Federal incentives and a growing eco-conscious mindset are fuelling the demand for sustainability, creating a multi-billion dollar industry in the US. 

But is it worth the hype?

Join Plus Render as we explore the potential of sustainable home designs, their benefits, and how conceptual renderings can ensure their execution. 

What Is a Sustainable Home?

A sustainable home is built or retrofitted with high-performance materials, minimizing environmental toxins to ensure it has the least possible impact on the health of the residents and the environment. Construction conserves resources, uses less energy and water, reduces waste, and lowers maintenance.

Plus, it adds an average of 2.7% more to a home’s resale value. It’s a win-win any way you look at it.

Types of Sustainable Homes

There are many kinds of sustainable homes but these are the most popular: 

Modular or Prefabricated Homes

Modular or prefabricated construction is a popular architectural style, with a market size estimated at $63.76B in 2024. It calls for constructing standardized modules off-site that are then transported and assembled on-site once they’re ready.

While standardized options are affordable and widely available, developers can customize these homes with the latest technology and quality materials. The good news is prefab homes are a lot cheaper than traditional residences.

The benefits?

• Homeowners can save on energy bills.
• It’s made in controlled environments with multiple quality checks. 
• It streamlines the manufacturing process, reducing waste by up to 83.2%!
• Construction is 20% to 50% faster, enabling real estate developers to generate revenue sooner. 
• They require fewer foundations and permits, speeding up construction.

Finally, modular buildings are lighter and create less waste.

Passive Houses 

Passive homes promote energy efficiency. Since these structures are built using rigorous standards and are designed to be incredibly resilient, they’re ideal if you’re trying to reduce your reliance on the grid or adopt a net-zero lifestyle. They harness the power of the sun and use continuous insulation and high-performing ventilation systems to make your space livable year-round. 

Passive homes offer the following advantages:

• They can save up to 90% on heating and cooling.
• They only use about 15 kWh of heating energy per square meter of space.

They also improve indoor air quality, enhancing homeowners’ comfort and quality of life. 

Innovative Techniques Used in Sustainable Home Designs 

Sustainable architecture and home design can be properly executed with:

1. Cool Roofs

Cool roofs increase solar reflectance and reduce internal building temperatures by up to 30%. They do this by absorbing less solar energy and transferring less heat to the atmosphere. 

Moreover, they can reduce cooling loads by 18% to 93% and peak cooling demand by 11% to 27% in an air-conditioned home, thereby downsizing homeowners’ dependence on their cooling systems while making homes more comfortable, cozy, and energy-efficient. 

Cool roofs employ materials like tiles, slate, wood shingles, and clay.

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances 

Household appliances account for over half of most homes’ electricity consumption but energy-efficient models can significantly reduce how much power they use.

Hence, they’re able to:

• Mitigate climate change 
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 
• Minimize the exploitation of natural resources

Identify energy-efficient appliances by choosing products with the Energy Star seal. These can help you save anywhere from 5% to 30% on your electricity bills.

3. Geothermal Heating 

In the United States, homeowners spend an average of $838 a year on electric heating. This heating method also leads to increased damage from carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants. 

Geothermal heating is a more environmentally responsible alternative. It relies on the Earth’s heat while keeping homes warm and helping residents save on utility bills.

4. Green Insulation 

A properly insulated home has less resistance to heat flow and a stable internal temperature. These factors can have a big impact on homeowners’ utility bills. 

When you consider green insulation, think of materials that offer optimal thermal resistance. Some examples include aerogel, cork, post-industrial scrap denim, and sheep’s wool. Icynene is also a good option as it can help residents save on heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. But, it has a strong sealing power, so the ventilation system must be installed at the same time. 

5. High Performing HVAC 

Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems improve indoor air quality. However, they cost a lot to operate since they account for approximately 40% of a building’s total electricity demand. Meanwhile, a sustainable home design with an efficient, well-designed system, and programmable thermostat can help buyers save as much as 10% on utilities annually.

6. Landscaping 

Landscaping does more than elevate the ambiance of your outdoor space. With the right design, it can also make yards sustainable and environmentally friendly while reducing air conditioning costs by 15% to 50%! 

It starts by employing proper shade through trees, bushes, shrubs, and climbing vines. Homeowners can also avoid chemical fertilizers to minimize solar heat gain while cooling the air. 

7. LED Lighting 

LEDs or light-emitting diodes use at least 75% less energy than conventional lighting. They also last up to 25 times longer! They’re a nonnegotiable in green homes and are quickly becoming the standard in construction thanks to their potential impact on energy savings.

8. Natural Ventilation 

Also known as passive ventilation, natural ventilation reduces energy consumption, improves indoor air quality, and reduces the risk of airborne microbes. Moreover, it saves much-needed design space through the smart placement of louvers and vents, occupying only 0.2% of the floor area compared to up to 6.5% of its mechanical counterpart.

And that’s not where its benefits end. Natural ventilation can reduce carbon emissions. It also offers 5 times more cost-effective building life cycles than mechanical ventilation while requiring minimal maintenance.

9. Rainwater Harvesting Systems 

Our water reserves are in short supply so it makes sense for environmentally friendly buildings to offer alternatives that battle water scarcity. One of these is rainwater harvesting which calls for collecting and storing rainwater to augment household demand. This water can then be used for flushing toilets and landscaping needs. 

Other methods to improve water management include:

• Drip irrigation to reduce runoff and evaporation
• Greywater systems that recycle water from plumbing systems
• Low-flow fixtures that reduce water consumption and chances of infection

These strategies reduce the strain on municipal water sources, promote self-sufficiency, and offer alternative water supplies during emergencies.

10. Solar Photovoltaic Panels 

A whopping 4.2 million single-family homes are equipped with solar panels. This number is expected to increase in the coming years as more people look for ways to create independent energy supplies. While it requires an investment of tens of thousands, it pays for itself in around 5 to 10 years, to the point where it almost makes up for the cost of energy bills.

Solar energy is renewable and infinite, allowing homeowners to reduce the demand on our natural resources while mitigating climate change.

11. Sustainable Doors and Windows 

While windows constitute only 8% to 10% of the thermal envelope of a structure, they can account for up to 40% of heat loss. The same applies to doors. That’s why it’s so important to use doors and windows that have sustainable features. 

Opt for naturally insulating materials like timber, “green” metals like thermally broken aluminum, high-performance composite frames like Alu-clad, double- or triple-glazing, and glass with energy-efficient properties. 

12. Using Non-Harmful Materials 

Sustainable materials are typically sourced from renewable sources to reduce carbon emissions while minimizing maintenance. Additionally, they’re easy to break down towards the end of their service lives, reducing the load on landfills and other disposal areas. 

Popular options include ashcrete, bamboo, cob, ferrock, hempcrete, plant-based polyurethane rigid foam, reclaimed or recycled wood, and recycled steel or plastic.

The Role of Rendering in Sustainable Home Designs

Sustainable home designs require designers and developers to re-examine several basic elements in home building and how they can be made more efficient, comfortable, and convenient for the occupants while minimizing the home’s environmental impact. 

Since designing sustainable homes requires attention to detail and proper execution, rendering can help ensure that sustainable features are incorporated into the ongoing development and ultimately, the finished product. 

Along the way, stakeholders can evaluate:

• The amount of natural light that filters into the rooms
• How materials work as well as the textures and effects they produce
• The impact of insulation and ventilation on the environment

Renders can also offer insights into changes that can be made to ensure maximum energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Changes to renders can be made quickly without requiring the rendering firm to start over from scratch. 

Architects and builders can also spot potential problems that may arise, allowing them to do damage control and avoid costly do-overs. Renders can also improve communication and marketing.

Build Sustainable Homes With Plus Render

Sustainable homes are good for the environment and sales pitches. Make sure that you’re sustainable home is on the right track with Plus Render, a visualization firm that specializes in serving the real estate industry. With our help, you can ensure that your designs come with valuable eco-friendly features from concept to execution. Book a call today and let’s breathe life into your designs.