Strong and sustainably sourced wood

We follow our own unique, ethical, and environmentally sensitive wood-sourcing guidelines, harvesting wood that has matured for 80-120 years in optimal cold climates that create tight growth rings. We also consider the societies of the wood’s origin (e.g., forest-certified wood, wood that has not been logged illegally, or wood that comes from forests the local residents are actively maintaining).

Responsibility feels good

When you feel good about what went into building your home, you feel better about yourself. We use sustainably sourced materials, manufacturing, and construction techniques that help heal the planet and offer clean energy options. In turn, we help you create an environment that sustains your health and well-being, which is good for Mother Nature, too.

Elements of Sustainable Home Designs

There are several key elements of a sustainable household that play a part in protecting the environment. At SHAWOOD, here are the elements of our sustainable home designs:

  • Energy efficiency: Find Zero Energy features, including renewable energy sources like solar panels, that power your home by harnessing the sun’s energy.
  • Water conservation: Enjoy advanced water filtration systems that deliver purified water while reducing waste.
  • Eco-friendly materials: We use sustainable materials in all of our home builds, from a proprietary framing system that minimizes waste and production time to low-maintenance ceramic exterior wall panels.
  • Indoor air quality: Air purification systems and streamlined ventilation ensure you breathe healthily at home.

Benefits of Sustainable Homes

Sustainable homes offer a range of advantages for individuals, communities, and the planet alike. Through an eco-friendly home build, you can take part in creating a more sustainable future:

  • Environmental impact: Sustainable homes minimize energy usage through renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce your carbon footprint, while eco-friendly materials and waste reduction reduce the strain on natural resources.
  • Economic advantages: Energy-efficient systems and appliances can lead to significant savings on electricity, heating, and water bills over time, and many governments offer tax credits, rebates, and grants to homeowners implementing renewable energy systems and sustainable practices.
  • Health benefits: From improved air quality to features like proper insulation and passive design, keep homes at comfortable temperatures year-round while reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and allergens.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Are sustainable homes more expensive?

One of the common concerns for many prospective homeowners is the cost of building an eco-friendly home. While creating a sustainable household can be more expensive upfront due to the cost of premium materials and specialized eco-friendly systems and features, it’s important to assess the long-term savings associated with going green. Implementing sustainable home methods like advanced insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, solar panels, and energy-efficient windows and appliances can lower your energy consumption, resulting in more affordable energy bills.┬á

Additionally, sustainable homes use state-of-the-art technology and materials to reduce maintenance and repair costs that can add up over time. On top of these savings, many governments offer sustainable homeowners tax incentives, rebates, and grants for following sustainable building practices and powering their homes through renewable energy sources. When it comes time to sell, homeowners of sustainable homes can also enjoy a potentially higher resale value due to the demand for more energy-efficient homes, so while they may come with a high initial investment, eco-friendly households offset these costs down the line.

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What materials are used in sustainable homes?

Various materials are used to create sustainable homes to reduce strain on the environment. At SHAWOOD, we only harvest mature wood that is forest-certified, has not been logged illegally, and comes from forests local residents actively maintain. We also install Bellburn ceramic tiles that are earthquake-, fire-, fading-, and scratch-resistant to reduce maintenance costs while keeping you and your family safe. Other common materials found in sustainable home designs include recycled metals and glass, bamboo or cork flooring, and native landscaping with drought-tolerant plants.

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What are the reasons to build an eco-friendly home?

Deciding between a traditional home and a sustainable home can be a challenge. However, there are several goals that sustainable homes can help you accomplish, such as:

  • Reducing overall energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances
  • Creating a healthier indoor environment with advanced ventilation systems and low- or non-toxic paints and materials that reduce allergies and respiratory conditions
  • Increasing insulation to create more consistent and comfortable indoor air temperatures
  • Reducing water waste through sustainable landscaping designs, water-efficient fixtures, and rainwater harvesting systems
  • Promoting a more intuitive living design that combines the health benefits of living with nature with multipurpose living spaces to create a comfortable space for all
  • Future-proofing your home by leveraging flexible designs that grow with your and your family’s needs
  • Using energy-efficient systems and features like smart thermostats with climate control and energy-efficient appliances that cut costs on water and electricity usage

Rachel Sewell