Green Homes: Meaning, Benefits and Valuable Tips
Chennai, located in South India, is known as the cultural hub of the region. It blends both western and traditional cultures, making it a unique city. As the fifth-largest city in the country, Chennai offers numerous job and educational opportunities. Its rich cultural diversity, flavorful cuisine, and well-preserved infrastructure have earned it the title of the gateway to South India.
When considering purchasing plots or land in Mangadu, Porur, or Poonamallee, one immediately thinks of Chennai’s tremendous growth and development in recent years. The city provides a wide range of options, including plots, apartments, individual houses, and even luxurious villas in prime locations. With its impressive infrastructure and excellent connectivity, Chennai is an ideal choice for investing in plots. However, buying plots in Chennai goes beyond mere ownership; it is an investment in a dream, a vision of an ideal home. In today’s era, the concept of "green homes" has taken root, offering not just a place to live but a lifestyle that harmonises with nature and sustains it. So, what are these green homes, what are their benefits and what tips should you keep in mind while constructing these eco-friendly houses? In this blog, you will know the answers to all your questions.
What is the meaning of a green home/house?
Green homes, which can also be called eco-friendly houses, are well-known for their ability to minimise the depletion of natural resources while maintaining a high quality of living. The benefits of these eco-friendly houses are many, including promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing significant savings on electricity and water usage. Eco-friendly houses excel in optimising the use of energy and water resources in comparison to conventional homes. They are more efficient and generate minimal waste. In essence, eco-friendly houses are closely associated with environmental conservation and reducing operational costs for residents. Although the initial cost of owning green homes is typically higher than that of a standard home, they prove to be cost-effective in the long run.
What advantages do green homes offer?
The following are the benefits offered by eco-friendly houses:
Reduction in the Operating Costs
The construction of eco-friendly houses is done using energy-saving features. Heating and cooling loads are reduced by using high-efficiency equipment, more insulation, less air leakage, high-performance windows, energy-efficient lighting, passive solar, thermal mass, daylighting, integrating renewable energy, and other methods.
Release of Fewer Greenhouse Gases Into The Atmosphere
Green homes use a lot less energy, which means they release less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and help fight climate change. Dependence on fossil fuels is diminished to a greater extent by using renewable energy sources like solar panels.
Reduction in Utility Bills
Most utility expenditures will be significantly decreased due to the sustainable nature of green buildings. In a world where utility costs continue to rise not just every year but every month, this is more vital than ever.
Enhanced Productivity and Health
Green homes provide healthier interior environments because they use low-VOC materials and have adequate ventilation systems. Moreover, better air quality and more exposure to natural light improve the health and productivity of building inhabitants.
Some Valuable Tips to Make Your Green Home
The Design of Your House
Many reputed green home builders have introduced innovative designs that incorporate energy-saving techniques and the use of non-toxic, environmentally friendly building materials. These green home developers also prioritise the implementation of rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment systems, providing long-term benefits for home buyers.
Additionally, sustainable home designs can enhance the indoor atmosphere, with considerations such as having lawns or small areas of vegetation. The inclusion of open green spaces in the vicinity of buildings can improve cross-ventilation and help lower ambient temperatures, ultimately creating a healthy and comfortable environment for homeowners.
Make Use of Recycled Material in the Home Construction
Using recyclable and energy-efficient materials helps in reducing the environmental impact. Using eco-friendly building materials also has the potential to reduce both construction time and energy consumption. There are various methods available to use recyclable plastic in building designs. One approach involves utilising recycled concrete, which is a common and versatile building material that can be made from recyclable materials.
Another way is to apply reclaimed wood, which can be reused in various applications such as framing and flooring. Metals, glass, and plastics are all examples of recyclable materials that can be utilised in construction. Metals, for instance, can be employed in building structures, wiring, and piping.
Conserving Water is a Must
To effectively manage rainwater, the first priority is to minimise runoff. This can be achieved by implementing measures like using rain barrels to collect and store rainwater, as well as reducing the number of impermeable surfaces. The collected rainwater can then be utilised for watering gardens and lawns. Another strategy is adopting grey-water systems that recycle water from sinks and showers, providing an additional source of water. Additionally, the installation of water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can significantly conserve water and reduce waste. Lastly, opting for drought-tolerant landscaping can help minimise water usage by selecting plants that require less water to thrive.
Paint Your Walls with Eco-Friendly Paint
Another tip to remember when constructing your green home is to use zero or low-VOC paint for your walls. This is going to be highly advantageous. It can greatly improve the air quality in your house and align with your go-green mission. The strong odour emitted by paint is a result of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can evaporate into the air and potentially lead to long-term health issues.
Whether you are constructing your green home on plot land in Manimangalam, Tambaram or any other area of Chennai, these tips will help you build your ‘home sweet home’ that is sustainable, eco-conscious, and harmonious with the environment.
