Thinking of buying a house? Considering these five eco friendly home features before you do could mean living more sustainably for years to come.
Did you know that homes are responsible for nearly 72% of the world’s carbon emissions? That means the spaces we live in play a huge role in shaping the environment around us. For many families, this also shows up in high utility bills, poor indoor air quality, and homes that need constant repairs. It is no surprise that more buyers are now paying attention to sustainable housing.
An eco-friendly home is not just about lowering emissions. It is about creating a healthier place to live while saving money over time. From energy-efficient designs to smarter water use, these homes promise both comfort and savings. But buying one can feel overwhelming. How do you know which features matter most? What certifications should you trust? And what costs should you plan for beyond the price tag?
This guide breaks down the essentials in simple terms.
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Are Eco Friendly Homes Affordable?
While the price of eco-friendly homes has definitely gone down over the last decade or so, sustainable building practices and materials can indeed add to a house’s cost. That being said, depending on where you live you may be able to access tax credits or rebates for things such as solar panels or energy-efficient upgrades.
In some cases utility companies may offer discounts to homeowners who get their energy from sustainable sources or who utilize efficient water systems. And with a little research, you may also be able to find mortgage loans that offer better financing options for sustainable homes. These loans recognize the long-term benefits and savings of a home with lower energy costs, which factors into the overall affordability.
The Top 5 Eco Friendly Home Features to Look for
The Top 5 Eco Friendly Home Features to Look for
Energy Efficient Building Envelope
A home’s building envelope is made up of all the things that separate the home’s interior from its exterior surroundings. This includes everything from the foundation, walls and roof, to the windows and exterior doors.
A properly functioning building envelope helps keep a home warm in cooler weather and cool in the warmer weather. As you can imagine – if a building envelope isn’t properly sealed, energy escapes and the home has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature. Not good for the environment – or for the wallet.
Solar Panels
Solar panels have come a long way over the last few decades, not only in design but also in efficiency and affordability. Something I personally have noticed is an increase in solar panels on the roof’s of homes in my area. What once was a very rare site is becoming more common as people realize that solar panels are an investment that pay off in the long term.
Solar power can either replace a home’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources entirely, or as with my own home, lessen the amount of energy we draw from the grid – especially during the long summer months we enjoy here in central Alberta.
Water Conservation
Much like ensuring energy isn’t wasted in a sustainable home, you also want to consider how water is being conserved in any property you’re looking at. Does it have low-flow toilets and faucets installed? Is there a rainwater collection system? What about a grey water system?
An increase in homes using grey water systems could help with environmental issues such as water shortages. Grey water is essentially any “wastewater” in the house that doesn’t contain sewage. This could be water from the washing machine, shower, sinks and dishwasher. In a grey water system the water from these sources is treated and then reused to water gardens or as toilet water.
Green Building Materials
What your home is built of is obviously a huge part of what makes it sustainable. When we built our home, we tried to be as intentional as possible when choosing materials. For example, we choose a metal roof because metal roofs have a very long lifecycle when compared to other roofing types. Metal is also infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be turned into new products again and again.
But that’s just the beginning. Everything in the home should be chosen from the viewpoint of sustainability. From the home’s structure, to its insulation, to its windows and doors, as well as all the interior finishes – flooring, cabinetry, lighting, paint and so much more. It may not be feasible to have every single material be 100% green and that’s okay. As I always say – making better choices is more important than making perfect choices.
Location
Location isn’t always talked about in relation to a home’s eco-friendliness, because it isn’t a part of the home itself. But it plays a huge role in sustainability for multiple reasons. For example, living in an area of a town or city that is walkable or has access to transit cuts down on the reliance of cars. And neighbourhoods that have community gardens or recycling programs prioritize a more sustainable lifestyle.
That being said, we don’t live in a town or city at all and instead live in the country. This does mean that we have to drive anytime we need to access shopping or amenities. But it also means we’re able to have a large garden and chickens that provide us with fresh eggs. We also have chosen to leave a large portion of our land untouched, meaning it acts as an unofficial sanctuary for countless trees, plants, birds, animals and insects.
A Word on Third-Party Certifications
Not every eco-friendly claim is reliable. This is why certifications matter when buying a green home. Programs like LEED, Energy Star, or local green building labels confirm that a property meets set sustainability standards. These certifications look at energy use, water efficiency, materials, and even indoor air quality.
For buyers, these labels make it easier to judge whether a home is truly sustainable or just marketed as such. A certified home may also bring better financing options or qualify for government rebates. While it is tempting to trust the seller’s word, third-party certifications are a more reliable way to measure quality.
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Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
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