Enhancing Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest incentives for building with sustainable materials is their energy efficiency and cost savings. With better insulation properties that reduce air leaks, your home can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. 

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Sustainable Materials Impact on Energy Efficiency 

Lifecycle Energy Cost

Sustainable materials require less energy to transport and install than traditional materials, decreasing embodied carbon.

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Insulation

High-Performance Insulation: Provide more effective thermal insulation, minimizing heat loss during the winter and retaining cool air in during the summer. 

Thermal Mass: Increased capacity to absorb, store, and regulate temperature, which decreases the need for constant heating and cooling. 

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Building Envelope

Windows: High thermal performance, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

Sealing and Air Barriers: Effective air seals create a tighter building envelope, preventing drafts and decreasing the need for added temperature regulation. 

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Roofs

Reflective and Cool Roofs: These reflect more sunlight and minimize heat gain, helping to decrease temperatures in the summer and the need for additional cooling.

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Lighting Solutions

Daylighting: Maximizes natural daylight, which reduces the need for artificial lighting.

Energy-efficient Fixtures: Energy-efficient lighting solutions last longer and decrease energy use.

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Building Systems 

Passive Solar Design: Utilize materials with a high thermal mass and high-performance windows that allow the building to capture sunlight for heating.  

Building Integrated Photovoltaics: Integrating renewable energy into a resilient design decreases the need for external energy sources.

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Durability and Maintenance

Durable Materials: Sustainable materials require less maintenance, last longer than conventional materials, and have increased performance, which makes them more efficient due to decreased energy needs.

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Long-Term Benefits of Sustainable Materials

• Reduced maintenance costs
• Lower energy bills
• Reduced need for replacements
• Improved thermal comfort
• High rents

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Cost Savings

According to The Sustainabilist, green buildings are only about 2-7% more expensive to build. These costs will likely be offset by the cost savings from reduced maintenance, operational costs, and energy consumption, which can save you up to 20% of the initial construction cost annually.

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Long-Term Benefits of Sustainable Materials

• Reduced maintenance costs
• Lower energy bills
• Reduced need for replacements
• Improved thermal comfort
• High rents

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Determining the Cost of Sustainable Materials

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Bamboo

Bamboo can cost $4, but the price varies based on type, quality, size, species, grade, and source.

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Manufactured Wood

Manufactured wood can cost anywhere from $2.50 to $10 per square foot. This material is priced based on the type of wood, size, board thickness, quantity, hardware, availability, and sourcing.

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Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood typically costs between $8 and $12 per square foot but can get up to $20 to $40 per square foot.

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Cork 

Cork flooring can cost anywhere from $3 to $10 per square foot (excluding labor), depending on the thickness of the board.

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Recycled Metal

Recycled metal varies in price based on the type, quality, location, and time of year. The estimates for each type of metal are below.

Recycled Steel: $0.50 - $1.30 per lb

Recycled Aluminum: $0.65 - $1.07 per lb

Recycled Copper: $2.13 - $2.43 per lb

Stainless Steel: $0.32 - $1.64 per lb

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Recycled Plastic 

There are a variety of plastics used in sustainable construction that will determine the price. When making cost estimates, consider the size, quantity, source, and distance the material will have to travel. 

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Sheep’s Wool

Wool insulation typically costs $1.10 to $3.10 per square foot but can depend on the type and R-value.

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Hempcrete

Hempcrete typically costs $10-$15 per square foot.

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Insulated Rammed Earth

This material typically costs $450 and $750 per square meter. Since this is a labor-intensive material, the price can vary based on the distance it has to travel to the construction site.

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Low-VOC/Non-VOC Paints

Low-VOC: $40-$50 per gallon

Non-VOV: $50-$60

For more information, referenceKreo, Vericheck, Rocky Mountain Reclaimed, Angi.com, Angi.com, Bulk Hemp Warehouse, Networx.

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Benefits Sustainable Materials

Environmental Impact:

• Reduce the depletion of non-renewable resources.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Health Benefits:

• Low-VOC paints and finishes improve the indoor air quality of your home.
• Sustainable materials often contain fewer harmful chemicals and improve the health of your home.

Economic Benefits:

• Reduce the need for replacements, decreasing long-term costs.
• Often have higher resale values.

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Sustainable materials play a critical role in energy efficiency. By implementing these materials, homeowners can improve the resilience of their homes and reduce their energy consumption. As you continue to explore these lessons, consider the long-term benefits to your lifestyle and the environment.