Many people choose to custom build their dream home because they are committed to reducing their carbon foot print through energy efficiency and recycling methods. This is a worthy goal and every home owner should be aware of ways they can make their home environmentally friendly.

If you want your home to be as green as possible, consider these eight factors:

ONE: Size

The tiny house movement is changing the way people think about home design. The focus is moving from big houses making the most of space through clever design choices. A smaller house has less impact on the environment so it makes sense to reduce floor space where you can.

TWO: Location

Your home should be situated on the block in a way that makes the most of natural heating and cooling. Avoid facing your home in a westerly direction if you want to minimise direct sun exposure. Make the most of breezes to cool the whole building in warmer climates.

THREE: Insulation

Heating and cooling are extremely energy intensive, accounting for 50% of energy consumption in homes. Make sure your builder uses high quality, green insulation to keep your home cool and warm. You can also plant trees around your house for natural insulation.

FOUR: Eco-friendly materials

Reclaimed wood, windows and doors can be sourced from demolition sites for free. Recycled glass, aluminium and plastic reduce both costs and the environmental impact. Products like cork, bamboo and linoleum which are made from renewable materials should be used wherever possible.

FIVE: Solar power

Solar energy is the cleanest renewable energy source that home builders can utilise. The initial cost of installing solar panels may seem high, but this money will quickly be recouped through reduced power bills. If you have the space for enough panels, you can power your home entirely with solar energy and sell excess energy back to the grid.

SIX: Energy efficient windows

New materials for glazing and framing windows have made them far more energy efficient than older designs. Instead of retaining heat in summer and releasing it in winter, these windows help to maintain a pleasant temperature all year round. To choose the best windows for your new build, research energy ratings and find out which designs are most suitable for weather conditions in your area.

SEVEN: Rainwater harvesting

A rainwater harvesting system drains rainwater from the roof into a tank to be used for toilets and gardens. This eases the burden on dams and makes the most of this precious natural resource. Rainwater tanks not only cut bills but they also reduce the amount of storm water run-off that ends up in drains, creeks and streams, helping prevent chemicals from entering waterways. Tanks are available in a range of environmentally friendly materials such as concrete, fibreglass and metal.

EIGHT: Composting toilets

These toilets will reduce your environmental footprint dramatically by converting waste into nutrient-rich compost which can then be used on gardens. You can’t get more environmentally friendly than that!

An environmentally-friendly home can be comfortable, modern and a joy to live in. Be sure to talk with your design specialist as you design with us. At Allaro Homes our design specialists can show you more than one way of achieving the result you want.