The Importance of Durability in Green House Plans
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Green living is more than just a trend; it’s a permanent way of life. For many eco-friendly homeowners, it’s not enough to simply make different choices throughout the day – rather, they want to enhance their efforts by living in a home made from green materials and featuring energy-efficient appliances. Many are looking for green house plans that will allow them to build a sustainable house design with a minimal carbon footprint.
Features such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting systems and geo-thermal heating are wonderful ways to reduce your impact on the environment. But what many people don’t think about when selecting sustainable house plans is the importance of durability.
Why Durability Matters in Sustainable House Design
Of course, durability is a desirable quality in any home. The more lasting the materials are, the fewer problems and expenses the homeowners will incur while living there. When it comes to green house plans, however, durability becomes a key factor.
A truly sustainable house design will incorporate materials that are renewable and long lasting in order to minimize future repairs or replacements, with the understanding that any type of home renovation will take its toll on the environment. For example, if the flooring in a home needs to be replaced, not only will the old materials have to be disposed of (all too often into a landfill), but new materials will need to be harvested, processed, transported and installed. At every step along the way, the home’s carbon footprint is expanded.
Popular Materials for Green House Plans
Cork, bamboo and eucalyptus are examples of earth-friendly and renewable materials that are commonly used for building sustainable house plans. Recycled materials should also be used wherever possible. Reclaimed wood, for example, is not only a recycled material but often comes from old-growth trees, which are stronger and more durable than newer wood.
Note: The home shown above is The Riverview House Plan 2395.