Can New Housing Developments Make Green Homes?

Many of us are becoming more concerned about the damage we’re doing to the environment. From ditching single use plastic straws to trying to make our homes carbon neutral, many of us are beginning to prioritise helping the environment. This means that there’s a higher demand for homes with a conscious, and housing developers are starting to build with greener homes in mind.

Many developments of new homes, such as Savana Living, are begun with keeping things kind to the environment from the start. Such developments are designed to be sustainable, with careful thought put into materials, energy, waste management, ecosystems, water and community. 

Ecosystems

When a location is decided on a green site should work with the natural, native ecosystem and preserve the biodiversity of the area. This could include conducting studies into any displaced local wildlife and finding ways to protect or include it in the finished development. Where possible, degraded sites and redeveloped to provide a community benefit. 

Building materials should be carefully thought out. Some materials can release toxins into the area. Protect the ecosystem that is being built on by choosing materials that have a minimal environmental impact and are non-toxic. Using materials available locally is also much greener, as you minimise their carbon footprint by not having to transport them very far to reach the building site. 

During construction, waste can be minimised by using leftover materials from demolition projects, and recycling any leftover materials from the main build. 

Some developments preserve natural biodiversity by using local plant life and other fauna in the landscaping of the development. This helps to replace any plants disturbed during the building, and gives wildlife a habitat that they recognise. 

Energy

A green housing development must carefully consider energy. Homes should be built with the ability to use alternative methods of power, such as fitting them with solar panels to allow for greener, cleaner electricity. 

Homes should be made in a way that makes them energy efficient, with top of the line appliances with good energy efficiency ratings, and proper insulation to stop loss of heat. All new homes should be built with double glazing as another method to stop heat loss. 

Orient homes to maximise natural light. This can save use of power, either by simply lighting the home or by making use of passive heating designs. Daytime lighting isn’t used, and the house is warmed by the sun, absorbing heat. Energy efficient windows should a non-negotiable. 

The design of a home can help to keep it cool in the heat and warm in the cold, reducing the need for heating and air condition, which both use a lot of power. 

Homes that aim to be sustainable should also be automatically set up with energy saving bulbs and energy efficient appliances. Offer options for composting for kitchen waste to reduce the amount of landfill generated by new houses. 

Water

A green development also needs to take measure to reduce potable water. Instead, new homes should have access to water drawn from natural resources or the option to recycle waste water.