Energy efficient construction techniques can be used in the building of a home. This ultimately creates a sustainable end product the provides benefits for the client. It gives the homeowner an active role in preserving natural resources while protecting against climate change for the future. As natural resources become scarcer in the world, adopting efficient construction techniques can help preserve the beauty of our planet. There are endless benefits of an energy efficient home in Canada.
Not only are there benefits for the homeowner, adapting a sustainable building practice provides many benefits to the builder as well. For example, business can expect to have a lower operating costs, have improved health benefits, and create products that benefit the clients bottom line. As there are benefits to both builder and homeowner, energy efficient homes are far superior than the rest.
Positives of an Energy Efficient Home in Canada
Adopting green construction practices is important for generations to come. With the current state on climate change and the new environmental policies adopted by the government of Canada, playing our part to reduce emissions and waste in construction is ever so important today. While adopting efficient construction practices is one aspect of protecting our environment, many key benefits follow suit.
- The Reduction of Operating Costs
Energy efficient homes are designed with cost saving features, which ultimately lower the homes heating and cooling capacity. Green homes have higher levels of insulation, triple pane windows, and a reduced level of air leakage. Some other features such as energy efficient lighting, integration of renewable energy, and passive heating can further reduce operating costs. An energy efficient home designed in Canada can add significantly to the owners bottom line.
- Reduction of Greenhouse Gas
Another key benefit of an energy efficient home is that there is a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emission while living in their home. Most people don’t realize that the manufacturing of material and the entire construction process greatly contribute to ozone reduction. The structure once built, also releases CO2 through the HVAC systems. A non green home also has an increased demand for electricity which in turn increases the burning of coal. Owning an energy efficient home contributes to the protection of the environment
- Save Heating and Cooling Costs
Hedging against rising utility costs is another significant benefit of a green home. Due to design considerations, custom homes built with energy efficiency in mind are able to maintain lower utility costs. There is less air leakage while maintaining even temperature distribution. This is important in our country where monthly water and power bills are rising year over year.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
An improved air quality is made possible due to the proper selection of HVAC equipment. These homes will employ a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) that provides the continual supply of clean air, exhausting the old outside. In this machine, an air filter will reduce allergens and dirt, while also extracting air pollutants. Adding in an additional filter in the heating source will clean the air even further. Finally, green homes are built with materials and finishes that don’t produce volatile organic compounds.
- Reduce the Use of Water
Simply by having water saving fixtures in your home can reduce water usage upwards of 50%. Furthermore, less water used means less water heated. Heating less water will also save a significant amount of money on your utility costs.
- Green Construction Uses Less Material, and Has Less Waste
When building a home, it is important to adopt construction techniques that minimize waste material used in the home and during the build. Many companies that adopt these practices save debris from entering landfills, allowing products to be reused and recycled. This in turn reduces the environmental impact left on the earth.
- Energy Efficient Homes Have a Better Resale Value
One of the most important benefits of a green build is that it is shown that these homes have a greater resale value. Quickly pointing out, a greater reduction in utility cost transitions to a higher resale value.
- Increased Homeowner Satisfaction
In the end, when you can improve air quality, save on energy cost, and know you reduced waste in the build, you satisfaction will increase. That is a given. Energy efficient homes have more daylight, have better air circulation, and have a higher resale value. With all these benefits of an energy efficient home, the client will ultimately become happier.
Additional Features of a Green Home:
- Green homes can have a radon resistant basement.
- There may be solar photovoltaic or heating panels offsetting utility costs.
- Electric car charging can be integrated into the design.
- Solar shades can automatically let light into the home, which provides heating.
- Adding smart thermostats can increase utility cost savings.
- Upgrading the HVAC system to a higher efficiency
The greatest misconception of an energy efficient home is that it costs more money. At the beginning of the build, the additional costs of increased insulation and adding renewable features for example are evident. The savings are not shown out of the gates, but come to play years down the road. Energy costs will be lowered over time and health benefits will far exceed the other. The benefits of an energy efficient home far outweigh the negatives. That is why green construction shouldn’t be taken lightly.
