The dream of owning a home is a universal matter we all share as humans; your ancestors dreamt of it, your great-grandchildren would later on dream of it. It’s certainly a milestone in a person’s life, and it entails a great deal of responsibility. A home buyer needs to take the time to do some research, narrow down the options and invest the money wisely, focusing on a home’s location, neighbourhood, size, and amenities to end up with a place that’s comfortable and safe to his or her liking.
However, that’s not all you get on your plate when you take on the mission of finding your ideal abode – there’s also the environmental bit of the responsibility which is something you don’t want to take lightly. Least of all now in the time of the climate changes we’ve been living in for quite some time.
If you’d like to make a change for the better in your life, that of your family, as well as future generations, then you might be interested in the option called zero emission homes that are self-sustaining and are a scope of eco-friendly solutions, such as materials and features rather than a single eco-friendly component.
Zero Emission Home – What Is It?
Also called zero carbon, and carbon-neutral, a zero-emission dwelling is exactly what you expect it to be judging by its name – one with zero CO2 emissions. This is possible thanks to the choice of materials, systems, and amenities that make up such homes in order to produce renewable energy in the amount that they expend.
In short, they’re the homes of the future, and with reason. Unlike the modern stick-built homes that rely on the same building processes of traditional abodes from the past, the main contributors to CO2 emissions, the zero emission homes are a combination of sustainable and energy-efficient materials, features, and technologies. You might also know them as modular due to the modular building concept they are based upon which is chosen for the low carbon footprint.
How Is a Zero Emission Home Built?
To provide you with your dream carbon-neutral nest, the building companies, designers, and architects combine various environmentally-safe principles and aspects, such as making utmost use of the location and orientation and implementing a passive design. By properly utilising natural sunlight during winter, and a pleasant cooling breeze in summer, you get an energy-efficient design that doesn’t necessitate the use of artificial heating or cooling.
Furthermore, if you’ve always wanted to get off-grid, you can gain independence and flexibility with solar panel systems. To get the right amount you require for your appliances and needs, the building company does all the right calculations, including the layout, i.e. size, and possible new appliances. They also go to great lengths when choosing eco-friendly materials for a zero carbon house design.
This doesn’t only mean the focus is on recyclable and reusable components, but also on materials like double-glazed windows, drought-proof seals, and thermally insulated floors, walls, and ceilings to optimise energy savings. Lastly, the focus is placed on low-energy appliances to further cut down the emissions, so you can expect low-flush toilets, WELS-rated fixtures and fittings, LED lights to be part of this type of home. In short, anything and everything that leads to less environmental impact.
How Can You Benefit from a Zero Emission Home?
A carbon neutral house isn’t just a buzzword you hear mentioned all around for no reason – it’s growing into a trend because of the advantages it offers to the homeowner. Besides giving you peace of mind regarding the environment and your lack of contribution to climate change, it proves to be truly a value for your money because:
It Allows You to Cut Your Monthly Expenses
As we’ve seen lately, wholesale power prices are going exponentially high, and it’s likely they’re going to stay high for the time being. This means many of us are seriously concerned about keeping up the pace with such expenses. The zero emission homes take this kind of weight off your shoulders thanks to the passive designs and appliances I’ve mentioned.
You won’t have to give up any of the commodities you’re already used to when you incorporate passive design, solar panels, and energy-saving lights and appliances. In other words, when you do the math, it’s much more affordable to own this kind of home than a standard one.
In terms of water, with WELS-rated fittings and rainwater collecting systems, you can expect to lower your water bills too. Speaking of expenses, though not related to energy, these buildings are also much more durable which results in fewer maintenance and upkeep chores and projects which is a huge bonus.
It Improves Your Health
Yes, you read this right. A conventional home with traditional materials and features isn’t that good on your health and well-being and you may not even be aware of it. Not only are you at risk of respiratory issues from outdoor pollution, but indoor pollution as well due to the use of VOCs and toxic metals.
The eco-friendly materials, finishes, and surfaces in the carbon neutral houses aren’t only good for the environment, since they improve indoor air and cut the long-term exposure to toxins. Airtight walls, insulation and ventilation are all crucial for filtered air of quality.
It Increases Your Level of Comfort
Not having to worry about mould and water damage problems, high amounts of dust, or unbearable noise from the neighbours means having the kind of comfort unlike anything you’ve enjoyed until owning zero emission homes. Moreover, the fact you won’t have to fret about the changing seasons and the need to pay increased heating or cooling costs further shows the charms of these types of buildings.
Also, if you ever decide to change the layout, extend or retract it, it’s a pretty straightforward and quick process with modules. Lastly, if you plan on selling the home, you can have the certainty it won’t lose any of its value considering how efficient, advanced and durable it is. All you could ever want in a home!
