10 Things You Absolutely Need in Your New Green Home

In love with the idea of a Green Home but don’t know where to start? Here’s an infographic with 10 of the hottest trends in green home design and renovation. Your house can save you money while helping to save the environment at the same time so now’s the time to update your home with these green upgrades. This infographic shows which improvements are the most cost-effective and what will be some of the hottest green design trends in the coming years.

Incorporating eco-friendly designs into a new home or upgrading your existing home is easier than ever and can add to your home’s value and desirability. Check out these 10 Hot Trends and learn how to transform your home into the green home of your dreams!

1. LED Lighting Upgrade

Simple & Affordable! LED lights consume up to 90% less power and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. To get the most benefit, consider retrofit kits for a true conversion.

2. Home Automation

Yes, there’s an App for that! Energy management systems (EMSs) monitor energy consumption and can automate HVAC, lighting and heating systems that translates to huge energy use reduction.

3. Smart Windows

Clear to opaque and back again, all controlled by your smartphone or a Harry Potter-esque wave of your hands. Lower your A/C bills, have less furniture discoloration and spend less time cleaning.

4. Reclaimed Materials

Re-purposing old objects rather than building things from scratch can add character, history, and charm to any space. Shop local flea markets, antique stores or salvage yards for design elements.

5. Bringing the Outdoors In

Refreshed, calm and one with the earth, the outdoors has always appealed. Straight lines and geometric shapes are out. The trend is towards rough edges, natural finishes, and organic patterns.

6. Daylight Harvesting

Automated daylight harvesting systems monitor the level of natural light in a home at any one time. If it rises above a baseline, the artificial lights dim; if it drops below, they brighten.

7. Solar & Wind Power

You already know the benefits of solar power but did you know small wind electric systems are “one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems.”?

8. Home Energy Storage

Batteries capable of storing enough power for an entire home are expected to be as common as rooftop solar panels in a decade.

9. Tankless Water Heaters

Because they only heat water when needed, tankless water heaters use significantly less energy, take up less space, and last longer than traditional water heaters.

10. Natural Insulation

With a giant return on investment, natural insulation such as wool, hemp, and some types of biodegradable foam are actually better insulators than fiberglass, and are eco-friendly during production and once discarded.