By now, we should all understand that the way we live and the resources we use play a huge role in the environment. Making sustainability a priority in all areas of our lives is incredibly important, but especially so in our homes. If you’re in the market for a new home, sustainability should be high on your must-haves – and the most sustainable option of all? Building a new home that you love!

Designing a personalized home that you intend to live in for years to come, without significant remodeling, is the best choice you can make when it comes to new construction! Plus, there are so many sustainable features to add to your new build. Let’s take a look at some of the environmentally friendly, sustainable features available for new construction.

The materials used in new construction homes are far more eco-friendly than homes of the past, and you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some sustainable building options:

A prefabricated home is built mostly in one location. Building this way keeps costs down and ensures the project is more sustainable as raw materials are stored in one place. Today, prefabricated homes come with endless options for customization, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice on look. (Mitra)

Reclaimed wood is very trendy in home builds and renovations, but did you know it’s also one of the most sustainable building options available? Reclaimed wood reduces deforestation and keeps wood out of landfills. In many cases, reclaimed wood is more durable, which means you won’t have to replace or repair it in the future. (Terramar)

Have you ever thought about what is in the paint you use and its impact on your direct  environment? While no paint is considered completely eco-friendly, low VOC paint is certainly a healthier option. Low VOC paint has lower volatile organic compounds and won’t harm your indoor air quality as much.

Using locally sourced materials is the most sustainable option, whether it’s the food you eat or the materials you use to build a home. Locally sourced materials reduce emissions and diesel needed to transport the items, which is good news for the environment! In the Pacific Northwest we are luckily very close to some essential building materials, and options for local sourcing abound.

Energy efficiency in new homes is one of the biggest benefits of building new. If you’re moving from an older home, you’ll be amazed at your home’s increased comfort and energy usage reduction. These are some of the energy efficient options you can include in your new construction home.

High-efficiency windows and doors will keep outside air from entering your home, saving you money and energy on heating and cooling. High-efficiency windows also protect your home’s interior from UV rays and also reduce the amount of outdoor traffic noise that gets into your home.

Natural ventilation systems use wind and thermal resistance to generate air movement inside your home, removing the need for mechanical systems. One type of natural ventilation system is a heat recovery ventilator. This system moves stale air out of the home and brings fresh air in. The outside air runs through a blower that can be turned up in the winter to heat the outside air. Much more efficient than the standard heater!

The Pacific Northwest may not be the best place in the world for solar panels for obvious reasons. However, they can be installed and used in your home. Here is a great resource for solar panel effectiveness in Washington State

With an average of 74 inches of rainfall and over 150 average rainy days a year, Southwest Washington is a perfect location for rainwater collection! Rainwater collection probably won’t be your only source of water, but it can reduce the overall amount of water your home uses and can be used to help your garden grow.

An up-and-coming trend in sustainable residential building in the US is the green roof. Green roofs have become common in many other countries and are very beneficial to the environment. Basically, a green roof is a garden on top of your home. They help reduce heat islands by removing heat from the air and providing shade. They’re also great for stormwater management since they reduce the amount of runoff and help filter pollutants from the rainfall. If those benefits aren’t enough to convince you to include a green roof on your new build, they also look great and add character to your home.

Energy star appliances are an absolute must in your new construction home. Energy star appliances will save between 10-50% on energy throughout your home compared to outdated models. For example, an energy star dishwasher uses 20% less water than a non-energy star dishwasher, and the clothes washer uses 50% less water and 33% less energy. You’ll definitely notice a decrease in your energy bill and overall energy usage when you use energy star appliances – but even with these energy-efficient models, your daily habits are important too. Always make sure to be mindful of how often you use your appliances.

New construction homes come with LED lighting, which lasts longer and produces more light than other lighting sources. In some cases, LED lights can last up to twelve years which is 40 times longer than incandescent bulbs!

An efficient HVAC system is a must-have in a new home. You have options when it comes to your HVAC. You can choose a ductless system that will allow you to create temperature zones in your home while being energy efficient. You can also choose either a furnace or heat pump to keep your home warm in the summer.

Are you ready to take the leap towards sustainability? We’re happy to answer any additional questions and get you connected to the builder for your needs — get in touch today!

New Construction Market Experts will guide you through the process of finding, financing, and securing new construction through a personalized, buyer-centric process. We are your direct source for every new construction project in SW Washington and the resources you need to secure your dream home seamlessly! Browse the interactive map and reach out today — your new home awaits!