Building an eco-friendly home can help you save energy, save money, and save the environment. A net-zero home is capable of generating as much energy as it consumes. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when building your eco-friendly home:
▱ Orient your home to the south, and install a solar conduit and meter
▱ Prewire the garage for an electric car
▱ Source steel, wood, and rock locally—this helps to keep these items out of a landfill
▱ Choose low VOC paint
▱ Seal your home with a weather resistant barrier to minimize draft
▱ Installing a greywater system recycles household water that can be reused to water the lawn
▱ Automated home management systems can help to minimize energy usage
Here’s “Build an Eco-Friendly Home,” a short video from Zillow breaking down the above tips for going green: