Home is not just a place but as the famous saying says, it is where the heart is. It is more than a place rather a manifestation of our heart and soul. With changes all around the ecosystem, the way we inhabit the earth also needs to be changed.
We are experiencing climate change along with ever-increasing population growth. The two simultaneously occurring problems combined with the low affordability and buying power of a common man in Pakistan present a great challenge for the coming times. The increasing population is directly proportional to the increase in demand for houses. The real estate sector can act as a vanguard in this problem by offering cheap and innovative solutions in the form of eco-friendly homes so that a common man can find relief.
Not only that but with increased awareness green estate has become a great business approach for a vast majority of clients. The buyers are now well aware of the environmental impact and prefer to make a conscientious environment-friendly choice that is affordable and sustainable for them and the planet.
There are many ways we can adopt eco-friendly features and can make our homes energy efficient. Although these may seem small initiatives, they can have a considerable impact on lowering our carbon footprint and reducing energy consumption.
Here are 10 tips on which you can work to create your homes eco-friendly and comfortable:
1. Conserve Energy
Most importantly we need to train ourselves to conserve energy. Unnecessary lights should be turned off. Appliances should be unplugged when they aren’t in use. Automatic timers with sensors can be installed so that lights get switched on only when we need them.
2. Conserve Water
Water conservation is a great way to reduce water consumption and energy usage. Rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow taps, and greywater harvesting can prove beneficial in conserving water in an eco-friendly home. Moreover, the use of a greywater harvesting system can further reduce water usage.
3. Installation of Solar Panels
Solar Panels have gained immense popularity in recent times. Solar energy provides a renewable source of energy. Solar panels can draw energy even in cloudy weather. Installation of solar panels can also make your house energy efficient. It’s a one-time investment that can pay you back in long run.
4. CFL and LED lights
Replace regular light bulbs with CFL and LED lights. Although CFL & LED lights are costly alternatives, they are an eco-friendly choice and last longer than regular light bulbs. This may seem like a small change, but it can have remarkable results in lowering energy consumption.
5. Install Low-E stands
Install Low-E stands for low emissivity. Low-E glass is coated with a layer of transparent metallic oxides to reduce its emissivity. It reflects harmful UV rays back into the environment. Low- E windows can considerably increase the energy efficiency of windows.
6. Indoor plants
Indoor plants can be added inside to make the interior more liveable and healthy. Indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetics of the space but also filter the air and remove harmful toxins from the air. Also, we all know how beautiful they make your space look so it’s a win-win situation.
7. Zero VOC paints
When choosing a paint for interiors zero VOC paints should always be preferred. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that are used in paints for smooth application. However, they have harmful properties for human health therefore zero VOC paints should always opt.
8. Rainwater harvesting system
A rainwater harvesting system can be installed to reduce water consumption.
9. Greywater harvesting system
A greywater harvesting system can be installed to reduce water usage. Greywater utilizes water from sinks, washbasins, and baths which can be reused for toilet flushing and gardening purposes. This method can considerably reduce water usage leading to lower bills.
10. Rooftop Garden
If you have an independent house unit, you can establish a rooftop garden which can reduce the heat island effect in urban spaces. They improve air quality and reduce pollution. They help in regulating the temperature inside by keeping the home cooler in summers and warmer in winters. Not only will this make your house eco-friendly but also add a great aesthetic to your house.
An eco-friendly lifestyle is constantly evolving and upgrading. According to Kathy from Bennett Packaging, You can also incorporate eco-friendly packaging to save the environment. Technological and scientific research in this regard enables us to learn more about lowering carbon footprints and making our planet clean and green.
The real estate sector can create an extraordinary impact that will aid in fighting against climatic change and rising population and promise a better, more sustainable, and affordable lifestyle to the people. Eco-friendly homes can help us save our resources, money, and most importantly our planet. Henry David Thoreau puts in beautifully,
“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
