In recent years, sustainability has become a priority in many sectors, including real estate. Creating a sustainable home, in fact, not only contributes to the protection of the planet, but also allows to reduce management costs, saving on energy, water, maintenance of systems and appliances. However, with the wide range of options available, such as latest generation photovoltaic panels, thermal insulation, renewable energy and energy efficiency, there are many aspects to consider. So, this article is intended to be a guide on how to integrate sustainable design into the construction or renovation of your home.
Sustainable Home Solutions: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
More than just a trend, sustainable design is rightly becoming the future of many homes. A home of this type, in fact, is designed with an approach that respects and preserves natural resources, optimizing the use of energy and water. Inside and outside, the home will be equipped with high-quality systems both in terms of durability and use of low-impact materials, as well as energy efficiency. In short, the goal is to reduce waste, but without affecting the performance of appliances, heating and cooling systems, ensuring comfort and functionality.
Some of the main solutions are:
- low-energy appliances: choosing appliances with a high energy class, such as A+++, even if more expensive, allows you to reduce electricity consumption in the long term and, therefore, related expenses;
- LED lighting: as is known, LED bulbs are considerably more functional than traditional incandescent ones. The latter, now obsolete, last less and consume over 80% more energy;
- watch out for extra waste: turning off unused appliances, unplugging chargers when not in use, or using power strips can lead to a significant reduction in consumption;
- drip irrigation systems: If you have a garden, a sustainable alternative can be represented by an irrigation system of this type. By using gravity to provide water to the plants, it prevents excess dissipation;
- eco-friendly paints: products with low volatile organic compound content, such as water-based ones, are less toxic and improve the quality of the air inside the home;
- heat pumps and smart thermostats: these installations are extremely efficient for heating and/or cooling a home because they exploit the energy present in the air or in the ground. Furthermore, by associating them with an intelligent thermostat, you can automatically regulate the temperature of the home based on your habits, without affecting consumption;
- consider renewable energy: implementing your home with systems of this kind can lead to a truly sustainable home. With the term renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural resources such as water, wind or sun. Examples include solar panels, biomass boilers and wind turbines.
Sustainable home solutions: the latest generation of photovoltaic panels
For those who want to make their home truly eco-friendly, the latest generation photovoltaic panels represent an essential element. In addition to being among the most effective and efficient solutions, these systems allow the production of electrical energy by exploiting solar light, a clean, inexhaustible and, above all, free resource. By not using fossil fuels to function and, therefore, not producing carbon emissions, they allow for drastically reduce environmental impact and widespread air pollution, with significant benefits for public health as well.
In addition to their ecological contribution, photovoltaic offers immediate economic advantages. Installing a latest-generation system allows you to significantly lower your bill costs. By generating all or part of the electricity you need, you can free yourself from dependence on the national electricity grid and reduce the monthly expenses related to it. The energy produced, in fact, can be accumulated in specific batteries, allowing it to be used in the evening hours or on cloudy days.
Finally, a further advantage concerns the recent models of photovoltaic panels, increasingly minimal and versatile. Many of these, in fact, have small dimensions and are equipped with plug-in systems, making this renewable energy accessible even for those who live in apartments or do not have large surfaces.
Sustainable home solutions: thermal insulation
Often underestimated, thermal insulation is incredibly important. As a key pillar of sustainable homes, a quality system will be able to keep warm air out in the summer and in in the winter. This will ultimately increase the energy efficiency of the home, minimizing the need for alternative heating and/or air conditioning systems.
A good starting point to do this is to evaluate the walls, roof and fixtures. In this regard, for example, replace single glazing with double glazing can make a huge difference in terms of energy efficiency. Windows of this type, in fact, help to keep heat in the home by preventing drafts and leaks through their frame. Not only that. They can also mitigate the volume of outside noise, improving the comfort of the home.
Another effective solution is the installation of an external thermal coat. This, in fact, creates a barrier to prevent dispersion, making rooms and environments more comfortable.
In this sense, thermal insulation is not only an investment for the present, but also a strategic choice to ensure a more sustainable, efficient and comfortable home in the long term.
