Every April 22 the world celebrates Earth Day. Many campaigns and events are organised to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment, but we need to do much more than that. Every day should be dedicated to protecting the planet for future generations and it’s our homes that are the best places to start.

 

For quite some time now, people around the world, Australia included, have been trying to apply sustainable designs and materials with eco-friendly features. The ultimate goal is, of course, to lower the environmental footprint while saving money along the way. In that context, luxurious homes are often seen as one of the greatest obstacles to going green, but that really doesn’t have to be the case.

 

It’s true that many luxury homes are not really eco-friendly since they occupy a large amount of land and need great amounts of energy to stay cool or warm. Still, such homes can also contribute to the worthy cause of preserving the environment with some careful planning and effort on behalf of their owners. Let’s take a look at some things that can make even the most luxurious homes greener.

 

 

Insulation

The bigger the house, the more important insulation is. Air leaks, uncontrolled airflow, and drafts can lead to great losses of energy, but this problem can be solved by introducing of modern air-tightness solutions and better insulation. It’s not just windows and doors, but walls and especially the attic that can also pose a great insulation problem, so make sure you deal with it appropriately.

 

Windows are crucial

Double- and triple-glazed windows are now a standard and there are a few reasons for that. Firstly, they reduce heat loss and eliminate cold spots. Next, they provide a lot of natural light, which is quite useful in countries such as Australia. Finally, the technology used in their manufacturing ensures that they last much longer and require less maintenance than traditional windows.

 

Green roofs and walls

These features are not new in architecture, but they are now becoming increasingly popular in urban Australian areas. With the help from experts, such as these renowned luxury home builders from Sydney, your roof can reduce energy consumption and prevent the “heat island” effect. Also, green walls, both in the interior and the exterior, contribute to air quality, apart from being aesthetically pleasing.

 

 

Solar power

The more energy a house needs, the more savings can be made by using solar power. The energy of the sun harvested by solar panels can make your home almost completely energy independent. That means you won’t have to rely so much on other energy sources and you’ll have a much lower electricity bill. Finally, if incorporated elegantly into an Australian landscape, the panels can really be an attractive décor element.

 

Natural heating and cooling

Similarly to solar, geothermal energy can play a great role in making luxurious homes greener. It can be used for heating and cooling your home. Depending on the area you live in, your benefits can be greater or smaller, but they are guaranteed.

 

 

Eco-friendly swimming pools

Most luxurious homes feature a swimming pool, which is seen as very wasteful, particularly in areas prone to frequent droughts. They also need various chemicals to stay clean and lots of energy to stay warm. However, there are solar panels you can use to heat the pool since they have great heat retention properties and you can enjoy your pool without unnecessarily wasting energy.

 

Needless to say, there are other ways a luxurious home can turn greener. Basically, whatever applies to a smaller home can be used in a large one, though the latter has some specific features that need to be addressed, such as the swimming pool. Still, with a little bit of effort, even the most luxurious home can be green.

Guest post by Carolin Petterson

 

 

About the Author

Carolin Petterson is a Business Lady and contributor for number of high-class websites. She loves to share her experiences and talk about practical solutions, but her specialties are sustainability, sustainable business and green living.

 

 

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