For UTC professor of Interior Design, Catherine Kendall, MFA, ASID, IDEC NCIDQ, going green in the home doesn’t have to be complicated.
“Going green is about the health impact on people and making conscience and responsible decisions of the products that we choose to use. Much of the public still thinks that the principle applied to these practices are out of reach for all but the wealthiest of clients, but there are many quick and easy ways that the rest of the market can participate and save money too,” Kendall said.
Kendall suggests these simple ways to save energy:
- Set thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and a few degrees higher in summer
- Slowly replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with energy saving LED or compact fluorescent bulbs
- Replace old appliances and fixtures with Energy Star models
- Install high performance windows to reduce heat gain
She suggests these economic and ecological ways to save water:
- Low or dual flow plumbing fixtures
- Look to replace old fixtures with Water Sense models
- Install aerating faucets and low flow shower heads
- Install naturalized, climate-appropriate, or Xeriscaped landscapes
- Capture rain water for yard and garden needs
“Housing is one of the basic social conditions that determine the quality of life and welfare of people and places. Where homes are located, how they are designed and built, and how well they are woven into the environmental, social, cultural and economic fabric of communities are factors influencing our daily lives, health, and financial situation,” Kendall explained.
To save resources and create healthy living environments, she says:
- Choose reclaimed or recycled building materials
- Select low to no VOC (volatile organic compound) materials
- Look for Greenguard certified materials
“In the past, home designs have typically focused on function, performance, and aesthetics, but around the globe, there is an ever-growing awareness of green design and sustainability. What better way to embrace change and help families health-wise and financially than through houses that are designed with green and sustainable issues in mind?” Kendall said.
