Creating a Sustainable Home with Fair Trade and Sustainable Materials

Sustainable homes have become increasingly important in light of various global challenges, including the climate crisis, depleted natural resources, an ageing population, and rapid urbanisation. Those responsible for the built environment have a crucial role in addressing these challenges through sustainable practices.

Future Homes: Sustainable Innovative Designs

As Avi Friedman, author of “Future Homes: Sustainable Innovative Designs,” explains, the core of sustainable thinking is considering the future impact of present actions. In his book, Friedman showcases homes that embody this approach, showcasing their innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced today.

The homes featured in the book range from addressing environmental concerns to community to aesthetic sustainability. Friedman selected these homes based on the designers’ innovative response to emerging social challenges, as well as their architectural appearance and clever design. Through these seven sustainable homes, including SysHaus in São Paulo, Brazil, Holmberg House in Belgrano, Argentina, and Living Screen House in Sydney, Australia, Friedman provides a glimpse into what intentional and progressive living can look like.

SysHaus offers customizable, recyclable homes, designed by architect Arthur Casas for a prefabricated home company. Customers can add features such as green roofs, rainwater collection systems, solar panels, and biodigestores. The Holmberg House in Argentina features an innovative water delivery and circulation system, with pipes along the façade supporting plants and creating microclimates for nature to thrive. The Living Screen House in Sydney is notable for its pool-like corridor and a façade made of a wood grid with windows and perforated metal panels. It also has smart home systems that monitor energy and turn off lights, solar panels, and an integrated water collection and reuse system.

In conclusion, sustainable homes provide solutions to the challenges faced by the world and illustrate the power of future thinking. They serve as a prime example of intentional and progressive living that can tackle current social and environmental problems, making them a valuable option for anyone looking to build or renovate their homes. Moreover, sustainable homes can be constructed using renewable energy, such as solar, wind or geothermal, and with zero waste in mind to conserve resources. Additionally, we can support the fair trade of sustainable home goods, such as furniture made from sustainable materials, and promote the growth of sustainable houses around the world. We can all make a difference by making our homes more sustainable by sourcing sustainable materials, such as doors and windows, from green providers like Green Doors to minimise environmental impact.

Features of Sustainable Homes

Sustainable homes are not only about reducing their carbon footprint and energy consumption, but also about ensuring that all aspects of the building and its maintenance are sustainable and socially responsible. To build a sustainable house, it is important to consider a variety of factors, including the sourcing of sustainable materials and goods, the use of renewable energy, and the adoption of efficient building practices such as passive house design.

Renewable Energy Sources

One aspect of sustainable building is using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower is a key component of sustainable building. Installing a renewable energy system in your home can help to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, while also contributing to a cleaner and greener energy grid.

Passive House Design Principles

Another important aspect of sustainable building is the adoption of passive house design principles. Passive houses are designed to maximise the use of natural light and heat, minimise energy waste, and promote healthy indoor air quality. These homes are designed to be highly efficient and require very little energy for heating and cooling, making them a more sustainable option for those looking to build a new home or retrofit an existing one.

Promoting Zero Waste

Finally, promoting zero waste and reducing waste generation is another important aspect of sustainable building. This can be achieved by designing homes that incorporate features such as composting toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and waste reduction strategies that aim to minimise the amount of waste generated by the household.

Other Sustainable Factors

Building designs that focus on energy efficiency, passive solar heating, and natural ventilation are considered to be the most efficient in being sustainable. These designs prioritise reducing energy consumption through the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and proper insulation.

For example, a passive house design minimises the use of heating and cooling systems by using high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and strategic placement of windows for natural light and ventilation. Additionally, incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems can greatly enhance the sustainability of a building.

Eco-friendly Materials to Consider When Building a Sustainable Home

Incorporating sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled materials, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products is also important for building a sustainable home. These materials not only reduce the environmental impact of the building process but also improve indoor air quality for the inhabitants.

Wood

Conventional construction materials such as wood can be obtained from sustainably managed forests. Earth, which has existed for ages in construction, can be used to make earthen walls and floors, also known as cob. The finishing process involves use of paint and adhesives, both of which can be produced using natural, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials that are safe for indoor air quality.

Mass timber, a type of engineered wood product, is a resilient, renewable alternative for traditional building materials and is made from sustainably harvested trees.

Straw

A cheap and sustainable material, straw and straw bales, can be used as insulation in walls and ceilings.

Mushroom Mycelium

Mushroom mycelium, which is obtained underground, can also be used as a type of organic insulation. 

Hempcrete

Hempcrete is a lightweight, insulating material, which is formed of hemp and lime, and can be used for walls and ceilings.

Cork

Cork is a renewable resource that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly material for building homes. It is a versatile material that can be used for flooring, walls, and even roofing. Cork is known for its insulating and sound-deadening properties, making it an excellent choice for homes with an eco-friendly focus.

Sheep’s Wool

Composite roofing shingles and sheep’s wool can also be used as sustainable roofing materials.

Cob

Cob, a mixture of earth, sand, and straw, can be used to create walls and floors with low embodied energy.

Precast Concrete

Precast concrete, made from recycled materials, can also be used in home construction, as can recycled plastic, which can be used for decking, fencing, and other outdoor structures.

Solar Shingles

Solar shingles, made from photovoltaic cells, can be used to generate electricity for a home and special finishes and caulks can be used to reduce air and water infiltration.

In Conclusion

Finally, implementing a zero-waste approach, practising fair trade, and sourcing sustainable home goods can further contribute to the overall sustainability of a building. By reducing waste, supporting fair labour practices, and choosing eco-friendly products, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.