The Greenhouse
When constructing a home in the modern age of global warming and energy crises, it’s very important to consider the long term effect that the building will have on both the immediate and global environment.
Construction techniques are wide and varied in the modern age, houses being constructed from materials ranging from mud brick to concrete slabs to timber to polystyrene. When choosing a building material there are three major environmental concerns to consider.
Firstly: What is the energy efficiency of the manufacturing of the material? For example, a fairly solid concrete home may insulate very well, keeping a fairly constant temperature in all sorts of climates and conditions. However the energy usage in making and transporting high quality concrete can offset the energy benefits for many years to come.
Secondly: How well will the material insulate and save on air conditioning and heating costs? Given the staggering array of construction techniques and materials, it’s sometimes difficult to know exactly how well a certain material will insulate. Research in to manufacturers and insulation properties (Should we insulate with straw bales or sprayed fibers? Just one of the many possibilities) can unearth techniques that are both proven and unproven, so be careful and don’t believe everything you’re told.
Thirdly: It’s important to remember that no matter how much we would like to think it will, no house will last forever. And when the house is finally decommissioned after many years of faithful service, what will happen to the materials? Eco-friendly materials such as wood and hay will often break down naturally or are highly recyclable and reusable, but due to their transient nature can also bring about the pitfall of decaying before their time. More stoic long-term materials such as concrete or steel will last a very long time but can be deemed less recyclable, more prone to lying in waste and not being reused.
These are just a few of the many questions the environmentally conscious home builder has to ask constantly. Materials and building techniques are constantly improving so be sure to research!