In light of the growing popularity of green and sustainable home building, Fixr.com has just released its latest Sustainable and Green Home Design Trends report exploring the top trends in this ever-increasing area of the construction industry.
Top experts were surveyed to gain an insight into why interest is on the up, what design aspects are proving most in demand by homeowners, and the trends that professionals most need to be aware of to guide their clients to make informed decisions for a more sustainable home. Here, we explore 6 key findings from the Sustainable and Green Home Design Trends Report of 2021.
Climate Change is the Biggest Concern, Above Energy Efficiency
When asked why it was that homeowners are becoming increasingly more invested in having a sustainable home, the majority of experts say that is due to the concerns of climate change. The effects of climate change can be felt in many forms, and one way people can combat this is by using sustainable materials in their homes and more energy-efficient systems. Other aspects in society may not be so easy to control, but including aspects of green home design is a method that is more widely available to people. A massive 94% are said to be very or somewhat likely to include sustainable or green materials in their home.
High Recycled Content is the Most Requested Green Building Material
When experts were asked which green building materials people were most requesting, 66% answered that high recycled content materials were most popular. The materials used which are considered recycled must contain at least 30% of this content, and can be made up of up to 100% recycled materials. Different areas of the home can depend on this sustainable material to be used, such as carpets, countertops and wood flooring. As well as this, recycled content can be utilized for insulation, making it a versatile option as a green building material.
Homeowners Investing in Solar Panels and Smart Technology Energy Systems
When it comes to investing in green energy systems in the home, there was a varied response from experts as to which tops the list. 53% say that both smart technology for energy efficiency and solar panels are the ways most homeowners are looking to implement green energy. Smart technology can be used to control appliances such as thermostats and lights, making them more energy efficient through non-wasteful usage. Solar panels, on the other hand, although they can be a big upfront investment, are a great way to produce renewable energy in our own homes. This would allow us to depend less, or not at all, on the grid and lower the energy bills considerably. Depending on where in the country you live and how many you use, solar panels cost anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000.
HVAC Systems With High EER/SEER Set to be Popular in 2021
One of the top trends experts believe will prove popular this year is the use of HVAC systems which have high energy efficiency rating (EER) or seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). These systems use a lot less energy than conventional versions, resulting in lower bills in the long term, however they do have a higher purchase cost, around $3,000 for an energy-efficient AC unit, for example. Many homes already have an HVAC system installed and therefore having a more energy efficient upgrade will be more convenient for homeowners than switching to other sustainable methods such as geothermal or radiant heat, which both scored 30% with experts.
Biggest Trends in Off-Grid Features
When it comes to trends in off-grid features 49% of experts most commonly see generators and rainwater collection systems installed in homes. A generator allows for back-up power in the case of a local power outage. Typically a generator costs on average around $10,000 – $20,000.
Rainwater collection is a sustainable method used to reuse water for things like cleaning, toilet flushing and watering yards. If you live in an area with a small amount of rainfall, capturing it for reuse is essential in not relying so much on a local water source. This water would need to be treated for drinking purposes, however. A rainwater collection system costs around $1,000 to $5,000.
Millennials More Interested than Other Generations
According to the industry professionals surveyed, 57% said that the people most interested in sustainable and green home design are Millennials. This was followed by people from the Gen X generation with 41%. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why this is the case, yet it could be due to Millennials being more concerned about issues such as protecting the environment and climate change.
The Benefits of Being On-Trend
Being aware of the biggest trends in sustainable and green home design can give homeowners an idea of where they can make changes in their own homes in the attempt to be more eco-friendly. The top trends highlight some of things to look out for going forward this year, as well helping homebuilders understand the needs and wants of their clients.
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