction
Sustainable architecture is based on the idea that the design of a building or home should have the least impact on the environment as possible.
People who are interested in living a greener lifestyle, but who don’t have the resources to build a new sustainable house, can improve the sustainability of an existing structure. They can convert one area of their home at a time, or they can hire a green building specialist to help with a building overhaul. Materials and furnishings commonly used in sustainable building include ceiling fans, triple paned windows, reclaimed lumber or natural flooring, compact fluorescent lights, and insulation made from cotton, mineral wool, or cellulose.
Use sustainable materials for your home finishes. Items like countertops, wall surfaces, and flooring can be sustainable. Other options include highly renewable and short-growth resources (bamboo flooring, end grain pine block flooring.
Select low toxic paints and finishes for the interior and exterior of your home. Choose exterior materials that limit the need for painting and maintenance.
Use low flush toilets to conserve water. Purchase high-efficiency appliances to reduce energy usage.
Conduct an energy audit by doing an inspection of your house and looking for any areas that might have air leaks or could use more insulation. By creating tight seals in your home and properly insulating your walls, you save on heating bills and usage.
Look at the product labels. The Green Seal logo means products have low levels of volatile organic compounds.
Preserve and respect the natural resources of the sites, eg. preserve existing trees, landscaping as much of the natural topography as possible.
Manage and absorb storm water on the site to reduce runoff and allow for absorption into landscaping. Cisterns will capture roof water for supplementary source of landscape irrigation.
Geo-thermal heat pumps or high-efficiency air conditioning equipment to reduce cost of utilities.
Install high-performance windows and doors, strategically located in order to take into account the path of the sun with solar screens provided to limit direct sunlight. Install high-efficiency foam insulation to reduce infiltration and increase insulating values.
