Best Types of Sustainable Homes

Residential and commercial buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions globally. Luckily, there are different types of sustainable homes that can help us decrease this number.

Many of today’s sustainable homes come with a handful of incredible environmental advantages. You may have heard about Icon’s latest solution to sustainable architecture, House Zero.

This 3D-printed home is built by large-scale 3D printers, a technological advancement that is disrupting the construction industry. Companies like Fortera are working on producing collaborative materials that reduce CO2 emissions by over 60% compared to your average home.

In recent years, we’ve seen a huge push towards sustainable living. Companies in all sectors have recognized this importance, and the construction industry is no exception. Even though 3D-printed homes are just making their way into our world, there are plenty of other sustainable homes available to consumers and homeowners today.

What are sustainable homes?

Sustainable homes are efficient houses built to optimize environmental, social, and economic sustainability. These dwellings are primarily designed to reduce waste and greenhouse gasses while saving energy and water.

What types of sustainable homes are there?

Every type of sustainable home offers a unique benefit. Different types include prefabricated homes, zero carbon homes, tiny homes, Earthships, shipping container homes, portable homes, and self-sustaining homes.

1. Prefabricated Homes

Prefabricated homes, also known as “prefab homes,” are a popular choice in the world of sustainable homes because they are built before they reach your land. The homes are manufactured in parts, shipped, and assembled on-site within one to two weeks.

They’re incredibly cost-effective and have a low environmental impact. While these homes have been around since the early 1900s, the recent green home boom has made them seriously come back in luxurious styles. Popular prefab home styles include dome homes and A-frames.

2. Zero Carbon Homes

This type of home is so eco-friendly, that it has an annual net carbon footprint that is zero. Most commonly, you will find these sustainable homes topped with shiny solar panels, storing energy that will be used to power the home.

Zero carbon homes are so efficiently insulated and air-tight that they are totally free of carbon! Not to mention, you can save so much money by living in these homes compared to their eco-unfriendly alternatives.

3. Tiny Homes

Sure, tiny homes are not practical for every family. Averaging around 100 to 400 square feet, these homes are primarily sustainable because they require less of… everything! Fewer materials, labor, money, and energy lead to less of a carbon footprint.

Most tiny homes are portable, meaning you can take this home with you *almost* wherever you go. For minimalists, this is a sustainable dream!

4. Earthships

Earthships are self-reliant, off-grid homes constructed of natural and recycled materials. These whimsical homes were founded by Michael E Reynolds in the 1970s as part of his Earthship Biotecture projects.

They are solar-powered and wind-powered, with natural heating and cooling. The water used in Earthship homes is produced from rain and snow. If you’re interested in making an Earthship, get ready for a project.

While they’re not easy to build, they’re certainly fun and rewarding. If you want to try before you buy, there are plenty of Earthships ready to be your next vacation rental!

5. Shipping Container Homes

As the name suggests, these homes are built from recycled shipping containers. Since they are made of entirely recycled materials that would have otherwise gone to waste, these homes are incredibly sustainable and cost-effective.

Most of these homes can be affordably built for under 50 grand. These upcycled steel containers can easily be turned into your next modern and sustainable home!

6. Portable Homes

Though some of these sustainable homes can’t be moved from one location to another, portable homes are specifically designed to move. Typically, you will find these houses already assembled on wheels, having been built in home-building facilities.

These mobile homes are a great affordable option for people who need flexibility in the location of their homes. Your portable home can be quickly delivered to you for immediate use!

How can I make my home more sustainable?

As it turns out, you don’t have to live in a straw hut to have a sustainable home. As you can see with the variety of options listed above, living sustainably doesn’t look the same for everyone.

Even without moving out of your current residence, you can create a more eco-friendly homestead by adjusting certain features. Here’s what you can do to help design your home to operate more sustainably.

Use Local and Recycled Materials

You can easily reduce your carbon footprint when remodeling your home by purchasing materials locally. This way, you won’t have to have them shipped across the country. Check out what materials are available in your area before you check online.

You can also use recycled materials! Call your friends and neighbors or connect to a local contractor and see if there are any recycled materials you may be able to get a hold of for your next project. Some examples of these local and recycled materials would be recycled glass countertops, reclaimed wood, and reclaimed bricks.

Insulate your home thoroughly

The best way to reduce the power and energy you use throughout your house is to ensure none of it escapes! Insulating your home will keep the warm air inside during the winter months and the cool air inside during the summer months.

Cooling and heating your home uses the most energy of any other source in your house! Thoroughly insulated homes use less energy to keep them at the optimal temperature and thus are more sustainable. Be sure to check out windows, doors, and other seals that might affect your home’s ability to contain optimal air temperature.

Use energy-efficient lighting and appliances

Energy efficient appliances and lighting are not just good for the environment; they’re good for your power bill! To reduce your energy cost, use LED lights next time you need to replace a bulb.

Though they might cost a bit more than the generic alternative upfront, they will last you much longer and save you money every month because they use significantly less power. When buying appliances, look for the energy star-rated equipment. Products with this rating have met certain federally-mandated requirements for energy efficiency.