Our world is being rapidly pushed to the brink of extinction because of the indiscriminate usage of natural resources. We’re facing a global warming crisis like never before, and if each of us doesn’t play our part in stopping or delaying this imminent carnage, we’re going to be left with a situation that’s a lot worse than we could imagine. We’d not only have no roofs over our heads, but no world to live in itself. So if you’re planning on building your home, here’s how you can contribute to the environment by going green in your choice of materials:
Use a light color or reflective coating: It’s a simple fact of nature that lighter colors tend to reflect heat while darker shades absorb it. So choose colors depending on the climate of your region. Lighter shades and reflective coats help keep your house naturally cool while the right kind of insulation prevents you from having to spend thousands on your heating bill. Some builders tend to prefer radiant barriers to reduce the heat inside the house and save on energy consumption.
Use materials that have longevity: By reducing the number of times you replace your roof, you save on the energy used to manufacture, transport and install your new roofing as well as that used to dispose your old one. So choose material that’s been proven to last long even when exposed to the harshest of elements.
Use materials that are recyclable: If you live in regions where you’re forced to replace your roof often because of the damage caused by incessant rainfall, snow or wind, choose materials that can be recycled. By doing this, you can ensure that you don’t contribute to the additional usage of fossil fuel or increase in pollution. Recycled materials reduce the energy used in manufacturing and shipping and also reduce pressure on landfills.
Use coating materials that are low in VOC: The volatile organic compounds present in paints and other kinds of coating materials are one of the biggest pollutants of the atmosphere. So choose one that’s eco-friendly and has little or no VOC.
Use eco-friendly wood: By choosing to use engineered wood for your framework rather than the traditional solid sawn lumber, you’re reducing the amount of wood waste that’s generated. Engineered wood is eco-friendly and saves more trees from being cut because it’s made from wood fibers that are bound together with adhesives.
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This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of an online construction management degree. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com
