7 Popular Sustainable Construction Trends in Homebuilding

Green living has been a growing concept, so it's no surprise builders have begun to integrate sustainable features into their new construction homes in response to consumer demand. Surveys consistently find buyers, when offered the option, prefer to have durable materials used in the houses they buy. Keep reading to learn about seven popular sustainable construction trends currently found in the industry.

Pursuing LEED Certification

LEED Certification is an important credential when it comes to marketing oneself as a green builder. LEED stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design," and builders that want to become known as an environmentally-friendly company take the effort to get certified. Historically, LEED Certification has been found in the commercial building sector. However, it is quickly making its way into the private housing construction sector. However, even if a builder isn't LEED-certified, it doesn't mean they aren't constructing houses with sustainability in mind. They may very well be using special procedures or products designed for green living. Always ask if they have sustainable practices and request details.

Integrating Features that Promote Water Conservation

Builders today consistently look for ways to integrate water conservation features into the homes they build. Features often found in new homes and renovation projects include efficient plumbing features, low-flush toilets, tankless on-demand water heaters, water tanks to collect rainwater, and drip irrigation. Many developers are also using drought-tolerant plants in landscaping to decrease water use and waste further.

Using Green Construction Materials

Older materials that were once standard in construction weren't manufactured with sustainability in mind. However, technology has been a game-changer because it allows builders to construct homes with greener and inexpensive materials. Popular materials builders use today include bamboo, recycled glass, natural fibres, steel, stone, slater, composites, non-VOC paints, fibre cement, polyurethane, and cellulose. These types of products enable them to use fewer resources and generate less waste, which is one of the perks of new construction homes.

Incorporating Smart Technology

Fads are common in home design, but smart technology will not be one of those passing trends. Tech is here to stay and, over time, will be increasingly found in household features. Smart tech offers a high degree of convenience and promotes sustainable living. Homeowners can essentially control energy use, which in turn is an energy-efficient home improvement since it enables less waste.

Popular smart tech features include smart appliances, smart thermostats, smart LED lighting, motion lights, smart door locks, and Wi-Fi-enabled light switches. These features either get so "smart" they can learn how to control use automatically, or the homeowner can control use from the convenience of their phones. Some people even tie it all together through smart hubs. Homebuilders have caught onto these preferences as well, and these will likely become the norm steadily.

Highlighting Health and Wellness by Avoiding Toxic Material

Homebuyers today actively try to avoid toxic materials in their homes and will pay more for homes that don't contain any. In response to this consumer demand, construction companies build with certified health and wellness features in mind. Popular features include indoor air quality sensors, zone heating, UVC fans, and outdoor elements designed to promote fresh air. Today's homeowners like knowing they can breathe freely and healthily.

Adding Passive Solar Features

Passive solar features are a great way to maximize the sun's energy and promote sustainability. Solar panels and water heaters are two primary products currently used. However, passive solar goes far beyond these products, as builders have found clever ways to maximize solar power. They integrate windows that maximize the sun's energy, promote air sealing, install auxiliary heating and cooling, and use sustainable insulation.

Building Net-Zero Homes

Sustainable practices are a huge focus, but some developers are going further by setting goals to build "net-zero" homes. These houses are carbon-free, produce energy locally, are air-tight, and offer homeowners a net-zero energy bill.

Sustainability Is Here to Stay

Sustainability is the future of construction. Builders investing now are likely to be significantly rewarded by the consumer market as this trend includes new and more exciting environmentally-conscious concepts.