Sarah Hollenbeck
One of the greatest sustainability efforts you can make is creating a home that will withstand the elements of where you live, in order to avoid the need to rebuild. In fact, the construction industry is one of the most wasteful- contributing to over 50% of landfill waste. Not only that, but construction also accounts for over 40% of energy use worldwide. These factors together help us determine we need to avoid rebuilding as much as possible.
When building your new home, you will want to use the best materials for your climate to protect your house for years to come. This is why we have curated a guide to the best materials and eco-friendly features for building in each climate.
Desert Climate
You might think that desert climates are rare- when in reality they are in many of our own backyards. Arizona, New Mexico, and portions of Utah and Colorado are all considered desert climates. These areas feature an extreme lack of water, swinging temperatures, and high evaporation rates. Here are some of the features and building materials to add/use when building your new home in the desert:
Metal roofing will help control your home’s interior temperature.
Vinyl windows will create an airtight seal, helping prevent the a/c unit from working extra hard.
Solar panels are a great, eco-friendly way to power a desert home.
Adobe exteriors are known for reducing heat transfer, as well as limiting water absorption.
Stone reflects heat and also lasts many years avoiding the need to be replaced.
Rainy Climate
Rainy climates are great for those who prefer an introverted and peaceful life. This climate is associated with heavy rainfall, high humidity, and lush greenery. With this peaceful life comes risks to your home, such as flooding, mold growth, and warped wood. Here are some great features and materials to include in your new home to withstand the elements:
Engineered hardwood flooring is great for rainy climates as it does not warp.
Humidity-resistant paint doesn’t peel in moisture-filled environments.
Underground downspouts prevent flooding by providing proper drainage.
Paperless drywall combats mold growth within walls.
Cold Climate
Cold weather can happen anywhere, especially with climate change upon us, but some areas are particularly prone to heavy snowfall, high winds, and ice for months on end. There are some features and materials you can add to your cold climate building project in order to help it withstand the elements. Here are a few:
Carpet increases heat retention in homes.
Brick siding helps a home withstand high winds, as well as retain heat.
South-facing, multi-pane windows increase insulation and lower utility costs.
Heating tape prevents pipes from freezing over and bursting.
Cedarwood shingles are able to hold up to heavy snowfall, as well as provide insulation for your home.
Windy Climate
Windy climates, such as the midwest’s tornado alley, are known for their unpredictable weather patterns. They often experience strong wind gusts, as well as severe storms. Here are some great features and materials to help your home sustain its structure in a windy climate:
Ventilation slots are made on the ridge of your home’s roof in order to prevent the roof from being uplifted by strong winds.
Masonry blocks as exterior walls in order to prevent debris from flying through.
Impact-resistant windows and doors to prevent damage to the rest of your home.
Rebar is great for homes that are in tornado-prone areas, as it helps secure wall materials to the home’s frame.
No matter what climate you live in, make sure your home is built to last to prevent a repeat of the wasteful construction process, mitigating the effects of climate change. Building a home with materials and features that can withstand the environment is the best way to make the construction process more eco-friendly, as well as budget-conscious.