Creating a Sustainable Home

Sustainability is a valuable tool in today's world, providing guidelines to adapt global and local strategies for the processes that are detrimental to the environment and human survival. One of the key areas where sustainability can be applied is in housing, which ensures access to a safe, secure, habitable, and affordable home for everyone. In this article, we will share some tips and ideas on how to create a sustainable home that is energy-efficient and eco-friendly, as well as some statistics on the current housing challenges and opportunities.

According to UN-Habitat, by 2030, about 40 per cent of the world’s population, or 3 billion people, will need access to adequate housing. This translates into a demand for 96,000 new affordable and accessible housing units every day. However, an estimated 100 million people worldwide are homeless and one in four people live in harmful conditions that affect their health, safety and prosperity. Therefore, access to housing is not only a fundamental human right, but also a precondition for access to employment, education, health, and social services.

One of the most important aspects of creating a sustainable home is to take a 'fabric first' approach to design. This means focusing on the building envelope, or the physical barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment, and making sure it is well-insulated, air-tight, and durable. A good building envelope can prevent heat loss, improve indoor air quality, and reduce noise pollution. According to Statista, insulation was one of the most important home features for U.S. consumers in 2022, with 38 percent of respondents rating it as very important.

Another key factor is to use as few environmental toxins as possible in your home. This includes avoiding materials that contain harmful chemicals, such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, or asbestos, and opting for natural or recycled alternatives instead. For example, you can choose reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, or recycled glass for your flooring, furniture, or countertops. You can also use natural paints, sealants, and cleaners that are biodegradable and non-toxic.

A third tip is to build in features that ensure optimum energy efficiency in your home. This means using low-energy consumption appliances, such as LED bulbs, Energy Star-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, and smart home technology that can monitor and control your energy usage remotely. You can also incorporate renewable energy sources into your home design, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal heating systems, that can generate electricity or heat from natural resources. According to Statista, solar panels were considered very important by 34 percent of U.S. consumers in 2022.

A fourth idea is to make the best use of naturally occurring sources of heat and light in your home. This means considering the orientation, layout, and window placement of your home to maximize natural ventilation, daylighting, and passive solar heating. You can also use window treatments, such as curtains, blinds, or shades, to regulate the temperature and light levels in your home according to the season.

A fifth tip is to reuse materials where possible and avoid waste in your home. This means recycling or composting your household waste, donating or selling your unwanted items, and buying second-hand or vintage furniture or accessories instead of new ones. You can also use materials that are durable, easy to maintain, and adaptable to different needs and styles over time.

By following these tips and ideas, you can create a sustainable home that is energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Not only will you benefit from lower energy bills, improved comfort, and better health, but you will also contribute to a greener future for yourself and the planet.