eco house essay

Sustainability Success

8 Sustainable Housing Types: Guide to Eco-Friendly Homes

Sustainable housing has become an increasingly popular topic as more people look for ways to reduce their environmental impact. But what exactly is sustainable housing, and what are the best options available today?

As an engineer and entrepreneur passionate about green technology, I’ve explored this topic with deep interest. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide an overview of sustainable housing, its benefits, and the most promising eco-friendly designs.

Sustainable housing refers to homes designed to minimize environmental damage through energy efficiency, renewable materials, water conservation, and other green features that reduce carbon footprints.

What Is Sustainable Housing?

Sustainable housing is residential construction that adheres to green building principles. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact caused by traditional homes and create eco-friendly living spaces. This involves:

Energy Efficiency

One of the cornerstone principles of sustainable housing is energy efficiency. By optimizing the way homes use energy, we can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and monthly utility costs.

This involves incorporating proper insulation, which acts as a barrier to heat loss and gain, especially in walls, ceilings, and floors. High-efficiency appliances not only consume less power but also offer superior performance.

Additionally, the use of smart building technologies like thermostats allows homeowners to have better control over their heating and cooling systems, adjusting temperatures as needed and ensuring energy isn’t wasted when no one is home.

Renewable Energy

Shifting away from fossil fuels and harnessing the power of renewable energy sources is paramount in creating a sustainable home. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, are becoming more efficient and affordable, making them a popular choice for homeowners.

Geothermal heating takes advantage of the stable temperatures beneath the Earth’s surface, providing both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

Integrating these and other renewable energy systems can significantly reduce a household’s reliance on traditional energy sources, decreasing its environmental impact.

Sustainable Materials

Choosing the right building materials like sustainable concrete is essential for sustainable construction. By selecting recycled, renewable, or locally-sourced materials, homeowners can reduce the environmental impact associated with the extraction, transport, and processing of raw resources.

For instance, bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that can serve as an alternative to hardwood. Recycled steel , reclaimed wood, and straw bales are other materials that can be incorporated to minimize carbon footprints.

Furthermore, using materials with low embodied energy, which refers to the energy consumed during their entire lifecycle, contributes to a more sustainable construction process.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and sustainable housing focuses on its conscientious use. Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures like toilets, faucets, and showerheads can drastically reduce water consumption without compromising on functionality.

Rainwater collection systems capture and store rainwater, which can then be used for non-potable purposes like irrigation or toilet flushing.

Additionally, choosing drought-tolerant landscaping plants and native species can further diminish the need for excessive watering and promote local biodiversity.

Indoor Air Quality

A sustainable home is also a healthy one. Prioritizing indoor air quality ensures that occupants are breathing clean, pollutant-free air.

The use of low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and finishes reduces the amount of harmful chemicals released into the air, which can have detrimental health effects over time.

Proper ventilation systems, such as those with heat recovery, bring fresh air into the home while simultaneously conserving energy. Combining these features with houseplants that purify air can further enhance indoor air quality.

Waste Reduction

Minimizing waste is a vital aspect of sustainable housing. This involves designing homes that are durable, adaptable, and made with material conservation in mind.

Prefabricated components, for example, are manufactured in controlled environments, which leads to higher precision and less waste.

Designing spaces that can be easily modified or repurposed over time ensures the longevity of a home and reduces the need for future resource-intensive renovations.

Additionally, by implementing proper waste segregation and recycling practices during the construction phase, we can ensure that materials are reused or recycled to the fullest extent possible.

The ultimate goal is to create net zero or carbon-neutral homes that produce as much renewable energy as they consume. Let’s explore the main benefits this provides.

Types of Sustainable Housing

Many different architectural styles and engineering solutions fall under the green building umbrella. Though no single design works perfectly in all situations, I’ve highlighted some of the most popular eco-friendly homes gaining traction worldwide.

1. Passive Solar Homes

Passive solar takes advantage of the sun’s energy through carefully planned designs. Large south-facing windows, thermal mass walls, and open floor plans maximize solar gain in colder months. Overhangs, insulation, and shading limit heat absorption in summer.

When combined with high-efficiency building envelopes, passive solar homes can reduce energy consumption by up to 90%.

2. Net Zero Energy Homes

As the name implies, net zero energy (NZE) homes produce as much power as they consume annually. They achieve this using a combination of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sometimes battery storage . NZE homes represent a viable path to zero carbon emission dwellings.

3. Modular Prefab Homes

Prefabricated homes are factory-built using modular components. This controlled process cuts waste and allows quality assurance oversight.

Prefab homes are then delivered to the site for rapid construction, reducing on-site energy use and material costs. Their quality and efficiency make them a green option.

4. Earth Sheltered Homes

By covering the structure on at least three sides with earth, underground homes leverage the insulating properties of soil. Berming reduces temperature extremes, cutting HVAC energy usage by up to 70%.

Underground homes also conserve building materials by utilizing the surrounding earth as much as possible.

5. Straw Bale Construction

Straw bale building uses compressed straw modules as structural insulated panels for walls. This agricultural waste product creates walls with very high insulation values to reduce energy demands. Straw bale construction also sequesters carbon in the bales while diverting them from landfills.

6. Hempcrete Homes

Hempcrete is a biocomposite material blending hemp hurds and lime. It offers good insulation, breathability, and thermal mass for energy efficiency. Hemp plants absorb carbon as they grow, offsetting the lime binder emissions. Hempcrete is lightweight, renewable, and recyclable.

7. Rammed Earth Homes

Rammed earth constructs walls by compacting damp subsoil into forms. This creates durable monolithic structures with natural thermal mass. Stabilizing the soil with lime or cement adds strength. Rammed earth provides a local, low-carbon building material in many regions.

8. Earthships

Earthships are entirely off-grid homes built from recycled materials like used tires and cans. They collect rainwater, harness solar and wind power, and recycle greywater through indoor plant beds. While unconventional, Earthships provide sustainable housing with small eco-footprints.

Of course, there are many other green housing technologies beyond these examples. Sustainability constantly evolves as researchers and builders push innovation further.

Benefits of Sustainable Housing

Constructing green homes offers numerous advantages both for residents and the planet. Here are some of the top reasons to consider sustainable housing:

1. Lower Utility Bills

Green homes are designed for maximum energy efficiency. Features like airtight construction, high-performance windows, and energy-saving appliances substantially reduce monthly utility bills. Smart thermostats and solar panels provide additional savings. Who wouldn’t want to slash their power and heating expenses?

2. Improved Comfort & Air Quality

Sealing air leaks and using insulation creates consistent temperatures inside sustainable homes. Balanced ventilation keeps the air fresh and prevents moisture issues. Non-toxic finishes keep indoor air clean as well. The result is a comfortable environment free from drafts, humidity, and pollutants.

3. Reduced Environmental Impact

Eco-friendly homes minimize the depletion of natural resources in many ways:

• Energy efficiency reduces fossil fuel consumption for power generation.
• Renewable energy, like solar and wind , eliminates greenhouse gas emissions.
• Sustainable materials conserve forests, minerals, and other limited resources.
• Water conservation preserves local water supplies and ecosystems.

By reducing carbon footprints, sustainable housing helps mitigate climate change effects on both local and global scales.

4. Lower Maintenance

Quality green building practices and materials – like durable metal roofing, composite decking, and mold-resistant drywall – stand the test of time with less upkeep. Mechanical systems also operate more efficiently, extending their lifespans. Fewer repairs mean more money and time saved.

5. Future-Proof Investments

Green features boost home values and make sustainable houses attractive in the real estate market. Energy upgrades like solar panels not only increase home values can also qualify properties for financing programs and incentives. Overall, eco-friendly homes provide better returns on investment.

Expanding Sustainable Housing

Despite the many benefits, green homes still represent a small fraction of new construction. Transitioning to widespread sustainable housing will require addressing several challenges:

1. High Upfront Costs

Sustainable materials, systems, and specialized design often increase initial construction costs by 10-20%. However, the investment pays back over time through lower utility and maintenance costs. Government incentives also help offset premiums to make green homes affordable.

2. Lack of Knowledge

Most people lack awareness regarding sustainable construction benefits and options. Better education and promotion of proven technologies will build public interest. Demonstration projects provide tangible examples of successful eco-homes as well.

3. Industry Resistance

Transitioning to green building practices requires changes that some companies resist. However, training programs and government mandates are compelling the industry to adapt. Supportive policies and lead-by-example public projects will accelerate the shift.

Permitting Obstacles

Building codes and zoning laws sometimes restrict sustainable approaches like rainwater harvesting, composting toilets , or off-grid systems. Updating laws and allowing exemptions will remove barriers to innovation.

While challenges remain, education, incentives, updated policies, and new technologies are steadily enabling widespread sustainable housing.

As eco-consciousness grows globally, sustainable housing offers a promising route to reduce humanity’s carbon footprint. Intelligent green building designs and renewable energy systems allow homes to minimize their environmental impacts.

Though adoption faces obstacles, sustainable housing provides living spaces that are comfortable, healthy, affordable, and gentle on the planet.

With strong potential benefits for people and ecosystems alike, sustainable housing deserves consideration both for new construction and upgrading existing homes.

My hope is that this overview has illuminated some of the most exciting technologies and opportunities in this growing field. Please share any experiences, thoughts, or questions you may have regarding sustainable homes and how we can expand their adoption worldwide.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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Eco Homes: 8 of the Most Sustainable Features to Consider, According to Experts

When it comes time to move into your next home, it benefits you—and the environment—to incorporate sustainable features. Eco homes make use of renewable resources, reduce energy consumption, and conserve natural resources, including water. While fully converting a space to be more eco-friendly might seem out of reach (or out of pocket), sustainable design is a lot easier to pull off than you think. Appliances, building materials, heating systems , and a slew of other home components can all work toward achieving the goal of sustainability . Whether you’re buying a house and want to take note of the home’s ability to add green features or you’re building your own custom eco home, here are the features that experts suggest you consider for eco homes.

1. Passive design

Sustainable homes begin with a sustainable framework. If you’re working with a designer to build a brand-new home, it’s imperative to employ passive design, which reduces a house’s ecological footprint by using the local climate and landscape to its advantage. One way to do that is taking note of the orientation of the house in relation to the sun.

“Maximize south-facing windows in colder climates to increase direct sunlight in the winter. This will help heat your home and reduce your reliance on artificial light,” says Candace Rodriguez , senior director of sustainability at the Home Depot . “Plant a tree that loses its leaves in the winter on the south side of your house. It’ll block the sun from streaming into your home in the summer and allow light through in the winter.”

The shape and size of your roof can also constitute effective passive design. Adding a large overhang allows light into your home during wintertime because the sun is at a higher angle, says Rodriguez. In the summertime, the same overhang will block sunlight in the summer, keeping your home cooler .

2. Geothermal heat pumps

As part of a top-to-bottom renovation, consider installing a geothermal heating and cooling system to conserve energy. They work by tapping into stable temperatures a few feet below the earth’s surface to heat and cool a home.

“[Geothermal energy] relies on harnessing relatively even subterranean temperatures,” explains Leslie Schneeberger, an architect and owner of Schneeberger Collective , a sustainable firm based in Massachusetts. “The trenches to do this can be deep or lateral, depending on the amount of land you have to utilize.”

While digging and installing geothermal pumps cost more than a typical air-sourced system (anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, according to home services site Angi ), Schneeberger notes that they offer a significant return on investment (ROI). The savings on energy costs are often recouped within 5 or 10 years of installation, per the US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy .

3. Recycled materials

Instead of shopping for new counters, cabinets, and shelving, turn to places like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore or an architectural salvage shop for materials to reuse in your home. “You can retrofit pretty much any old piece of furniture into the space you need it for,” says Gabriela Narvaez, general contractor and founder of Guild Properties .

Recently, Narvaez has been sourcing antique console tables and armoires and retrofitting them for bathroom vanities. “I love doing this because not only will you have a totally unique piece in your new space but you’ll also be recycling and repurposing previously used materials into your home instead of buying a mass-produced product,” she says.

4. Energy-efficient windows

Insulated and laminated impact windows and doors do wonders for reducing a home’s overall energy consumption, explains Manny Angelo Varas, president and CEO of homebuilder MV Group USA . If you’re replacing windows in a home, take a closer look at triple-glazed windows, also known as triple-pane windows. “These have a much better insulation value, and with the right films, can cut down on not only solar heat gain but UV rays that can damage artwork, fabrics, and finishes,” says Schneeberger.

Rodriguez adds they’re well worth the investment. ( Triple-glazed windows can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,540.) The lower the U-value —or the rate at which the window loses non-solar heat—the better the windows will keep heat in your home, she explains.

5. Solar panels

As a Green designee , realtor Cheneil Lowe sits on the Atlanta Realtors Association’s sustainability committee. She often works with clients to find the solar panels that work best for their home and energy bill budgets. “With solar panels, homeowners can significantly reduce their dependence on traditional electricity sources, leading to substantial savings on their electric bills over time,” Lowe says.

Over the course of 20 years, homeowners can save between $10,000 and $30,000 by putting solar panels on their roofs, says Rodriguez. She reasons money isn’t the only thing being saved, pointing to a UC Berkeley study that found a residential solar system can power a home with 80 percent lower carbon emissions than that of fossil fuels.

6. Eco-friendly appliances

Rob McGibney , president and COO of homebuilder KB Home, recommends looking for appliances that are Energy Star-certified and WaterSense labeled, two programs from the Environmental Protection Agency that set standards for energy efficiency and water conservation. “Think about water-conserving faucets and toilets, smart appliances that maximize energy and water performance, and other features that make living more sustainably even easier,” he says.

7. Formaldehyde-free cabinets

Many mass-produced cabinets contain formaldehyde in the glue that binds panels together. Springing for cabinets made without harmful chemicals can reduce indoor air pollution in your home. “Solid wood is always a formaldehyde-free option,” says Narvaez.

Companies that specialize in toxin-free cabinets include Puustelli Kitchens , Bertolini , KERF , PureKitchen , and more. Schneeberger recommends the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design as a resource for finding sustainable materials and suppliers.

8. Programmable thermostats, lighting, and more

Smart technology can also help cut down on your home’s energy consumption. Lowe consistently recommends smart thermostat controls to her clients and new homeowners alike. “You’ll be able to adjust your temperature settings when you’re away, and some smart thermostats track your energy consumption so you stay on track,” adds Rodriguez.

Wifi-enabled lighting and shades can also help with regulating a home’s temperature and light exposure. “There are some amazing lighting systems such as Lutron’s Ketra system that adjusts lighting and shading throughout the day to match our natural circadian rhythms and perfectly balance with outdoor lighting conditions,” Schneeberger says. “This greatly contributes to occupant health and wellbeing as well as reducing energy use on excess or unneeded lighting.”

What You Need to Know About Sustainable House Design

From the layout of the house to the appliance you fill it with, there are many things you can do to make your home more eco-friendly.

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When it comes to a new build, there are many things you can do to minimize the impact on the environment, from the construction to actually living in your new home. It’s crucial to do your research and get these decisions right in the planning stages, as many things can be expensive, not to mention wasteful, to change later.

Read on for 16 sustainable house design tips to make your home as eco-friendly as possible.

Tips for designing your own sustainable home

Sustainable homes may be sustainable in the way they’re built, from the building materials used to the building techniques, or eco-friendly to live in – or preferably both!

We’ll look at different ideas, tips, and inspiration for designing a sustainable home. These tips can be used when building a house from scratch, and some can be incorporated into an existing home to make it more eco-friendly, helping you to reduce your energy bills while being kinder to the planet.

1. Choose your location wisely

When it comes to sustainable house design, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose the right location.

A few location factors can influence how eco-friendly your home and/or your lifestyle will be:

• Proximity to infrastructure: Installing new infrastructure and utilities systems will inevitably have a huge impact on the local environment, so try to look for a site that takes advantage of existing infrastructure, unless you’re planning to go off-grid.
• Proximity to transportation: Sustainable house design has wider considerations than the house itself. For example, living close to public transport can help you to pursue a much more eco-friendly lifestyle compared to driving your car everywhere. So consider how close your potential new home is to public transport routes, and look for a site within walking distance if possible. Walkscore is a great resource to check how walkable your new neighborhood is.
• Vulnerability to natural disasters – Many regions are prone to natural disasters of one kind or another, so it’s not always possible to avoid this. However, if you build your house in an area vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes, or hurricanes, for example, make sure it is built to withstand such disasters so that it is sustainable over the long term.

2. Incorporate recycled materials into your design

Building materials can be harmful to the environment in a variety of ways, from the air, water, and land pollution they generate in production to the energy required to create them. When it comes to sustainable house design, It’s important to consider the embodied energy – the total impact of all greenhouse gas emissions created by a given material throughout its entire lifecycle – of solar panels.

Using recycled materials not only avoids many of these issues, but it also stops these items from ending up in landfill . There are a large range of such building materials available these days, from those which were originally used for the same purpose, such as recycled tiles, to materials that have been completely repurposed, such as composite decking made from recycled plastic.

Some of the fantastic recycled building materials you’ll find to aid you with your sustainable house design and building project are:

• Recycled glass countertops
• Doors, floors, and other elements made from wood reclaimed from demolished or remodeled buildings
• Bricks and masonry that has also been reclaimed from old buildings
• Roof shingles made from recycled car tires
• Landscaping soil from excavations

If you cannot find recycled materials, try to go for those that are recyclable, to minimize their long-term impact on the environment.

3. Use locally sourced building materials

Another way to keep your building materials eco-friendly is to source them locally as much as possible. Transporting local materials will generate fewer emissions compared to supplies that need to come from across the country or even across the world.

For example, in the Pacific Northwest, hardwoods such as Douglas fir, red alder and western juniper are readily available and make excellent building materials.

This may mean adapting your design to take advantage of the amazing materials available in your area. You may need to rethink the kind of house you want, but this will give your new home an authentic, local vibe!

You may even decide to build your home in a certain location based on the local building materials that are available.

4. Consider an energy-efficient layout

When drafting your sustainable house design blueprint, taking energy efficiency into account can make a huge difference to the building’s impact on the environment. Any structure with a large surface area is less energy-efficient, as the increased surface allows more heat to escape.

Therefore, a taller and more compact house is generally more energy-efficient than a low and wide structure with the same number of square feet. Similarly, cubes and spheres are more efficient than more irregular, spread out shapes.

Furthermore, how you orientate your house is also a key component of sustainable house design. Where you put your windows, in particular, can help you take advantage of natural light and heat. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows will give you more sunlight in winter, allowing you to minimize your reliance on artificial heating and lighting.

On the other hand, too many west-facing windows will provide more light and heat on sweltering summer afternoons and encourage you to use your air conditioning more. Similarly, roof overhang will block the sun in summer, keeping your home cooler for longer.

However, don’t worry about your roof obstructing precious winter sunlight! Because the sun is lower in winter than it is in summer, the right amount of roof overhang will block harsh rays in summer while letting the light in during winter.

Your landscaping can also make your home more energy-efficient. Plant a deciduous tree in front of south facing windows to provide shade in summer but let light through in winter.

For even more tips, check our separate post on how to build an energy-efficient home on a budget .

5. Use low energy consumption appliances

An eco-friendly home goes far beyond the design, location, and building materials you use – you also need to consider the appliances you use. Sustainable house design is also about filling your home with appliances that consume lower energy is not only better for the environment, but it will also greatly reduce your energy bills, or let you run your home on renewable energy .

Manufacturers are now offering low energy consumption appliances in just about any niche you can think of, from washing machines to kitchen appliances. At a minimum, look for Energy Star rated appliances – this should cover everything from computers and TVs to kitchen appliances and water heaters. 

LED lighting is also much more energy efficient, and lasts much longer. Even though it requires a larger upfront investment, this pays itself off over time because you won’t need to change your LED light bulbs for years!

6. Incorporate smart home technology

Along with low energy consumption appliances, using smart home technology can also help to make your home more eco-friendly. Smart home systems have features such as automated lighting, temperature, and security controls which allow you to make your energy use as efficient as possible.

Most smart home systems also allow you to monitor the amount of energy you use, helping you to live more efficiently and use less electricity.

7. Opt for energy-efficient HVAC

While energy-efficient appliances can make a difference, your heating and cooling is even more important, as this is where most homes’ energy consumption comes from. Therefore, energy-efficient HVAC (heat ventilation air conditioning) is a key part of sustainable house design.

This should start with the design of the building and the heating and cooling systems. For example, breaking your home into zones which can be heated or cooled when you’re using them means you’ll use much less energy than trying to control the temperature of the entire home.

In particular, you should separate out areas that do not need to be heated or cooled because they’re not often used, such as the basement or laundry.

8. Consider geothermal heating

One fantastic example of sustainable heating is geothermal heating , sometimes also called geoexchange, earth-coupled, or earth energy systems. Residential geothermal heating systems take advantage of the sun’s radiant energy that has been absorbed by and stored in the ground near your house.

In this way, geothermal heating is an indirect form of solar energy, which is available any time of day or night!

There are a few different types of geothermal heating, but all use a buried or submerged “loop field”, typically made of polyethylene tubing. There are both open and closed-loop systems, but these essentially work in the same way by bringing the heat energy stored in the soil or groundwater to your home via these tubes.

9. Opt for eco-friendly insulation

Good insulation is essential for sustainable house design, and planning for an eco-friendly home, as it plays a big part in keeping the building energy efficient. A well-insulated building doesn’t need as much heating and cooling, so uses much less energy.

However, insulation has traditionally been made from hazardous, toxic materials which have a range of negative impacts on the environment.

If you want your home to be truly environmentally-friendly, it is important to make sure that it is not only well-insulated, but with eco-friendly insulation. Take a look at our wrap up of the different types of eco-friendly insulation for more.

10. Harness the sun and the rain

To maximize the energy efficiency of your sustainable house design, it’s important to consider not only how much energy you use, but also where that energy comes from. Therefore, being more energy-efficient while relying on renewable energy is a win-win for sustainability!

One of the most popular (and best) ways to power your home with renewable energy is using solar panels. It is relatively easy to install a solar system in your home to give you free, eco-friendly energy, while adding value to your home.

For more on the best solar panels for residential properties, check out this guide .

You can also harness the natural water resources through rainwater harvesting. There are various methods you can use to collect and store rainwater for your bathroom, laundry, or even for drinking.

This not only allows you to make better use of this precious resource, but properly-harvested rainwater is also pure and chemical-free, and so better for your health. For instance, water collection is an essential part of an Earthship home .

You can read more about the pros and cons of rainwater harvesting in our detailed guide. 

11. Consider living walls or roofs

Sustainable house design involves a certain amount of ‘outside the box’ thinking, and incorporating a living roof or wall into your plan is an example of just that.

A living roof is topped with a water-retaining layer that supports living grasses, flowers, or even shrubs. This creates a highly energy-efficient and eco-friendly surface that naturally insulates your home, not to mention that it looks stunning!

Likewise, incorporating living walls into your home can make the building more energy-efficient, not to mention aesthetically pleasing. Not only this, but studies have shown that plants improve air quality by filtering toxins from the air.

12. Try an eco-friendly lawn alternative

Grass may be a popular lawn option, but it is also water-intensive, difficult to maintain, and can cause allergies. There are plenty of grass alternatives that are not only better for the environment and your health, but many need little to no maintenance.

Eco-friendly lawn alternatives include:

• Sedum plants
• Ground covers like creeping thyme, Corsican mint, chamomile, and soleirolia soleirolii
• Eco-lawn (a mix of grass seeds and ground covers like micro leaf clover and moss)
• Wood chippings or bark

Alternatively, you can simply let your lawn lie fallow and let native plants and flowers take over, creating your own mini wildflower meadow.

13. Consider prefab homes

Sustainable house design is a concept that already exists tobe rolled out to the masses – in the form of prefabricated, or ‘prefab’, homes.

A prefab home is partially constructed in a factory, and then these component parts are put together onsite, where the dwelling is to be permanently. 

Certain characteristics of these types of constructions make them better for the natural environment than many other types of builds:

• Efficient in construction – Because these homes are pre-built on a large scale in a factory, they are usually more precise in their use of materials and generate less waste.
• Efficient transportation – Additionally, all the parts are transported and delivered at the same time, minimizing the cost and environmental impacts of transportation.
• Durable – Contrary to what you may think, prefab homes can actually be more durable than traditional builds, because materials are reinforced for transport. This means they last longer and minimizes the negative impacts of repairs and upgrades on the environment.

Of course, not all prefab homes are as kind to the environment as others – check out our guide to the best eco-friendly prefab homes . These prefabs are made from sustainable materials and partially built offsite using environmentally-sound practices, and may also incorporate eco-insulation.

14. Consider the best size for a sustainable home

Sustainable house design means applying careful consideration to size and space. The size of your house has two main implications for the environment:

• A larger home will take more energy to heat, cool, and power in general
• A larger construction requires more materials and energy to build in the first place

Therefore, the smaller the house you build, the more efficient and less wasteful it will inherently be. It may not be practical or desirable for everyone to live in a super small house, but the more you can keep the size of your new home down, the more eco-friendly your house is likely to be.

You can even take this to the extreme with a tiny home, which we’ll talk about in the next point!

15. Consider a tiny home

The tiny home trend has surged in popularity in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. These houses have an average size of 186 square feet and are extremely efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.

Consider their carbon footprint for example:

• An averaged-sized US home of around 2600 square feet would produce around 28,000 pounds of CO2 per year through heating, cooling, and energy use if run on non-renewable energy.
• The electricity required to heat, cool, and power a tiny home would only generate around 2,000 pounds of CO2 if produced by a coal power plant.

(You can calculate your own home’s greenhouse gas emissions using the EPA’s carbon footprint calculator .)

An Australian study confirmed that tiny homes can reduce an individual’s personal carbon emissions by 70% over their lifetime.

This is because such a small space is very efficient to heat or cool, and these homes typically use smaller and more efficient appliances. Furthermore, because of the low energy requirements, it is very easy to power an entire tiny house on a solar system, so your tiny home may not generate any greenhouse emissions at all!

Beyond the energy efficiency and low emissions, tiny homes also require far fewer (potentially environmentally-hazardous) building materials and are portable. So if you want to move you can simply take your home with you instead of having to build again!

16. Go Electric

All-electric homes can also be very eco-friendly, depending on where your energy comes from. A study by the Rocky Mountain Institute showed that not only are all-electric houses more economical than mixed-fuel homes, but they also have significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

The study found that homeowners in Seattle reduced their carbon emissions by 93% by making their house all-electric, while those in many states experienced reductions of more than 50%. Of course, this is only possible if you get your electricity from renewable sources, such as your own solar system or an energy provider who runs on renewables.

How to build a sustainable house

Sustainable house design starts from where you decide to build your home and the layout you choose, to how you power it and the insulation. 

There are many ways you can make your home more eco-friendly, ranging from smaller actions such as switching out the traditional grass lawn to the kind of house you choose to build. You may choose a sustainable tiny home or prefab house, but there are plenty of other ways to make your house more environmentally friendly.

For more inspiration on creating a sustainable home, take a look at our posts on truly green prefab homes and recycled building materials .

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Ecovillages From Around the World for Sustainable Living

In an ever-changing world where consumerism and mass production define the majority of the societies, are examples of the tragedy of the commons .  Many countries are facing several environmental problems , such as outdoor air pollution, plastic pollution, and food waste. Ecovillages, on the other hand, provide promise for sustainable living in the face of increasing urbanisation. This article examines ecovillages from across the globe where people live as a community with a laid-back approach practising eco-friendly lifestyle. 

What Is an Ecovillage? 

There is no one-size-fits-all definition of an ecovillage since each community has a distinct vision, mission, culture, environment, and interest. The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) defines ecovillage as an intentional, traditional or urban community that aims to become socially, culturally, ecologically, and economically sustainable using locally owned participatory processes. Ecovillages aim to minimise the environmental and social impacts, and influence others through their model and collaboration. 

Generally speaking, traditional ecovillages are existing rural villages and communities that have decided to determine their own future path by combining life-sustaining traditional wisdom with positive new innovation through participatory methods, whereas intentional ecovillages are formed when individuals with the same goal or vision bond together.

The GEN was founded in 1995 by 25 community representatives from around the world to establish a solid international network of ecovillage communities and to reach out to policymakers, NGOs, academics, and governments. 

At present, there are over 1,100 villages worldwide. These dwellings consist of a population size of 50-350 people living in a sustainable environment. The primary motive of this lifestyle is to seek alternatives to modern lifestyles, including a secure environment, better childcare facilities, improved services, communal enjoyment, environmental preservation, urban sprawl reduction, and local economic development. Depending on an individual’s motivation and the community’s objectives, one may be admitted or rejected.

You might also like: 5 Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life

Ecovillages Around the World

The following are the 5 interesting ecovillages from around the world listed by the World Economic Forum . 

1) Findhorn Ecovillage, Scotland

Since its establishment in 1985 in Moray, Scotland, Findhorn Ecovillage has become the oldest and most well-known intentional ecovillage in the world. Its founders, who were involved in the GEN, became pioneers of the ecovillage movement. 

The “living laboratory” ecovillage, which was designated the “Best Practice Design” as a model for holistic and sustainable living by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements in 1998, is inspired by the concept of a locally-engaged and low-carbon lifestyle, emphasising the connections between the social, spiritual, economic, and ecological aspects of life. Owing to the unique model where all required things are within a 20-minute walk, this Scottish ecovillage produces one of the lowest ecological footprints of any community in the developed world, nearly half of the UK average. According to a 2006 report , the total Findhorn Ecovillage ecological footprint was 3.86 global hectares (gha) per person, whereas the UK’s was 5.4 global hectares (gha) per person.

Sustainable architecture is at the forefront of Findhorn’s ecological conscience. For instance, buildings have passive solar features, breathing walls which allow controllable flow of air and vapour, efficient heating systems and insulation, water conserving technology, and are built with sustainable materials, such as natural clay and recycled car tires. It also has a biological wastewater treatment plant – the so-called “living machine” – which treats the sewage of up to 500 people living in the community, and people drive zero-emissions electric vehicles. Four community-owned wind turbines supply more than enough the energy needed by the community.

Findhorn provides programmes to raise awareness about sustainability among visitors and the public, such as offering permaculture design certificate courses and ecovillage experience weeks. It also hosts the Findhorn International Forum on Sustainability, which allows participants to interact with representatives from businesses, NGOs, social enterprises and organisations, empowering them to generate new perspectives on existing environmental challenges.

2) Eco Truly Park, Peru

Located on the Peruvian Pacific coast, Eco Truly Park is a renowned ecovillage consisting of 18 conical houses. Its members live in artistic, self-sustaining, and spiritual ways, inspired by the Indian Vaishnava practice of living a healthy, yogic, simple and thoughtful life. Caring for the land is the cornerstone of daily health and vegetarian food is the main diet, as the community emphasises its impact on the health and environment.

Eco Truly Park hosts tours, workshops and volunteer programs where participants can learn about organic farming techniques, harvest vegetarian food, and can take art, yoga, and philosophy classes that teach them principles of non-violence and respect for nature. More than 75,000 visitors have come since its opening in 1994 . 

3) The Farm, Tennessee, United States

Stephen Gaskin , a Marine combat veteran and hippie guru, as described by the New York Times, founded The Farm Community in 1971 in Tennessee along with 300 spiritual seekers. Established on the ground of nonviolent values, vegetarianism, and environmental stewardship , it is the oldest intentional ecovillage in the US and currently counts around 200 members and residents. 

The Farm follows eco-friendly practices including sustainable farming, composting, and green energy. Community building is prioritised when it comes to making a positive impact through collaboration and harmony. The ecovillage offers a number of well-known services, such as midwifery centres with workshops , an international development and relief nonprofit , and the Swan Conservation Trust . 

It also has the Ecovillage Training Center , started in 1994 to teach students about permaculture, organic certification professions, green building, renewable energy, installing solar electricity and water heating, and other lessons of eco-living.

4) Crystal Waters Eco Village, Australia

Started in 1987 as the first intentional permaculture village in the world, today Crystal Waters Eco Village has 250 residents from different backgrounds. The 640-acre bushland – recognised as  “Land for Wildlife” – is home to dozens of birds, kangaroos, frogs, and wallabies. Residents occupy 20% of the land, while the remaining 80% is available to be licensed for agricultural, forestry, recreation, and habitat projects.

This ecovillage is inspired by values of clean air, water and soil; the freedom of spiritual belief; meaningful social interaction among their members; and safe and healthy accommodation. It is also based on permaculture , a concept established by Bill Mollison, which in his book “Introduction to Permaculture” defines it as interacting with nature, observing plants and animals holistically, and treating each area as a whole system rather than a single product. 

Some examples of permaculture incorporated at Crystal Waters Eco Village include maintaining the quality and quantity of water downstream, efficient use of multi-functional dams (emergency water, a flood mitigation strategy, etc), widespread use of recycle and reuse practices and of environmentally-friendly building materials, and effective use of land (accommodation, agriculture, forestry, etc). They also provide a permaculture school where participants can learn technical skills as well as the theory behind permaculture.

5) EcoVillage, New York, United States

Founded in 1991 in Ithaca, New York, the EcoVillage is part of an international coalition aiming to strive innovative responses to social, environmental, and economic problems. Nowadays, the ecovillage is one of the biggest co-housing communities in the world, with 170 adults and 40 children across 3 neighbourhoods: Frog, Song, and Tree. 

The buildings are built with passive solar design for natural heating and cooling, and some have photovoltaic panels for solar power.The Tree neighbourhood is designed using passive house principles, meaning houses have large, South-facing windows that heat up the environment easily through the natural daylight, whereas windows are kept at minimum in the North side to keep frigid winds at bay. These houses are highly insulated, with tight air-sealing and thick walls.

This village follows a co-housing model of community-oriented living, with automobiles parked outside the neighbourhood, paths connecting residences, and communal spaces utilised for community meals, play areas, and classes. Organic farms on site provide fruits and vegetables to its members. A 2014 research found that the village ecological footprint is 70% lower than average Americans.

EcoVillage also provides an education program called Thrive . It offers interested individuals a wide range of learning opportunities on sustainable living, such as in-person tours of green building as well as workshops on green energy, environmentally friendly food and farming, land conservation. It also offers online programs such as talks on sustainability and mindfulness by village residents and conscious communication workshops. 

Visitors can also engage in forest bathing walks, which have both physical and mental health benefits and are found to be effective in lowering blood pressure, boosting creativity, improving eye problems caused by the prolonged use of electronic gadgets as well as improving mental well-being. 

More on the topic: The Healing Power of Forest Bathing, Nature’s Remedy for Stress and Mental Well-Being

Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, learning about different ecovillages from different countries give us hope for a more sustainable and livable future. These communities try to balance between economic development, environmental protection, and social well-being. The model can be a lesson for many countries since all four aspects, social, cultural, ecological, and economic are taken into consideration to promote environmental protection, social cohesion, and individual well-being. 

Changing the world takes everyone’s cooperation, understanding, and efforts to preserve nature while focusing on present development, without jeopardising future generations’ ability to meet their own. After all, this is sustainable development. 

Featured image: Tony Basso/Unsplash

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What Is an Eco-Village? Living in a Climate-Focused Community

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The cul-de-sac you’ve lived on your entire life has white fences and overflowing trash bins. Everyone is pretty isolated from one another and hardly uses their yards for biodiversity or growing food. What if there were communities changing this stereotypical American image? Here comes the eco-village, a trendy concept built on the traditions of sustainable living from centuries past. How does it look in the modern age?

What Is an Eco-Village?

Eco-villages are communities that try to minimize their climate impact by adhering to four dimensions of sustainability, also called the four areas of regeneration , which include:

• Social: Embraces diversity, peacebuilding, education, and more.
• Culture: Encompasses mindfulness, self-awareness, celebration with art, and more.
• Ecology: Focuses on green tech, regenerative agriculture, replenishing water, and more.
• Economy: Requires responsible consumption, strengthening the community, justice, and more.

Each category includes six subsections, which detail an eco-village’s priorities and how they obtain perfection in these areas. In the center of all of these pillars is Integral Design, which describes the systems that build the community. This includes implementing feedback loops, increasing awareness of privilege, and learning from nature to adapt and grow. 

This guidance is provided by the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN). It acknowledges around 10,000 eco-villages internationally, and they all restore the planet, run on sustainability, and run on participation from residents.

So long as a community embraces these ideals, it is considered an eco-village, which means it can take tons of different forms. They are in urban and rural settings, allowing people all over to embrace these values for a lower carbon footprint and intentional way of life.

What Are Parts of Eco-Village Infrastructure?

No eco-village could be alike. One may be completely made of earth blocks while another looks like a modular housing development but equipped with solar panels and water barrels. However, these are the common infrastructure staples .

Water Conservation

Collecting rainwater and using eco-friendly ways to filter and purify it provides water independence while preventing illness. Drifting away from relying on conventional utility providers may be a learning curve, but pooling assets — literally and figuratively — allows for expedited learning and clean water.

Waste Management

Recycling, trash, and compost all need streamlined, organized, and clarified directions and processes. Plus, it should be accessible and beneficial for the community at large. 

There is also the matter of human waste. More rural, stripped-back communities may use composting toilets and greywater management to fit their needs. However, they require dedicated care and maintenance from residents to ensure all contaminants are swiftly eliminated. 

Renewable Energy

Off-grid, clean power is essential for decarbonizing the life of structures. It can also make previously diesel-powered machines and generators into something eco-conscious and provide outage resilience instead of leaking pollutants into the atmosphere.

Leadership Structure

Eco-villages can be households collaborating. But, they can also be nonprofit organizations or designated cooperatives. What and who is the glue holding the system together to make sure it runs smoothly? These are important to detail for the legalities of the eco-village, such as building permits, taxes, and other administrative musts.

Sustainable Buildings

Building out of sustainable materials is ideal for eco-villages. Recycled and reclaimed materials are great places to start, as construction and buildings are some of the most polluting industries on the planet. This includes all agricultural structures, such as sheds and ranch animal housing.

Collective Well-being

The final aspect of infrastructure is social equity. Though this isn’t a tangible object or structure, it is a required system of eco-villages. Authentic sustainability is not attainable through reducing carbon footprints alone. It requires fairness and justice in a world laden with prejudice. A study of an eco-village in India discovered these other values , which manifested from this priority:

• Economic models promoting well-being
• Self-sufficiency
• Alternative lifestyles and values

What Are Examples of Eco-Villages?

What do specific eco-villages look like around the world?

Mullumbimby

This rural village started in 2021 with a spiritual touch. In addition to sustainability, they cherish artistry and fostering the spirit. It also hopes its members engage in self-discovery and personal development while they teach others about eco-living.

This is a Hungarian project that started planning in 2022. It is focusing on an educational center , but individuals will live in fields with cob houses and organic farmland. The residents will participate in workshops, yoga, and other mindfulness practices to integrate with nature.

Restore the Circle

This community strives to adjust worldviews from land ownership to stewardship by reconnecting with the land. This means decolonizing and supporting biodiversity , Indigenous traditions, and the waters. It focuses on a tinier footprint with affordable, off-grid housing and permaculture farming to solidify food sovereignty. Dwellers also forage and help in rewilding efforts.

Ferme du bout du Monde

This small “farm at the edge of the world” demonstrates climate optimism, because residents recognize the severity of the climate crisis but want to do something about it. They pride themselves on self-sufficiency not just in energy and food, but i n financial and intellectual awareness.

How Effective Are Eco-Villages at Helping the Climate?

As these communities become more popular, their impacts will compound. A study of one community in Ithaca, NY determined the population’s footprint was 70% less than most Americans.

They utilized carpooling, solar panels, and a sharing economy to achieve this. They also have community buildings, which include community assets to prevent construction and waste from individual projects. These include swimming pools, gyms, and lawn equipment like mowers and tractors to prevent overconsumption of rarely used machinery.

There still needs to be more research about eco-villages, but other data demonstrates many have a strong foundation of reducing ecological impacts by 50% . However, there are other benefits, including improvements in the neighborhood’s health. The air is cleaner, there are fewer illnesses, and urbanization has less of a negative psychological impact.

Is Eco-Village Living for You?

The idealism behind eco-villages sounds enticing, though it requires unprecedented collaboration and communication that is atypical to modern societies. There are plenty of strong individuals who could rewrite the idea of conventional, consumptive neighborhoods. People are able to share resources, align values, and prioritize continuous growth, which is what eco-villages are all about.

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Green Buildings and Environmental Sustainability Analytical Essay

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Introduction

Environmental impacts, efficiency of materials, energy efficiency, water efficiency, pay offs and costs, works cited.

With the increasing concern of human activities on global warming, there has been an incredible attention on looking for mechanisms of reducing its impacts on the environment. One of the proposed mechanisms of addressing this challenge is building houses that are environmental friendly called green buildings.

Technically, green buildings refer to “structures designed using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building’s life-cycle: from sitting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition” (Kats et al. 12).

To achieve this state, it is desirable that there exists close cooperation between architects, various engineers, design teams, and clients in all stages of execution of commercial real estates’ building projects.

This paper scrutinizes the characteristics that need to be possessed by a building for it to qualify as green coupled with questioning the capacity of the green movements across the globe to prescribe the construction of purely green commercial real estates.

One of the central concerns of putting up green buildings is to help mitigate the environmental impacts associated with conventional buildings. However, in the process of building any house, there is always some extent of the natural environment disorientations and interference. This implies that the greenest building is the one that has not been built at all.

Additionally, a building occupies a space that was originally occupied by other natural systems. Therefore, even if the process of the building does not degrade the environment by interfering with the ground structure, space is consumed. This has the impact of making most buildings fail to comply with the requirement that they make use of a small space.

Furthermore, green buildings need not to contribute to sprawling, which is the tendency of structures to spread in a manner that does not follow any fashion (Kats et al. 12).

These three rules for any green building are significant since the overall goal of going green in the development of commercial real estate pegged on the idea that people must put in place strategies for ensuring that energy absorption or release to the environment is kept minimal.

In fact, International Energy Agency estimates that above 40 percent of the total global energy consumption is due to the buildings (Pushkar, Becker, and Katz 98). Buildings are also responsible for the 24 percent of the global carbon dioxide emissions (Pushkar, Becker, and Katz 98).

Therefore, it is possible to manage the impacts of global warming due to environmental degradation by controlling further development of ways of building real estates and shifting towards focusing on going the green way in building and construction. The only worry is whether this technology is sustainable and readily embraceable by all nations across the globe.

Building a green commercial estate calls for no extraction of materials from the environment particularly the ones, which are not renewable. Some of the materials that blend well with the concern are renewable materials obtained from plants such as straws, bamboo, recyclable stones and metals, sheep wool, paper flakes made panels, clay, non-toxic material, cork, and compressed blocks made from soil amongst others.

To comply with the concerns of green building technology, it is prescribed that all materials that require processing such as earth blocks be processed right on the site where they are to be used to ensure that no energy is utilized in the transportation of the finished products.

The mechanism of processing is also to be selected such that no fossil fuels, any other forms of non-renewable source of energy, or any sources of energy that would go into destroying or destabilizing the environment or the natural flora and fauna are utilized. However, utilizing high efficiency materials seem to be a subtle mechanism of ensuring that materials for the building will never end.

Therefore, it is crucial to note that some impacts are produced on the environment while using these materials. For instance, when soil is dug for making earth blocks purposed for building green commercial real estates, the environment is affected in one way or another since earth crust is disturbed.

This outcome is not desired for a purely green building. Arguably, this qualifies as one of the reasons why it is incredibly difficult to sustain construction of 100% green buildings.

In some situations, it is necessary that off-site manufacturing be done. This strategy is indispensable when it is desired to “maximize benefits of off-site manufacture including minimizing waste, maximizing recycling, high quality elements, better OHS management, and less noise and dust” (Kats et al. 57).

This requirement makes green technology for building real estate problematic in that structures cannot be wholly manufactured off-site. Some form of joining is necessary. Some of the joinery processes used often lead to releasing some foreign matters to the environment to which green movement is largely opposed. Apparently, it is impractical to construct a whole earth block building off-site and then take it to the desired final site.

This argument does not imply that measures should not be deployed to ensure observance of efficiency of materials. Rather, the point is that green techniques should focus on realistic things that are achievable within the spheres of existing building technology. For instance, it is acceptable here that scholars have proved that buildings play central roles in hiking the rates of global warming.

Consequently, one of the mechanisms of reducing these impacts would be deployment of realistic green global warming reduction strategies such as utilization of greener forms of energy such as solar and wind energy in lighting and heating. This argument leads to the next characteristic of green buildings: energy efficiency.

Green real estate deserves to be energy sufficient, energy efficient, and self-sustaining. This means that green commercial real estates require a high capacity to reduce energy consumption rates in terms of operating the energy required to power equipment and heat. In this end, the green movement prescribes the usage of materials, which have a low embodied energy in the construction of green buildings.

Such materials include wood. Therefore, since steel has a high embodied energy, it is not a preferred green building material. Unfortunately, green buildings require that the materials used be highly recyclable. Steel perhaps fits well in this category of materials.

On the other hand, although wood may be replenished, the rate at which forests are disappearing is alarming to the extent that many countries have resorted to restrictions of felling of some species of trees, which are under threat of extinction. Therefore, based on the needs to use materials with low embodied energy, green technology’s applicability in the development of commercially viable real estate encounters some drawbacks.

However, amid the position taken above, other concerns of green building are realizable. For instance, it is practical to build a house that has a low operating energy. For instance, houses without air leakages can be designed and constructed successfully. This result is accomplished through constructing double-walled houses with the space between the two walls being airtight.

The design incredibly aids in reducing total energy loss from the interior of the house so that minimal heating is required especially during cold weather. In addition, high performance windows coupled with ceilings, floors, and walls that have extra insulation are commercially viable to make.

Other practical strategies include proper designing of houses to take full advantage of natural lighting so that the necessity of electrical lighting is minimized. Solar heating may also act as an additional means of electricity cost reduction.

Arguably, even though on-site power generation encompasses one of the most expensive features to install in a building, biomass, solar, wind, and hydropower remain as some of the most practical and viable ways of mitigating the environmental effects of commercial real estates.

One of the biggest challenges of the commercial real estates is the emission of dirty water into the environment. As argued before, since the main concern of green building is to minimize environmental impacts of buildings, the question of water quality and efficiency of its usage in commercial estates comes out conspicuous under the green building technology in relation to the development of commercial real estates.

In this extent, Pushkar, Becker, and Katz reckon, “reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are key objectives in sustainable buildings” (104). Nevertheless, it is also vital to note that green buildings emphasize that resources should not be utilized at a rate that supersedes their rate of replenishment.

Unfortunately, the practical scenario in many commercial estates is that aquifer’s waters are used at a higher rate than it is actually possible to replenish. Therefore, reliability on aquifer water to feed commercial estates does not encompass a measure of going the green way of building.

For this reason, it is desirable that green commercial estates, if at all they are practical and possible to realize, have their water supplies from on-site harvested, recycled, and purified water. One crucial drawback of these approaches is that some of the methods of water purification such as desalination utilize a large amount of energy, which in many nations is currently obtained through nuclear power generation.

In this sense, in terms of providing reliable sources of water, it sounds imperative to infer that it is somewhat impossible to develop a purely green commercial estate since production of energy to desalinate water would lead to disposal of remnants of the nuclear reactions (nuclear waste) into the environment.

This is highly not supported by the ideals of green buildings. The question that is left unaddressed by the green movements is that- is it possible to generate large amounts of energy to purify water for supplying to commercial estates through renewable means of power generation?

Many opponents of green buildings cite cost of building as one of the main disadvantages of developing green commercial estates. For instance, according to Pushkar, Becker, and Katz, “Photo-voltaic, new appliances, and modern technologies tend to cost more money” (110). However, in the long turn, green buildings can help to save lots of money.

For instance, Pushkar, Becker, and Katz approximate that $130 billion can be saved by different sectors in the US on bills of energy. They further argue, “Studies have shown that some green buildings have yielded $53 to $71 per square foot back on investment over a 20 year life period” (Pushkar, Becker, and Katz 112). To the commercial real estate’s developers, this implies larger returns on investments in the long-term basis.

Additionally, green buildings attract higher occupancy rates, higher selling prices, and reduced rates of capitalizations. This suggests that investments in commercial estates that are green introduce lower risks of investments.

Arguably, amid the challenges of realizing a purely green building, this benefit provides substantive grounds for sustainability and attractiveness of green buildings particularly in the commercial real estate’s sector.

In the attempt to resolve a myriad of challenges emanating from waste disposal and excessive release or absorption of energy from the environment, this paper has argued that many organizations across the globe are advocating for a change of the manner in which people do things such as building. The focus is towards building green buildings.

Such buildings are designed to consume less energy in lighting and heating, less water, as well as emitting less green house gasses besides providing their occupants with an environment that is healthy. They support harvesting of rainwater.

They are built using recyclable materials. Amid these benefits of green buildings in comparison with conventional buildings, the paper maintains that building purely green commercial estates is problematic. However, bearing in mind the long-term cost benefits and investment risks accruing from building “green” commercial real estates, such estates prove sustainable in the long-term.

Kats, Greg, Leon Alevantis, and Mills Adam. The Cost and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings . New Jersey, NJ: Princeton, 2003. Print.

Pushkar, Susan, Richard Becker, and Arthur Katz. “Methodology for Design of Environmentally Optimal Buildings by Variable Grouping.” Building and Environment 40.3(2005): 97-112. Print.

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Home » Lifestyle » Green Homes » The ultimate guide to eco-friendly homes

The ultimate guide to eco-friendly homes

An eco-friendly home is an environmentally friendly home that minimises its impact on the environment. This can be achieved by using renewable energy sources, minimising the amount of waste produced, and recycling as much as possible. The environment is a priority for many people, and they are looking for ways to improve their homes and lives while also reducing their carbon footprint. Eco-friendly homes are becoming more popular as the benefits of living in one become apparent. Eco-friendly homes can be a great choice for those who want to reduce their impact on the environment

Table of Contents

Eco-Friendly Homes: What Are They?

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Eco-friendly homes are built with the environment in mind. They are designed to be environmentally friendly, and they use as many renewable resources as possible. The goal of eco-friendly homes is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they produce, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. An “Eco-friendly” home uses energy-efficient appliances and technologies, such as LED lights and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Eco-friendly homes are designed to use less energy and resources than traditional homes do. They also use recycled materials whenever possible and minimise waste. Eco-friendly homes can help save the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and improving air quality.

Eco-Friendly House Features

By using renewable energy sources, minimising waste production, and recycling as much as possible, an eco-friendly home minimises its impact on the environment. An eco-friendly house has been designed with all kinds of considerations in mind, from the way it looks to how it functions. Here are some of the most common features:

• Low heat loss through windows and doors.
• Energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
• Low water consumption – Either through rainwater harvesting or by using a greywater system.
• Minimal waste production – e.g., composting food waste instead of throwing it away in bins; reusing materials such as old newspapers instead of throwing them away.
• Low carbon footprint – e.g., using natural insulation such as straw bales or wool; heating with renewable sources such as wood pellets or biofuels.

Different Types of Eco-Friendly Homes 

Bioclimatic houses .

Bioclimatic homes are a concept for energy-efficient buildings that take into consideration their environment. They use natural resources from the place in which it is built. The location and geographical position are important to build a bioclimatic home so that it will work with the characteristics of the place.  

Passive Houses 

Passive homes rely on solar power, yet there is much more to them than that. Passive houses are constructed in a way that makes them energy efficient, and the goal is for the residents to have them powered efficiently enough in such a way that they no longer need to take from an outside source such as grid or utility companies. Passive Houses are certified against standards set forth by The Passive House Institute. 

Wooden Houses

Homes made from wooden materials are eco-friendlier and more economical than homes constructed with traditional bricks, cement and mortar. Wood is a natural component of the environment, so its use can only have positive environmental impacts and benefits. Structures like these allow us to recycle and reuse natural materials that would otherwise remain unused and help keep them out of landfill where they will never again decompose naturally.

Tiny Houses

Tiny houses have grown in popularity, and this could very well be due to their widespread promotion through the media. Tiny houses seem to emphasise simplicity, which is difficult yet rewarding. You can find that the small things in life that require less energy are more gratifying than the big ones – because we usually tend to overcomplicate them instead of simplifying them! By living in a tiny house, one can save money, save space and waste less energy too – what’s not to love about that?

How are Eco-Friendly Houses Constructed?

Green construction materials can be found in many different types of homes. These include wood, stone, bamboo and clay bricks. The goal is to reduce the number of harmful chemicals used during the building process while also preserving the environment by using natural resources instead of synthetic ones like glass or plastic.

• Wood –  Wood is one of the most widely used materials for construction, as it is easy to work with and has a long lifespan. Also, it is easy to maintain and can be used in many different ways.
• Concrete –  Concrete is a cheap material that can be used in many different ways. It is also durable and weatherproof, which makes it great for buildings that need to withstand harsh elements like snow and rain.
• Plastic –  Plastic is another inexpensive material that can be used in many different ways, such as in building walls or floors. It also lasts longer than other materials because it doesn’t degrade over time like wood does when exposed to sunlight or water damage/rotting after years of being left out in the elements untreated.”

What can you do to make your existing home Eco-Friendly?

Converting your home into an eco-friendly one can be easy and affordable. All you need is a little bit of planning, as well as some basic knowledge about the technology involved in converting your existing home into an eco-friendly one. With the growing popularity of eco-friendly homes, more and more people are opting for eco-friendly living spaces. But how do you convert your existing home into an eco-friendly one?

The following tips will help you convert your home into a green one:

Change your light bulbs to LED

This is one of the simplest ways to make your home more eco-friendly. You can change your incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs. LED bulbs use less energy and produce less heat, which means they are more eco-friendly. They also have a longer lifespan than other bulbs. 

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can not only save you money on your energy bills but also make your home more eco-friendly. Programmable thermostats get your home to the desired temperature before you get home from work. They also turn the heat down or air conditioning off when you’re not at home. By doing this, you’re not keeping your home at a constant temperature, so you’re not using as much energy as you would if you were to keep it at a certain temperature all the time. 

Source  – Pinterest 

Go solar – use renewable energy

Solar energy is one of the most eco-friendly forms of renewable energy. It doesn’t contaminate the air or lead to global warming. If you can afford it, installing solar panels on your roof is a great way to make your home more eco-friendly. You’ll be reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere by not using the grid. The amount of energy they produce will depend on where you live and the strength of the sun where you are.

Get an eco-roof

An eco-roof is a roof that is made from recycled materials that have been reused in another way. You can get an eco-roof made from old tires or even wood shingles that have been recycled from trees that have fallen. You can also get an eco-roof made from a material called synthetic or artificial turf. This is made from recycled waste and is a common material for building sports fields. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Eco-Friendly houses?

For those who want to reduce their impact on the environment, eco-friendly homes are a great option, but you should choose one that fits your lifestyle and budget. There are pros and cons to each type of green home design, so you should consider all your options before deciding which one is right for you.

There are a lot of benefits to converting your existing home into an eco-friendly one.

• You’ll save money on utilities: You’ll be able to save money on your utility bills by reducing the amount of energy you use, as well as switching to more efficient light bulbs and appliances.
• You’ll be more environmentally conscious: By converting your home into an eco-friendly one, you’ll be doing your part to keep our planet clean and healthy for generations to come. Plus, you can feel good about knowing that you’re helping protect the environment.
• You’ll make your house more comfortable: If you’re planning on staying in the same house for a long period, an eco-friendly remodel will help make sure that it remains comfortable and functional for years to come.

There are a few cons to consider when you’re looking to go green, but the benefits outweigh them. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It can be more expensive to build an eco-friendly home than a conventional one. If you’re building a new house, it’s worth it to look into building with environmentally friendly materials and methods.
• Your home may not be as energy efficient as you’d like it to be. You might not need all of the heavy insulation if your new home is well insulated, but if you want even more insulation, then you’ll want to make sure that your windows are double pane with low-E glass, or else they won’t be as efficient at keeping heat out.
• You may have trouble finding enough contractors who know how to work with green materials for your project. Some contractors will only work with conventional construction methods because they’re familiar with them and not as likely to have any issues with them. Others simply don’t know how to construct homes using green materials effectively and efficiently.

Characteristics of an eco-friendly house

Less energy consumption 

Energy efficiency is one of the most important environmental factors in any building project. From small measures like sealing air ducts to prevent air leakages to larger initiatives such as using renewable resources for heating and cooling systems, every aspect of the building is sensitive to environmental changes. The top energy-saving techniques used in eco-friendly houses include the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient lights and timer-adjusted street lights, which also generate energy(s) from renewable resources, such as tidal and hydroelectric power.

Low waste management

Reducing landfill waste and lowering a building’s carbon footprint are the main goals of an eco-friendly home. The wastewater that is typically directed to sewage plants is also treated on-site to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. These houses offer efficient waste management systems with the potential for on-site composting and separation of wet and dry waste, which can further reduce negative impacts on the environment.

Promotes healthy lifestyle

Eco-friendly houses are built to withstand pollution and contamination because they feature beautiful landscaping that is sure to uplift your mood and make you feel free. They also offer you a healthy lifestyle opportunity by providing amenities such as natural running trails, vibrant gardens, and verdant parks where you can rejuvenate unnoticed by the hectic city’s streets. These improvements will have a huge positive impact on your mental, physical, and spiritual energy, which will help you focus better.

Maximum water conservation

Water is one of our most valuable resources. The actions taken in line with sustainable development and eco-friendly houses focus on water efficiency from the moment of construction all the way through completion. For example, low-flow water fixtures are installed that utilise half as much water as was used before for the same intended purpose. This being said, not only rainwater is harnessed, but alternative sources of water for irrigation and sanitation purposes are also taken into account when constructing eco-friendly houses.

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Could tiny homes be the adorable, affordable and sustainable housing that our planet needs?

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Since 1950, the  average size  of a new single-family home in the US has more than doubled from around 950 square feet to over 2,000 square feet–and  new constructions  in Canada, New Zealand and Australia are similarly supersized. But as house prices rise, wages remain stagnant and rampant consumerism threatens our planet, more people are starting to question if bigger is better. 

In recent decades, tiny homes have emerged globally as innovative, affordable–and quite frankly, adorable–housing options for aspiring homeowners. No longer just a trend for minimalists and millennials, tiny homes–which are typically under 400 square feet–stand out as a promising solution to the affordable housing crisis, the negative environmental impacts of development and emissions generated by powering large homes. 

While it’s unclear exactly how many tiny homes are currently in the US, it is clear that demand is rising, especially amid the remote working boom  brought on by the pandemic . According to  one analysis , the tiny home market is projected to grow by 3.33 billion dollars globally over the next four years, with more than half of that growth in North America. 

“We have plenty of homes; we’re just using them extremely inefficiently,” says Washington-based  Zack Giffin , co-host of Tiny Home Nation on Netflix, co-host of the Operation Tiny Home podcast and Vice President of the Tiny House Industry Association. “We can solve our housing problems by just cutting more trees down. [Or we can] build small spaces that don’t require anywhere close to the same amount of materials and don’t require nearly as many resources to heat and cool them.”

Tiny home, tiny footprint 

Globally, buildings are responsible for about  40 percent  of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. And not surprisingly,  research shows  that house size is one of the biggest predictors of home energy use.

One of the main environmental benefits of tiny homes is that they require fewer materials to build, and less energy to power, heat and cool compared to traditional single-family houses.  

One study of tiny homes  in Australia–which has the second-largest houses in the world after the US–found that tiny homes can reduce per-person carbon emissions by 70 percent over its lifespan compared to a traditional home. For a traditional home to achieve lower per-person emissions than a tiny house, at least 10 people would need to live there. The authors note that energy savings may vary depending on local climate, occupant lifestyle and energy source. For example, some tiny homes are designed to  function off-grid  by using renewable energy like solar. 

On top of energy savings, downsizing might even inspire you to adopt more environmentally-conscious lifestyle changes. Another  study  even found that tiny home dwellers were more likely to purchase fewer items, recycle more and eat local after making the switch to a smaller space.  

Katra Bryam , a literary theorist and associate professor at The Ohio State University, believes that sustainable lifestyles are contagious. “One of the biggest predictors for whether someone has solar panels is whether somebody in their neighborhood has solar panels,” she says .  Bryam suggests that tiny homes could exert a similar effect and encourage others to rethink their habits and consume less, regardless of whether they live in a tiny home. 

Traditional homeowners could also benefit from the market by renting out their backyards to tiny homes for extra income. Plus, it can provide unique opportunities to build community and social connection, Giffin says. “Tiny homes on wheels in backyards can give [older homeowners] who might not be ready for full-assisted living a way to have a reasonably cost-effective caregiver in their backyard,” he explains. On the flip side, “it could also allow them to downsize without having to leave their communities because they could eventually move into a tiny home in their backyard and free up the larger home for families who need the space.”

A potential form of affordable housing 

The median price of a single family home can vary widely by state, but the  US average was $298,000  as of July 2021. According to Harvard University’s  State of the Nation’s Housing 2020 report , 30 percent of US households (37.1 million) were “cost-burdened” in 2019, meaning they spent over 30 percent of their income on housing–and this disproportionately affects low-income households. 

Apart from the environmental benefits, tiny homes–which cost an  average of $52,000  in the US–could create affordable housing inventory and  shelter unhoused  people, including the estimated  568,000 unhoused individuals  in the US.

In Detroit, Michigan, for example,  Cass Community Social Services  is building 25 tiny homes on individual lots that will serve as low-income housing. Residents will rent these homes, and after seven years, are eligible to own the property. Other tiny home communities are providing shelter to unhoused people, including  Milwaukee , Wisconsin,  Denver , Colorado, and  Olympia , Washington. 

And globally, the United Nations estimates that  1.6 billion  people live in inadequate housing conditions, including informal settlements and slums. Organizations like  UN-Habitat are exploring  how tiny homes could be affordable and sustainable housing solutions in emerging economies, from Ecuador to Kenya. 

Small space, big challenges

Thinking about downsizing? If you live in the US, here are some things to consider. 

First, most US states–except Maine and some parts of California–don’t recognize mobile tiny homes on wheels as permanent residences, but rather as recreational vehicles. That means there are often  fewer options for financing . Traditional home mortgage lenders are less likely to finance a tiny house, and RV and personal loans usually come attached to higher interest rates. Even if you decide to build on a foundation instead of wheels, lenders might require you to build on land you already own. 

Then there are complicated  zoning laws and building codes  that vary by state. Some states require tiny homes to apply for occupancy permits in order to park somewhere other than a designated RV park. If you’re building on a permanent foundation, most states also have strict building codes requiring new constructions to meet minimum size requirements–this significantly limits where tiny homeowners are allowed to live. 

And if you eventually decide to sell your tiny home altogether, you may encounter some hurdles.  Some experts say  that tiny homes can depreciate in value over time and may be harder to sell compared to a traditional home. 

To address these challenges, Giffin and other tiny home advocates are working with state and municipal governments around the US to convince policymakers to change housing codes that prevent tiny homes from parking or building in certain areas. By reducing these restrictions, aspiring homeowners could remain within their communities and budgets, he adds. 

While tiny living certainly isn’t for everyone, Giffin believes they are part of a larger cultural shift towards more affordable, planet-friendly housing. “[When] you hear economists talk about the housing crisis, they point to the fact that we have not been building enough homes to keep up with the demand,” he says. “But nobody ever [asks], are we building the types of homes that we actually need?” 

All photos: Courtesy of Zack Giffin

Watch Zack Giffin’s TEDxCoconutGrove Talk: 

Watch Katra Bryam’s TEDxOhioStateUniversity Talk: 

About the author

Paula Carrizosa is a writer and media fellow on the TEDx team at TED.

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Essay on Eco Friendly

Students are often asked to write an essay on Eco Friendly in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Eco Friendly

Understanding eco-friendly.

Eco-friendly means ‘not harmful to the environment’. This term most commonly refers to products that contribute to green living or practices that help conserve resources like water and energy.

Importance of Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle can help improve the environment. By reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and preserving nature, we can ensure a healthier and happier life for future generations.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Simple practices like recycling, using reusable bags, saving water, and using solar energy can make a difference. By making these small changes, we can contribute to a more sustainable world.

250 Words Essay on Eco Friendly

Understanding eco-friendliness.

Eco-friendliness represents a commitment towards preserving the Earth’s natural resources, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainability. It is a conscious effort to lessen our environmental footprint and ensure the continuity of life on Earth.

The Importance of Eco-Friendliness

Adopting eco-friendly practices is crucial. These include energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable consumption. Using renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

The Role of Education

Education plays a vital role in promoting eco-friendliness. It is through knowledge and understanding that we can encourage responsible behaviors and inspire change. Environmental studies should be integrated into every educational curriculum to foster awareness and action.

Conclusion: The Future of Eco-Friendliness

Eco-friendliness is not a choice, but a necessity. It is the only path towards a sustainable future. As college students, we are in a unique position to lead this change. Through our actions and decisions, we can contribute to a healthier, greener, and more sustainable world.

500 Words Essay on Eco Friendly

Introduction to eco-friendliness.

The term “eco-friendly” has gained significant traction in the contemporary world, signifying a harmonious interaction between human practices and the natural environment. It is an umbrella term that encompasses various strategies and practices aimed at reducing the harmful impacts on the environment.

The Importance of Being Eco-Friendly

The importance of eco-friendliness cannot be overstated. Our planet is currently grappling with numerous environmental challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. These challenges pose serious threats to biodiversity, human health, and the overall balance of our ecosystem. Adopting eco-friendly practices is a crucial step towards mitigating these issues. It helps to conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote a sustainable lifestyle that respects and values the planet’s biodiversity.

For example, by using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, we can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, by adopting sustainable farming practices, we can help to preserve soil health, promote biodiversity, and reduce the overuse of harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

The Role of Innovation

Innovation plays a pivotal role in promoting eco-friendliness. Technological advancements, such as electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and green building designs, have made it easier and more affordable for individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental footprint.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility

Being eco-friendly is not just a personal choice but a collective responsibility. It requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, including individuals, businesses, and governments. Policies and regulations that promote eco-friendly practices, combined with education and awareness campaigns, can play a crucial role in fostering a culture of sustainability.

In conclusion, being eco-friendly is a necessity in our current age. It is an investment in our future that guarantees the survival and well-being of our planet and future generations. Therefore, it is imperative that we all strive to adopt and promote eco-friendly practices in our daily lives.

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Harmony Unveiled: Crafting an Eco-Friendly Haven for Sustainable Living

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Essay on Greenhouse Effect for Students and Children

500 words essay on greenhouse effect.

The past month, July of 2019, has been the hottest month in the records of human history. This means on a global scale, the average climate and temperatures are now seen a steady rise year-on-year. The culprits of this climate change phenomenon are mainly pollution , overpopulation and general disregard for the environment by the human race. However, we can specifically point to two phenomenons that contribute to the rising temperatures – global warming and the greenhouse effect. Let us see more about them in this essay on the greenhouse effect.

The earth’s surface is surrounded by an envelope of the air we call the atmosphere. Gasses in this atmosphere trap the infrared radiation of the sun which generates heat on the surface of the earth. In an ideal scenario, this effect causes the temperature on the earth to be around 15c. And without such a phenomenon life could not sustain on earth.

However, due to rapid industrialization and rising pollution, the emission of greenhouse gases has increased multifold over the last few centuries. This, in turn, causes more radiation to be trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. And as a consequence, the temperature on the surface of the planet steadily rises. This is what we refer to when we talk about the man-made greenhouse effect.

Causes of Greenhouse Effect

As we saw earlier in this essay on the greenhouse effect, the phenomenon itself is naturally occurring and an important one to sustain life on our planet. However, there is an anthropogenic part of this effect. This is caused due to the activities of man.

The most prominent among this is the burning of fossil fuels . Our industries, vehicles, factories, etc are overly reliant on fossil fuels for their energy and power. This has caused an immense increase in emissions of harmful greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfides, etc. This has multiplied the greenhouse effect and we have seen a steady rise in surface temperatures.

Other harmful activities such as deforestation, excessive urbanization, harmful agricultural practices, etc. have also led to the release of excess carbon dioxide and made the greenhouse effect more prominent. Another harmful element that causes harm to the environment is CFC (chlorofluorocarbon).

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Some Effects of Greenhouse Effect

Even after overwhelming proof, there are still people who deny the existence of climate change and its devastating pitfalls. However, there are so many effects and pieces of evidence of climate change it is now undeniable. The surface temperature of the planet has risen by 1c since the 19th century. This change is largely due to the increased emissions of carbon dioxide. The most harm has been seen in the past 35 years in particular.

The oceans and the seas have absorbed a lot of this increased heat. The surfaces of these oceans have seen a rise in temperatures of 0.4c. The ice sheets and glaciers are also rapidly shrinking. The rate at which the ice caps melt in Antartica has tripled in the last decade itself. These alarming statistics and facts are proof of the major disaster we face in the form of climate change.

600 Words Essay on Greenhouse Effect

A Greenhouse , as the term suggests, is a structure made of glass which is designed to trap heat inside. Thus, even on cold chilling winter days, there is warmth inside it. Similarly, Earth also traps energy from the Sun and prevents it from escaping back. The greenhouse gases or the molecules present in the atmosphere of the Earth trap the heat of the Sun. This is what we know as the Greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Gases

These gases or molecules are naturally present in the atmosphere of the Earth. However, they are also released due to human activities. These gases play a vital role in trapping the heat of the Sun and thereby gradually warming the temperature of Earth. The Earth is habitable for humans due to the equilibrium of the energy it receives and the energy that it reflects back to space.

Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect

The trapping and emission of radiation by the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere is known as the Greenhouse effect. Without this process, Earth will either be very cold or very hot, which will make life impossible on Earth.

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon. Due to wrong human activities such as clearing forests, burning fossil fuels, releasing industrial gas in the atmosphere, etc., the emission of greenhouse gases is increasing.

Thus, this has, in turn, resulted in global warming . We can see the effects due to these like extreme droughts, floods, hurricanes, landslides, rise in sea levels, etc. Global warming is adversely affecting our biodiversity, ecosystem and the life of the people. Also, the Himalayan glaciers are melting due to this.

There are broadly two causes of the greenhouse effect:

I. Natural Causes

• Some components that are present on the Earth naturally produce greenhouse gases. For example, carbon dioxide is present in the oceans, decaying of plants due to forest fires and the manure of some animals produces methane , and nitrogen oxide is present in water and soil.
• Water Vapour raises the temperature by absorbing energy when there is a rise in the humidity.
• Humans and animals breathe oxygen and release carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

II. Man-made Causes

• Burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal emits carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which causes an excessive greenhouse effect. Also, while digging a coal mine or an oil well, methane is released from the Earth, which pollutes it.
• Trees with the help of the process of photosynthesis absorb the carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Due to deforestation the carbon dioxide level is continuously increasing. This is also a major cause of the increase in the greenhouse effect.
• In order to get maximum yield, the farmers use artificial nitrogen in their fields. This releases nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere.
• Industries release harmful gases in the atmosphere like methane, carbon dioxide , and fluorine gas. These also enhance global warming.

All the countries of the world are facing the ill effects of global warming. The Government and non-governmental organizations need to take appropriate and concrete measures to control the emission of toxic greenhouse gases. They need to promote the greater use of renewable energy and forestation. Also, it is the duty of every individual to protect the environment and not use such means that harm the atmosphere. It is the need of the hour to protect our environment else that day is not far away when life on Earth will also become difficult.

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Tambov city, Russia

The capital city of Tambov oblast .

Tambov - Overview

Tambov is a city in Russia, the administrative, economic, and cultural center of Tambov Oblast located about 460 km southeast of Moscow.

The population of Tambov is about 287,400 (2022), the area - 100 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4752, the postal codes - 392000-392036.

Tambov city flag

Tambov city coat of arms.

Tambov city map, Russia

Tambov city latest news and posts from our blog:.

21 February, 2016 / Majestic churches of Tambov in spring .

20 July, 2015 / The mansion of Mikhail Aseev in Tambov .

24 May, 2012 / Churches of the Russian artist Valery Busygin .

29 April, 2010 / The music video about Tambov .

History of Tambov

Foundation of tambov.

Tambov was founded on a hill at the confluence of the Tsna and Studenets rivers as one of the southern strongholds of the Tsardom of Russia in 1636. The garrison of the fortress was over 1,000 soldiers. At that time, a number of fortresses and fortifications were founded to protect the southern borders of Russia from the raids of the Crimean Tatars and Nogais.

According to one of the versions, the original name of the fortress was written as “Tonbov” and was associated with the alleged construction site of the fortress opposite the Mordovian village of Tonbov. Although the fortress was eventually founded elsewhere, it retained its original name. The root of the word is most likely of Moksha origin (“tonbov” - a whirlpool).

At the end of the 17th century, Tambov became one of the gathering points of the Russian troops that took part in the Azov campaigns aimed at capturing the Turkish fortress of Azov to gain access to the Sea of Azov. The failure of the first campaign forced Peter I to take measures for the fastest construction of the Russian navy. Tambov timber was used to build the first Russian fleet.

More Historical Facts…

Tambov in the 18th-19th centuries

At the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, a garrison school for soldiers was opened - the first educational institution in Tambov. In the first half of the 18th century, there was still a threat of raids from the steppes of the Lower Volga and Kuban regions. In 1738, the Tambov fortress was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the old one.

In 1779, the Tambov Viceroyalty was established with the center in Tambov. It was significantly larger than today’s Tambov Oblast and included parts of Mordovia, Lipetsk, Voronezh, Penza, and Ryazan regions. Tambov then resembled a large village: wooden houses with thatched roofs, streets without pavements, vegetable gardens. After it received the status of an administrative center, its rapid development began.

In 1781, the coat of arms of Tambov was approved with an image of a golden hive and three bees on a blue-green field. The beehive and bees reflected one of the flourishing local crafts of that time - bee-keeping. Meadow herbs and linden forests became the reason for the special taste and healing powers of Tambov honey. The bee is also a traditional symbol of hard work, order, fertility, and abundance.

In December 1785, Gavriil Derzhavin, a famous Russian poet and statesman of the 18th century, was appointed the governor of the Tambov Viceroyalty. This had a significant impact on the development of Tambov. In 1796, the Tambov Viceroyalty became the Tambov Governorate.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Tambov Governorate became one of the main breadbaskets of the Russian Empire. The population of Tambov exceeded 10 thousand people. During the Patriotic War of 1812 (the French invasion of Russia), at the expense of the local population, a people’s militia of 12 thousand people was formed and armed. When the French approached Moscow, refugees from the nearby towns began to arrive in Tambov. Large parties of captured enemy soldiers and officers also arrived here.

In 1824, the first gymnasium was opened in Tambov. In December 1833, a public library was opened. In the 1840s, there were 45 streets in Tambov, 2,332 private houses (69 stone houses), 12 taverns, 3 hotels, 20 drinking houses, 7 shops of fashionable clothes and haberdashery. The Tambov Governorate experienced industrial growth. In 1872, Tambov had about 25 thousand residents, in 1897 - more than 48 thousand people, in 1910 - 68,400 people.

Tambov in the 20th century

In 1920-1921, the headquarters for the suppression of the peasant uprising, known in history as the Tambov Rebellion, was located in Tambov. It was one of the largest peasant uprisings against the power of the Bolsheviks during the Civil War in Russia. In the post-revolutionary years, the rapid development of industry began in Tambov. First of all, these were enterprises for the production of cloth and yarn.

In 1928, the Tambov Governorate was included in the Central Black Earth Oblast. In 1937, a separate Tambov Oblast was formed, which included the territory of the present Penza and Tambov regions. In 1939, Tambov Oblast received its present borders.

In the 1920s-1930s, the composition of the population of Tambov changed noticeably. In fact, the city lost most of the pre-revolutionary social estates. People from the villages replaced them. In the late 1930s, construction of residential buildings, industrial and cultural facilities was resumed in Tambov.

During the Second World War, Tambov twice became a de facto front-line city: in November-December 1941, when the German units were located between Yelets and Lipetsk, and in the second half of 1942, when the front line passed through Voronezh.

The proximity of the front did not allow industrial enterprises to be evacuated to Tambov from the western regions of the country, but for the same reason Tambov was filled with evacuation hospitals. Most often seriously wounded soldiers were delivered here in mass numbers. A lot of them died of their wounds and were buried in Tambov, which explains the presence of large military graves at the Vozdvizhenskoye cemetery of the city.

In the post-war period, Tambov, which had not experienced the destruction associated with the battles, for several years remained aloof from the large-scale construction that took place in the Soviet cities destroyed by the war. However, industry began to grow rapidly. Tambov became one of the main centers of chemical engineering.

In 1965, the city was divided into 3 districts: Oktyabrsky, Leninsky, and Sovetsky. The 1970s-1980s were the peak of Tambov’s prosperity. In 1986, the population reached 300,000 people. At the same time, the 350th anniversary of the city was celebrated.

Pictures of Tambov

Tambov from above

Author: Alexander Babin

Flower beds in Tambov

Author: Alexander Syroid

Winter in Tambov

Author: Sergio Bagna

Tambov - Features

The chemical industry and mechanical engineering are well developed in Tambov. However, it is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Russia. This is largely due to less street traffic compared to other cities. Tambov is a fairly green city with several parks and public gardens. The City Day of Tambov is celebrated on June 12.

The climate is moderately continental. The average temperature of the coldest month (February) is about minus 8 degrees Celsius, the warmest (July) - about plus 21 degrees Celsius. Winter is moderately cold and comes in December. Summers are long and warm.

Tambov is divided into three administrative districts: Sovetsky, Oktyabrsky, and Leninsky. The largest streets in the city are Sovetskaya and Karl Marx streets. Urban transport is represented by trolleybuses, buses, minibuses and taxis.

The city is located on the federal highway R22 “Caspian” Moscow - Astrakhan. Travel time to Moscow by car is about 6 hours. Tambov Airport offers regular flights to St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, and Sochi.

It is believed that the catch phrase “The Tambov wolf is your comrade”, which is very common in Russia, was first heard in the film “The Rumyantsev Case” (1955). Today, the Tambov wolf has become the same recognizable symbol of Tambov as gingerbread for Tula or brides for Ivanovo. The Tambov wolf in the city can be found on T-shirts, magnets, calendars, plates, mugs, vodka, and other souvenirs. At the entrance to the city, there is a monument to the Tambov wolf, and in the city itself there is a museum of the wolf.

Tambov, unlike many other cities in Russia, was never captured during wars. This helped to preserve most of the historical center, including the old houses of ordinary townspeople, merchants, and landowners. Most of the streets of the old town have buildings of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Main Attractions of Tambov

Monuments to the Tambov wolf . There are two monuments to the famous Tambov wolf in the city - at the entrance to Tambov from Penza on Rasskazovskoye Highway and on the territory of “Hotel” (Oktyabrskaya Street, 95b).

A three-meter (with a pedestal) wooden figure of a wolf sitting against the background of a forest at the entrance to Tambov was installed in 2008. The inscription says: “The Tambov wolf is a reliable comrade.” The second monument is a figure of a wolf lying on a mountain and personifying calmness, confidence, and hospitality. The following inscription is engraved on the monument: “When you give joy to people, the Tambov wolf is your comrade!”

Aseev’s Estate - a picturesque museum complex consisting of a house, a park, and a fountain. This mansion was built for the industrialist M.V. Aseev in the Art Nouveau, Classicism, and Baroque styles in 1904-1905. During the Soviet times, it was used as an orphanage and a sanatorium. In 2014, a museum was opened here. Today, it is the main architectural attraction of Tambov. Naberezhnaya Street, 22/1.

Kommunalnaya Street - one of the central streets of Tambov with a pedestrian part, traditionally called “Tambov Arbat”. Stone merchant mansions of the 19th - early 20th centuries are located along this street lined with cobblestones. Today, the former trading stalls house shops and cafes. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Tambov.

The Cathedral of the Saviour’s Transfiguration (1783) - the oldest Orthodox church in Tambov, an architectural monument of federal significance. The three-tiered 42-meter bell tower was built in 1817. In the 1930s, the bell tower was dismantled, and the main building was turned into a local history museum. In the 1990s, the building was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2011, the bell tower was recreated. Sobornaya Square, 4.

Kazan Monastery of the Mother of God - a picturesque architectural ensemble in the Baroque style located in the center of Tambov. During the Soviet era, the monastery was closed. Its revival began in 1992. There are three churches, two chapels, and seminary buildings on the territory of the monastery. The tallest bell tower in Russia (107 meters) is also located here. Gorkogo Street, 3.

Ascension Convent - a historical and cultural monument of regional significance. Its bright and picturesque churches are considered the most beautiful churches in the Tambov region. The main Cathedral of the Ascension resembles a fairytale house. Moskovskaya Street, 37.

Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - a red-brick Catholic church built in the Gothic style for the representatives of the local Polish community (mainly consisting of Poles who were exiled to this region after the 1863 uprising) at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1990s, the church was restored at the expense of Poland. Kronshtadtskaya Street, 14A.

Tambov Regional Museum of Local Lore - one of the oldest museums in Russia. It was founded for the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Tambov Viceroyalty in 1879. The museum funds include more than 100 thousand exhibits including a collection of Russian printed engravings of the 18th-19th centuries, a collection of Chinese and Dutch decorative vases of the 18th-19th centuries, a paleontological collection of invertebrates, a collection of rocks, etc. Derzhavinskaya Street, 3.

Tambov Regional Picture Gallery - the largest art museum in Tambov and Tambov Oblast. Today, the gallery has three departments: Russian art of the 18th century, Russian art of the 19th - early 20th century, Western European art of the 16th-19th centuries. In total, the collection has more than 5 thousand works of art; several hundred are exhibited in the halls. Sovetskaya Street, 97.

Park of Culture and Rest - the main park of Tambov located in the very center of the city, between Sovetskaya Street and the Tsna River canal. On the territory of the park there are rides, cafes, a dance floor, and a Ferris wheel. A suspended pedestrian bridge leads from the park to the opposite bank of the river.

Tambov city of Russia photos

Streets of tambov.

Apartment buildings in Tambov

Author: Andrei V. Kolkov

Tambov cityscape

Crosswalk on a street in Tambov

Author: Skorduli S.V.

Architecture of Tambov

Administration of Tambov Oblast

The Diocese of Tambov - an eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church

Transfiguration Cathedral in Tambov

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Raffia Is a Timeless Designer Staple—Here's How to Use It

This woven material is both stylish and sustainable.

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Natural textures frequently make their way into contemporary designs—and for good reason. They add visual interest to a space that nods to the outdoors, especially if you’re aiming for a biophilic feel in a space. They’re also sustainable, which is something that’s top of mind if you stick to primarily eco-friendly design . And they’re an easy way to weave neutral hues, like beige and brown, into a room.

And while wood and stone tend to reign supreme when it comes to natural materials, it's important not to overlook woven-fiber materials like raffia. While you've likely seen it in almost every design store, you may not have paid it much notice before. However, it's the easiest way to add a warm, homespun touch to a modern space.

But what is raffia exactly? And how does it differ from similar materials like rattan and straw? We tapped three designers to answer those very questions and explain how to use this material at home.

Where Does Raffia Come From?

Raffia is traditionally made from the raffia palm, which is a tree that’s native to Madagascar. Portions of Africa, Asia, and New Guinea also have raffia palms, but generally, Madagascar is known for producing some of the best raffia in the world.

How Is Raffia Made?

Raffia is derived from segments of the leaves on a raffia palm, so first, the leaves are stripped from the tree and left out in the sun to dry “to become the raffia material we all know,” as principal designer Emma Kemper explains.

Then, raffia is typically soaked in water to make it easier to work with, and it can be dyed in various colors.

“It's also really durable, and since it's biodegradable, it's a really spectacular eco-friendly option to use,” says principal designer Cynthia Lananh .

Raffia is also an eco-friendly material compared to most others.

“Harvesting the leaves of raffia does no harm to the trees, so there is a constant renewable source,” says interior designer and stylist Eliza Gran .

What’s the Difference Between Raffia, Rattan, and Straw?

Raffia, rattan , and straw are all natural materials, but the three terms are different and should not be used interchangeably. While raffia is made from segments of dried palm leaves, rattan is a separate member of the palm family that’s vine-like and climbs up trunks and tree branches.

“Rattan is much more wood-like and durable, and perfect for furniture ,” Gran says. “It lasts a long time and works very well outdoors, unlike raffia which is too delicate for outdoor use.”

Also, while raffia may seem similar to straw, there are some key differences. First of all, straw is the byproduct of grain products, as Kemper points out, and comes from the dried stocks. Despite their similar, fibrous look, Lananh says that raffia is more durable than straw, and tends to be more flexible, gentler on the skin, and easier to dye.

“Straw is not as flexible to use, and while it can be more cost-effective than raffia, it can be a bit stiff when dried,” she adds.

How Is Raffia Used in Decorating?

Gran says that in the design world, raffia is used somewhat like a textile, and it's commonly seen in lampshades, baskets , and the backing of wood furniture . She says, “There are also lots of raffia wall decor options, such as masks, mirror frames, trays, hanging baskets, and woven art wall hangings.” Kemper adds that raffia can be woven into placemats or other decorative mats.

Perhaps you’re now wondering how to bring more raffia into your spaces, particularly if you embrace a coastal or quiet luxury–inspired look. Gran says that as with any neutral, organic material, raffia looks best when combined with colorful, patterned textiles and luxurious textures.

“It's great as an accent, such as a lampshade or pendant light, especially in an overly designed room to add a calm, quiet element,” she says. “I almost always have a handmade natural raffia basket in a print-heavy space.”

And it’s not just limited to interior design. Lananh says that you can also consider tying a raffia bow to a gift box, on your beach bag, or even a hat. “It's incredibly versatile and a sustainable material that's easy to weave into your everyday routine,” she says.

Kemper believes that using raffia decor as final touches “is a great way to bring in missing bits of texture into a space,” but also adds, “Raffia shouldn’t get wet, and products made of raffia should be kept out of direct sunlight since it can make it more brittle, making the product not last as long,” she says.

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Tambov Oblast

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<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Tambov_Oblast\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Tambov Oblast is a region in Russia 's Chernozemye region, bordering Voronezh Oblast to the south, Lipetsk Oblast to the west, Ryazan Oblast to the north, Penza Oblast to the east, and Ulyanovsk Oblast to the southeast.

• 52.723056 41.453889 1 Tambov — the capital has a large art museum and one of the prettier train stations in the world

Other destinations

• 51.958 41.9995 1 Ivanovka — a village notable for the estate of the composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, which is now a museum
• Voroninsky Nature Reserve

Tambov Oblast is a heavily forested area of Russia's Black Earth Region.

Tambov Oblast is not the most cosmopolitan area of Russia and visitors should expect Russian to be the only language in widespread use.

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