The way we humans are currently living isnt going to be sustainable for long. This is something we become more aware of as we see its effects. Because of this, green home design is becoming a more and more mainstream part of the housing market. Many predict that green home design will eventually dominate the housing market-- which would be a very good thing.

In the United States, homes create 38% of the total carbon emissions. So in the fight on global warming, how we choose to build our homes (with green home design or without it) is going to have a huge effect on our future. For those who want to give their houses a bit of green home design, there are many little steps that can be taken. But if youre seriously interested in reducing the impact your home has on the environment, there are four basic green home design concepts to follow.

Rule 1 in Green Home Design: Go Small

Large homes are a symbol of wealth, status, and success. Unfortunately, large home need a huge quantity of fuel for heating and cooling-- fuel which is generally in for form of environment-killing fossil fuels. These homes also require more resources for building and create more waste as a result. So its important for you to build small if you want to incorporate a green home design.

Green Home Design Rule 2: Incorporate Passive Solar Design

Passive solar cooling and heating is one of the most important elements of green home design. This kind of heating and cooling is relatively simple, and uses the climate to dictate the design of the home. In warmer climates, homes are designed to absorb less heat. In cold climates, the amount of heat lost is reduced. Green home design uses the buildings orientation to the sun, window positioning, stone flooring, and other building elements to control the temperature and save energy.

Rule 3 in Green Home Design: Recycle and Reuse Materials

Almost everything used in a traditional home harms the environment in some way, either by its manufacture (plastics and artificials) or its transport (naturals). The use of renewable or recycled materials which are manufactured locally helps to reduce the damage building can have on the environment. Consider installing bamboo or recycled wood flooring and incorporate a green home design using recycled materials, such as cellulose insulation and lumber composites, throughout the home.

Green Home Design Rule 4: Optimize your Heating and Cooling

Heat and AC systems are the most energy-consuming elements in almost any home. And no matter how tempting a large AC system might sound during the hot summer months, this type of system can ruin your good intentions for a green home. Large AC systems overcool the air, and tend to cycle on and off too frequently. Because of this, they dont last nearly as long as smaller systems, creating a huge amount of waste along with energy loss.