How you can incorporate sustainable design

Sustainable Design is a passion of mine. This method of selecting materials seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of the people using the spaces, thereby improving performance in many capacities.

The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments. Programs like Better Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) and industry-certification programs like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design can help you design more effectively with sustainability in mind.

Here are a few ways you can improve the health of your environment:

• Ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling

• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances (e.g., ENERGY STAR® products)
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures
• Landscaping with native vegetation and planned to maximize passive solar energy
• Minimal harm to the natural habitat
• Alternative renewable energy power sources such as solar power or wind power
• Non-synthetic, non-toxic materials used inside and out
• Locally-obtained woods and stone, eliminating long-haul transportation
• Responsibly-harvested woods
• Adaptive reuse of older buildings
• Use of recycled architectural salvage
• Efficient use of space
• Optimal location on the land, maximizing sunlight, winds, and natural sheltering
• Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse

Over the next several months I will be addressing certain topics directly related to the Health of Your Home. This series will address issues such as the ones listed here, in addition to several other topics. Stay Tuned!