Several aspects will impact a green home construction, and these need to be integrated in the primary plan of the building. In a green home, use of recyclable material is very important from the point of view of conservation. This could include using high fly ash content cement instead of normal cement. Wood salvaged from old buildings and reengineered wood can be used in constructing a green home. It is best to incorporate the green features during the construction phase. Installation of a drip irrigation system instead of a sprinkler system is one such measure. A rainwater harvesting plant is best effective when installed in the initial design stage. To aid absorption of rainwater into the surrounding soil, pathways, and roadways can be made out of permeable paving material.
Using Forest Stewardship Council (SFC) certified wood for all wooden fittings in the house is favorable to a green house construction. Even employing no/low formaldehyde based paints for the interiors of the house helps in creating healthier living conditions. Harnessing the power of the sun by fitting solar heaters and photovoltaic cells helps reduce electricity consumption and lower bills. It is better to fit light colored roofs than dark colored roofs because they are more reflective and thus reduce buildup of heat inside the house. Also, they last longer because since the heat absorbed is less, they do not expand thermally as much as dark colored roofs.
Green Home construction need to also address the inside fittings of the house, both static as well as movable. It is best to use recycled wood furniture for the house interiors. Various companies advertise recycled plastic furniture for the garden. Using cork or bamboo flooring instead of traditional hardwood flooring helps greening the house. Avoid using vinyl linoleum, natural linoleum is a better choice. Leak proof ducting helps in conservation of energy. Ducting leaks cause over 10% of energy losses in a house. Fitting flow reducers to faucets and shower heads and low volume flushes helps reduce 40% consumption of water without anybody noticing the difference. Use on insulation which does not contain formaldehyde helps prevent sickness. One good material for insulation is cellulose insulation made out of recycled paper.
In a green home construction, effective use is made of low emissive double paned windows. Double paned windows not only provide more insulation but also help make the house quieter. The frames of windows should be made of wood as these provide more insulation. A piping jacket helps reduce heat loss. These guidelines should come in handy if you are planning to build a green home.