Green Trends in Residential Construction

Environmentally-friendly and sustainable products are becoming increasingly important to today’s consumers. Here are the top 7 green trends in residential construction for 2017:

1. Net Positive Energy Homes
   

   Forget zero-energy homes, the trend today is to build homes that are so efficient that they produce more energy than they burn.

2. Cool Roofs
   

   Cool roofs are designed to absorb more heat and reflect more sunlight than standard roofs. It’s a great way to decrease roof temperature, lowering a home’s cooling needs.

3. Solar Power
   

   Solar power is a great way to reduce a home’s carbon footprint, as well as reduce energy costs.

4. Water-Saving Fixtures
   

   Installing water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, are an easy and cost-effective way to allow home owners to economize water use.

5. Mobile Apps for Home Energy Use
   

   Having the ability to control your home’s appliances, heating/cooling systems, and lighting systems can be extremely advantageous to home owners.

6. Smart Windows
   

   Smart windows adapt to the weather outdoors to either let in more or less sunlight, depending on the outdoor temperatures. Installing smart windows can be extremely cost effective as they can lower a home’s cooling and heating needs.

7. Eco-Friendly Building Materials
   

   Choose building materials that are eco-friendly and/or sustainable. Countertops made from glass, aluminum, steel, or sustainable woods are great options!