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Increasing concerns about rising energy costs and
decreasing natural resources (water and trees for example) have
introduced a new philosophy in the residential construction
industry. Needs for sustainable homes have
drastically increased over the past years. An increasing number of
homebuyers seek eco-friendly designs, products and technologies in
their homes.
What does sustainable mean? Sustainable
construction uses finite natural resources efficiently and
without waste while protecting the natural environment, so future
generations will be able to maintain and improve their lives. Sustainable homes make use of the idea "reduce,
reuse, recycle." In that sense, sustainability seeks to balance the
needs of our society with the natural resources available. Green
builders take responsibility for building houses with a vision for
the future. They use as many recycled and sustainable
products as possible to help preserve earth's natural
resources.
Sustainable homes offer many practical,
personal, and cost-effective advantages including:
- Energy efficiency
- More durability
- Less maintenance
- Healthier living
- Better air quality
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- Less sound transmission
- No indoor mold and mildew
- Increased comfort
- Reduced environmental
impact
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If we
change our beliefs toward supporting the environment, and make use
of green
building technologies and products, we will have
achieved the first step toward planet consciousness. Working with
the environment makes for better living, in the present and for
future generations. I am optimistic that we can achieve a healthy
future for ourselves and our planet.
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