So you’ve decided to build a green home, or are merely interested in the knowledge behind it. Either way, that’s great. Before you get started, here are some things you’ll need to know.
First, what is a green home? A fair number of people believe that green homes need to incorporate renewable technologies, be self sustaining, and simpler, but that is not needed at all. In fact, the only requirement to your green home is that it limits its negative impact on the environment and promotes the health of its inhabitants. How you decide to do this is only limited to your ingenuity and imagination.
Secondly, a green home can exist anywhere. Even if your home is already built it can become green with a slow upgrade or serious renovation. Remember that green is as easy as insulation, recycled materials, or even energy efficient light bulbs. It doesn’t have to be large at all, just an improvement on what was. However, for those serious in the construction of their own self-reliant and dependable homestead, then knowing what your environment has to offer is everything.
What is available? We all know of solar and wind generating technologies, but what else is there that could be used where those energies aren’t as reliable or cost efficient? Well, it’s helpful to know that solar and wind technologies aren’t just black or white but many shades of gray, not only good for electric production, but also for heating purposes. Solar water heaters and ovens are good for storing the heat energy from the sun, and wind systems can also be used for heat generation as well. Of course solar panels and wind turbines are used for generating electricity, either being stored in battery backups or transferred directly to the electric grid.
Besides solar and wind, there are other options. If your new home is to be constructed near a stream or creek, the older technology of a water wheel and letting the water work for you can aid you in many internal workings of the house. Also, that compost piles don’t have to just be good for producing healthy organic material down the road, but can also be a source of heat if the proper steps are taken to extract its energy. Underground pipe networks can be installed deep in a yard or out from the foundation and used to pump the ground temperature into the home, cool air in the summer, and warmer air in the winter. Basic near surface ground temperature is around a constant temperature all year.
For the inside the focus should be set on natural air flow, space efficiency, and properly insulated walls and ceilings. The use of recycled materials in construction and decoration encourages the process and energy efficient appliances, lights, and wiring leads to a dramatic reduction in lost energy and associated costs. Windows shouldn’t be too large on sides of the house that receive too little light or suffer high winds, and doors should be guarded from weather and winds as well.
Aside from architecture, landscaping is also essential to a green home. Planting trees on the sides that shield from cold winter winds and provide shade during the harsh afternoon summer sun can go a long way to regulating temperature. Planting low lying bushes and shrubs around the structure’s base can add to insulation and protection from water damage. But with so many roots, be sure to have all pipes well guarded or the roots will end up clogging them in the future.
Now that the house is green, it would be good if the tools to maintain it were as well. For the garage it would be good if its power was completely supplied through the environment (solar or wind) and the gas powered tools replaced with rechargeable electric ones. Given the amount of use and duration of inactivity it isn’t unrealistic to have everything completely recharged and ready to use upon returning to it, possibly including the lawn mower and the car as well (when readily available).
Combining everything together (if your environment and wallet supports it) you would have a nearly self-sufficient house. Solar and wind supplied electricity, water work and ground temperature distribution (the pump could be driven by the water wheel), heat from compost and temperature regulation from the landscaping around the house. Just solve any problems with water supply and waste processing and the home could be completely self-reliant or even help to make money by supplying excess energy to the grid. The possibilities are endless.
