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nspjarchitects

What Makes a Home Green?

NSPJ Architects
9 years ago
Awareness is rising on a global scale of the impact that each of us has on the environment. We no longer wonder if we as individuals have an impact on the environment; we now have undeniable proof. We know the size of our carbon footprints, eat locally sourced food, and bike when we can. Growing numbers of us are taking personal responsibility for their impact on the environment. And we are paying attention to the fact that the design of our homes and workplaces can either be one of our greatest contributions to the health of the environment– or one of our greatest failures.

There has been a rapid uptick in interest in green building design. Despite a recovering economy, the US is a world-wide leader in green architecture. We as a nation are looking for ways to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of our homes. And technological advances are helping to answer the call for green building design elements.

Intuitive home automation systems, motion sensor lights, energy-producing solar panels, and strategic air seals are just a few options that can help make your home more environmentally conscious.
Green Architecture Items to Consider

HOME AUTOMATION

Since the introduction of home automation systems, this technology has evolved so that security, lighting, HVAC, phone, audio, and irrigation systems can now be controlled with the touch of a button through a wireless connection. This allows us to take personal responsibility for the energy use in our homes whether we are in them or not.

Home automation gives you the power to transform your home living experience and – more importantly — contribute to your energy efficiency. These types of systems are being asked for on a regular basis and are becoming the standard for our clients.

ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTS

The lighting design of your home is another excellent opportunity to take responsibility for your home’s environmental impact. There are lots of energy efficient options. LED lights are a great choice for high efficiency and lifetime cost savings. Another favorite are motion-activated lights, which turn off when no movement is sensed after a small period of time. Focusing on details like the lighting of your home benefits the environment as well as your every day experiences with your home.

SOLAR PANELS

Although this environmentally friendly addition is more frequently utilized in larger scale architecture designs, this green feature is becoming more prevalent in residential renovations and new construction, as well. Homeowners should consider the inclusion of solar panels to reduce utility bills, while producing self-sustaining energy. We have worked closely with Brightergy to elegantly incorporate solar panels into our projects. For more information about local programs and incentives, visit www.brightergy.com.