The market for eco-friendly or “green” building materials is growing rapidly as awareness of the need to reduce our impact on the environment spreads. A report by Verified Market Research predicts that the global market for green building materials will reach $653 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% starting from 2021.
So what exactly are green building materials? They can be defined as “products that have been manufactured using processes that have minimal or no negative impact on the environment.” This includes everything from using sustainable or recyclable materials to construction methods that minimize waste and pollution.
With the rapid growth of the green building materials market, there is an increasing number of products available that claim to be eco-friendly. This can make it challenging to know what to look for when choosing materials for your home. Here are things to consider when shopping for a new home as a green consumer:
Eco-Friendly Features
Various features are available in the market, and knowing what they are can be confusing, but it is worth considering each one to make the most eco-friendly choice for your home. Here are some eco-friendly home features:
Roof
The type of roof you choose will have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of your home. Metal roofs are a good choice as they reflect heat and are durable. They can also be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Alternatively, you could choose a green roof covered with vegetation. Green roofs help to insulate the building and reduce stormwater runoff.
Windows
When considering eco-friendly homes, it is also essential to consider the windows. Windows play a significant role in the energy efficiency of a home. Look for double or triple-glazed windows with Low-E coatings. These windows will help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing your energy consumption.
Lighting
LED lighting is a good choice as it uses less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and lasts longer. Consider installing solar-powered outdoor lights. These are a great way to reduce your energy consumption as they will be powered by the sun.
Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are a must in an eco-friendly home. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for new appliances. These products have been certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and use less energy than standard models. They also often come with other features, such as programmable settings, that can save you money.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling systems account for a large percentage of energy consumption in most homes. If you are looking for an eco-friendly option, consider a geothermal system. Geothermal systems use the earth’s natural heat to provide heating and cooling, which is more efficient than traditional systems.
Storage Spaces
When choosing storage spaces for your home, it is essential to consider the materials that will be used. Many eco-friendly homes use bamboo for flooring and cabinetry as it is a sustainable material that grows quickly. Alternatively, you could choose recycled materials such as recycled glass or plastic for your storage needs.
These are just a few of the things to look for when choosing eco-friendly materials for your home. If you’re looking to reduce your impact on the environment, building with eco-friendly materials is a great place to start. Even if your chosen property doesn’t have all these features, you can still install these on your new home after you move in. Doing your research before you buy will help you to make the most eco-friendly choice for your new home.
Applying for Loans
It would help if you already have a property in mind before applying for a mortgage. This allows you to gauge how much you will need to borrow and compare interest rates from different lenders. This is because you might already be mindful of other expenses such as your down payment, inspection fees, and eco-friendly renovations. This is why finding lenders who offer different home loans is essential because they can provide you with more options for financing your home.
Home Maintenance
With a house full of eco-friendly features, you must also ensure that they’re all working correctly. This is because green building materials can sometimes be more expensive than their traditional counterparts. As a result, you want to make sure that you are taking care of your investment by regularly maintaining all eco-friendly features in your home. This includes everything from ensuring that your windows are adequately sealed to keeping your HVAC system clean and maintained. By properly caring for your eco-friendly home, you can help to improve its lifespan and ensure that it continues to operate at peak efficiency.
There are many things to look for when buying an eco-friendly house. Not only do you want to make sure the home is energy efficient, but you also want to consider the materials used in the construction and what kind of impact they will have on the environment.
