The earth is a typical home we share; survival and development rely heavily on the surrounding environment. However, as human needs constantly grow and technology rapidly advances, environmental resources become limited. That’s where sustainable housing steps in!
Put simply, the earth cannot continue growing to support our evolving needs. And while our developments should be supported in the long term, future generations must understand that support can only be done within the current means. In other words, we must use our resources wisely, carefully, and responsibly.
Ash Gujral founded the Gujral Community Fund, a San Francisco-based charity contributing to housing and childhood development and nourishment.
In particular, he is very passionate about sustainable housing. He provides an overview and discusses the need for more sustainable housing into the new year.
What is Sustainable Housing?
Sustainable housing and development involves utilizing natural resources to construct and develop housing and other eco-friendly buildings to reduce carbon footprint.
Ideally, eco-friendly homes and buildings are designed to produce their energy through solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal sources, while strong insulation ensures consistent indoor temperature throughout the year.
Rather than concrete, sustainable homes and buildings are constructed using more environmentally friendly materials like wood, bamboo, earthbags, and even straw — a joint development practice used by people of the distant past.
Additionally, some sustainable housing includes dwellings that collect rain and reuse it for laundry and other cleaning purposes. The introduction of smart home heating and cooling devices has allowed homes to become even more energy-efficient, which can cut energy bills by an average of 30%.
When constructing sustainable homes and buildings, you may think of it as a costly endeavor. However, Ash Gujral notes that eco-friendly building options don’t have to break the bank.
Because many materials are locally available, labor costs are drastically cut down. Home and building owners will benefit from better air quality, consistent indoor temperature, and lower (and less expensive) maintenance requirements.
Plus, they’ll provide significant importance in the global mission of protecting the environment.
Ash Gujral on the Need for Sustainable Housing in the New Year
Sustainable housing options shouldn’t be overlooked as we enter the new year. With sustainability becoming a popular trend, more and more people are investing in the eco-building market.
In fact, a market research company IRI survey shows that 72% of Europeans “prefer to buy products of those companies that respect the environment.”
Additionally, millennial Americans — today’s vast majority of homebuyers — are changing their purchasing behaviors to that of more sustainable options.
Changing the way we develop is an essential step in the right direction for future generations. The overall health of our environment and the need for sustainable homes in the new year are vastly growing.
Ash Gujral, founder and president of the Gujral Community Fund, highlights the benefits of sustainable housing and other eco-friendly buildings.
Improved Air Quality
Sustainable developers are conscious of reducing their carbon footprint with everything they do. This includes using environmentally friendly paints, adhesives, sealants, and other materials that reduce chemical emissions.
Not only is using sustainable products suitable for the environment, but it’s also good for the people, as breathing these toxic chemicals can pose serious health hazards or aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and indoor allergies. Sustainable homes also use cleaner ventilation systems that improve indoor air quality and make breathing easier.
Lower Costs
Sustainable development ensures efficient water and energy use, reducing costs for the homeowner altogether, says Ash Gujral. For example, enhanced natural daylight throughout the home, solar heating, and environmentally friendly lighting are just a few of the money-saving options a sustainable homeowner will see.
Sustainable homes and buildings are also highly durable, meaning a homeowner will spend less money over time on home improvement, maintenance, and repairs. Above all, the very definition of sustainability is “something that lasts,” which is excellent news for its overall lifespan and durability.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Sustainable homes can drastically reduce environmental footprint, says Ash Gujral. They offer a sustainable substitution from the first phase of development, which generally wears, is thrown out into landfills, and eventually replaced.
Building practices in sustainable development, however, achieve efficient use and are built to reduce energy consumption.
Increased Property Value
As mentioned, the environmentally-conscious trend for sustainable development has transformed market value and more homebuyers are seeing the enormous investment potential.
Recently, industry studies suggest that green homes result in higher resale values because of their promising assets. Resulting in greater demand and selling much faster than their non-sustainable counterparts.
Connection to Nature
Have you ever taken note of how you feel when you’re surrounded by nature? You’re probably relaxed and refreshed, right? We all know that a connection to nature is great for de-stressing and calming the mind.
And as Ash Gujral explains, it also has a scientifically proven impact on our health, happiness, and overall well-being.
Not only will you feel good about purchasing a sustainable home for its positive impacts on the environment. But you’ll also reap the health benefits of being connected to nature.
Renewable homes and buildings often try to reduce energy consumption by bringing the outside in. Through additional windows and strategically placed skylights.
So, even if you’re inside, you’ll feel closer to the outside, soaking up the beauty of nature. Including the beneficial health effects of natural light.
Building a Sustainable Future
As the benefits of sustainable housing show, we must effectively meet all their present needs without depleting resources and harming the environment.
Ash Gujral explains how sustainable housing and other eco-friendly buildings use unique construction techniques.
These ensure natural resources are used efficiently and responsibly while not compromising the health and comfort of humankind.
Building a sustainable future starts now — it will, in the long run, save money, improve health, and help conserve the environment for both current and future generations.
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