At Fretwell Homes, we’re committed to building eco-friendly houses that promote sustainable living right here in Ormond Beach. As more homebuyers look to make green upgrades and reduce their environmental impact, we want to provide some tips for embracing sustainability in your home’s design, construction, and usage. Follow our advice below to enjoy comfortable, responsible living in Volusia County, Florida.
Sustainable Materials
Using renewable, recycled, and responsibly-sourced products benefits ecosystems while creating healthy indoor spaces. Reclaimed wood flooring, natural stone and quartz counters, bamboo furnishings, energy efficient windows and doors, and metal roofing materials are just some of our top picks for reducing environmental harm. Prioritize quality craftsmanship for long-term durability too.
Focus on Energy and Water Efficiency
Targeting high performance in your home’s mechanical systems makes the biggest difference day-to-day. Invest in ENERGY STAR appliances; they use 10–50% less energy than standard models. Programmable thermostats, zoned HVAC units, and advanced insulation help moderate indoor climate too. Waterwise plumbing fixtures, rain barrels, drought tolerant landscaping, and greywater irrigation achieve significant water savings outdoors.
Incorporate Solar Power
Harnessing the sun’s energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Solar options abound in 2023, from rooftop PV panels and solar water heating to incorporating passive solar building alignment and ample daylighting into architectural plans. Tax rebates, plus increased home value and lowered electrical bills, mean solar upgrades pay for themselves quicker than ever.
Grow Green Spaces
Flourishing green spaces increase property value while cleaning the surrounding air and water. We emphasize native plants that require little irrigation alongside wise watering systems. Trees strategically placed for shade and wind breaks make outdoor living more comfortable too. Small urban farms and home gardens let you grow healthy, sustainable foods right onsite.
Practice Waste Reduction
Following the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” minimizes your environmental footprint. Be selective when purchasing materials to avoid unused surplus. Repurpose, convert, or donate quality fixtures and items when remodeling rather than sending them to landfills. Using recycled materials also prevents extracting more raw materials. And diligent recycling, composting, and conscious consumption habits keep waste out of oceans and incinerators.
Choose Sustainable Features
Lots of purposeful upgrades make homes operate more sustainably. Air and water filtration systems promote good health indoors. Programmable lighting, built-in recycling stations, and electric vehicle chargers simplify green living. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when selecting household appliances and products too. New pilot credits even reward choices like avoiding demolition waste, installing renewable energy systems, and selecting electric heating equipment.
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential for mitigating climate change. Fuel-efficient construction equipment minimizes emissions from our building processes. You can also shrink your carbon footprint by adding more plant life to your property, decreasing water waste, using non-toxic cleaners and finishes, monitoring energy usage, and offsetting unavoidable energy usage through verified carbon reduction projects around the world.
Incorporate Green Building Certifications
Getting your home officially certified green provides third-party validation of its sustainable features and performance. Common voluntary ratings like the Florida Green Building Coalition standards, LEED certificate, and National Green Building certifications allow us to measure and validate the eco-friendly attributes integrated throughout your living space.
Prioritize Location Efficiency
Where you choose to build a house significantly influences its environmental impact. Locating in higher density areas near public transit and pedestrians/bike paths reduces reliance on personal vehicles. Living close to workplaces, schools, markets, services, and recreation lowers commutes too. Building on an already developed lot also minimizes sprawl better than clearing natural greenfield sites.
Install Electric Vehicle Charging
As electric vehicles gain popularity for their lower emissions, convenient at-home charging stations become a bigger perk. Adding EV charging equipment increases resale potential too. We recommend installing conduit during initial construction for more affordable future expansion. As vehicle range improves and more models enter the market, convenient home charging gives you confidence for daily driving and road trips alike.
Be Conscientious of Surroundings
Responsible construction practices show respect for neighboring properties too. Following zoning regulations and environmental building codes protects native ecosystems, while thoughtful placement preserves natural features and views. We time building activities to minimize disruption and nuisance noise. And caring for existing greenery demonstrates long-standing stewardship.
Adopting green practices protects the planet while enhancing comfort and livability. They also save money over most homes’ lengthy lifespans. We love showing homebuyers how sustainable features align with their lifestyles and priorities. Talk to our team today to start designing an eco-friendly custom home that you and the environment will enjoy for decades to come!
