Why Sustainable Homes Matter: Perspective from a Design-Build Firm
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s an important consideration in every aspect of our lives, including how we design and build our homes. As a design-build company committed to being kind to the earth, we are passionate about building sustainable homes for current and future generations to enjoy.
A 2022 study by the University of Michigan found that the residential sector accounted for 35% of total electricity use and 22% of primary energy use in the United States. Homes have an undeniable impact on the earth, and while this impact isn’t entirely avoidable, we consider it both our responsibility and our honor to steward SSDB custom homes in a way that benefits the environment, both during the building process and the life of the home.
A Sustainable Home Building Process
Whether tearing down a home or building on an empty lot, building materials, energy usage and the construction process all contribute to the overall sustainability of the build. Our team is dedicated to reducing environmental impact as we build. We pride ourselves in the recycling of 97% of construction waste during our builds. Aside from recycling, there are several other ways we are intentional about reducing our footprint.
Thoughtful Deconstruction
If a design-build project includes the deconstruction of a home, our team is extremely thoughtful about deconstructing in a way that not only honors the home, but preserves materials when possible to be used in other building projects or the future home build, as well as providing a charitable write-off to the homeowner.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Choosing the right materials is crucial to sustainability. We prioritize the use of renewable, recycled and locally-sourced materials. By selecting materials with lower environmental impacts, we are able to contribute to resource conservation and reduce waste.
Some of our favorite examples of eco-friendly materials are the kitchen countertop made from PaperStone, a post-consumer recycled paper surface with petrolatum-free resins in this rustic eco-conscious total build, the high-recycle content Galvalume roof in our LEED qualified Wilmette home, and the character-grade reclaimed lumber harvested from barns in our eco-conscious Prairie home.
Quality Craftsmanship & Long-Lasting Construction
Durable buildings reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, thereby conserving resources and minimizing waste. Long-lasting structures also lower the environmental impact associated with the production and transportation of new materials.
Sustainable Home Design
There are a variety of design strategies that our team implements in homes to create buildings that continue to have a sustainable life post-build. We incorporate energy-efficient systems, high-quality insulation and durable materials to minimize energy use and extend the lifespan of the structure. Additionally, many of our builds utilize geothermal energy to reduce energy consumption for cooling and heating, rainwater harvesting to reduce demand on traditional water usage and solar panels to reduce a home’s carbon footprint while harnessing a renewable energy source.
You can read more on SSDB’s sustainable home design strategies here >>
Meet Our LEED Certified Sustainable Home Architects
SSDB architects Amy Berka and Beth Debaker are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED-AP©), meaning that they have been awarded the LEED AP credential by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). These incredible architects are passionate and knowledgeable about sustainable homes and the benefits that they give both homeowners and the larger community.
Benefits of Sustainable Homes for Homeowners
Homeowners who choose sustainable homes enjoy numerous benefits.
- Lower Utility Bills: Energy-efficient design and renewable energy systems result in significant savings on energy costs.
- Healthier Living Environments: Improved indoor air quality and the use of non-toxic materials contribute to healthier living conditions.
- Long-Term Durability: Sustainable homes are built to last, requiring fewer repairs and maintenance over time.
- Increased Property Value: Sustainable features are increasingly sought after in the real estate market, enhancing the resale value of homes.
- Positive Environmental Impact: By reducing energy consumption, conserving water and using eco-friendly materials, sustainable homes help protect the environment.
At Scott Simpson Design + Build, we are passionate about creating homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and efficient, such as our recent custom home that won the 2024 Winnetka Green Award for its sustainable deconstruction and building process. If you’re interested in investigating how we can bring your sustainable living vision to life, we warmly invite you to reach out to our team.