Sustainable Home Creation Worksheet ✓ Solved

Sustainable Home Creation Name: This worksheet is to show

This worksheet is to show how you will create a more sustainable home. The key is to defend your choices with facts and citing your sources. You do not need to choose a single-family home.

Current Future Improvements: Describe your indoor living space (i.e., square feet).

Describe the location of your home and why it would be the best for you. Make sure to address: climate, geography, rural/urban/or suburban.

List 3 materials in your home and how they can be more sustainable.

Energy use: What are 3 things that use the most energy in your home? How can you decrease your energy consumption?

Water use: What are 3 things that use the most water in your home? How can you decrease your water consumption?

References use (you should have at least 3).

Paper For Above Instructions

Creating a sustainable home is essential for reducing our ecological footprint and promoting environmental health. This essay will examine various aspects of sustainable living, focusing on the indoor living space, location, materials, energy use, and water consumption.

Indoor Living Space

My indoor living space is approximately 1,500 square feet, located in an urban area with easy access to public transportation and local amenities. This setting reduces the necessity for a personal vehicle, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, urban living allows for greater community engagement, which supports sustainability efforts through shared resources and initiatives. The location’s mild climate also plays a crucial role in my approach to sustainability. With average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F, heating and cooling needs are minimized, promoting energy efficiency.

Future Improvements

While my current space is decent, future improvements include enhancing insulation, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, and installing solar panels. Effective insulation will reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling, significantly cutting utility costs and minimizing environmental impact. Opting for Energy Star-rated appliances will also contribute to lower energy consumption without sacrificing performance. Lastly, the installation of solar panels will harness renewable energy, providing a sustainable power source and potentially earning credits for excess energy produced.

Location and Sustainability

Choosing an urban location provides numerous sustainability advantages. Cities often have better access to public transportation, reducing reliance on personal vehicles, which are major contributors to carbon emissions (Transportation Research Board, 2018). Moreover, urban areas typically have strict building codes focused on sustainable practices, further aiding in constructing energy-efficient homes (U.S. Green Building Council, 2020). An urban setting also allows for closer proximity to grocery stores, schools, and healthcare facilities, reducing travel time and energy expenditure for daily activities.

Sustainable Materials

1. Reclaimed Wood: Utilizing reclaimed wood for home construction and furniture is a sustainable choice as it reduces the need for new lumber, preserving forests and reducing waste. It also adds unique character and history to the home (Miller, 2021).

2. Bamboo: This fast-growing plant is an excellent alternative to traditional wood. Bamboo is renewable, requires less water than traditional timber, and absorbs more CO2 while growing (Davis, 2019).

3. Recycled Steel: Using recycled steel in construction lowers environmental burdens by decreasing the demand for new metal production. It is durable, reduces waste, and can often be sourced locally (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021).

Energy Use

In my home, the three most energy-intensive devices are the refrigerator, heating system, and water heater. The refrigerator is a constant power consumer, while heating systems can demand significant energy, especially in colder months.

To decrease energy consumption, I can employ energy-efficient appliances, maintain my heating system regularly, and utilize programmable thermostats to optimize heating and cooling schedules (Energy Star, 2022). Additionally, I can implement strategies such as air sealing and adding insulation, as these minor adjustments can significantly impact energy savings over time.

Water Use

The three primary culprits of high water use in the home include the shower, toilet, and washing machine. Showers can use an excessive amount of water if flow rates are not regulated, while toilets can waste considerable water without efficient flushing mechanisms.

To reduce water consumption, I can install low-flow showerheads, opt for dual-flush toilets, and use water-efficient washing machines (WaterSense, 2021). Furthermore, integrating rainwater harvesting systems will help collect and reuse water for irrigation purposes, substantially cutting the total water consumed.

Conclusion

In summary, creating a sustainable home involves careful consideration and strategic improvements concerning indoor living space, location, choice of materials, and efficient use of energy and water. By addressing these key areas, individuals can significantly promote environmental sustainability and contribute to a healthier planet.

References

  • Davis, S. (2019). Sustainable Construction Materials: Bamboo. Journal of Green Building.
  • Energy Star. (2022). Energy Efficient Home Improvements. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov
  • Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Energy Facts and Information. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov
  • Miller, R. (2021). The Benefits of Reclaimed Wood in Sustainable Architecture. Environmental Journal.
  • Transportation Research Board. (2018). Urban Public Transportation Systems. National Academies Press.
  • U.S. Green Building Council. (2020). Building Codes and Sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.usgbc.org
  • WaterSense. (2021). Indoor Water Use. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense
  • United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). Sustainable Residential Design. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2019). The Value of Solar Energy. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. (2021). Energy Efficiency Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.ashrae.org

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