"Greenwashing" is Not the Same as Building an Eco-Friendly Home
A 2014 article by Alex Bozikovic published in The Globe and Mail, examines “The right way to build an eco-friendly house,’” exposing many of the misrepresentations of environmentally conscious residential architecture. Bozikovic (2014) identifies the popularity of new environmentally conscious design innovations and comments that the idea of “building and living in tune with the environment” is perceived as extremely desirable. While sustainable design practices pose many benefits to the environment, many new buildings are misrepresented as sustainable architecture and feature exorbitant square footages and unnecessary luxury finishes—a practice referred to as “greenwashing” (Bozikovic, 2014). Bozikovic (2014) attempts to evaluate the most fundamental elements of sustainable design in residential homes, eliminating misconceptions based on “greenwashing.”
Bozikovic (2014) highlights various aspects related to the sustainability and environmental consciousness of a house, concluding that basic, simple design elements are the key to effective sustainable living. In order for homes to be built with high-energy efficiency they should be nearly airtight and feature highly insulated walls (Bozikovic, 2014). Windows should be placed strategically, to ensure the maximal use of natural sunlight and should open to facilitate a strong cross-breeze along the length of the home (Bozikovic, 2014). Simply manipulating the basic elements of any house, Bozikovic (2014) demonstrates the functionality of incorporating sustainable design in the cope elements of a home.
Bozikovic (2014) also urges homeowners to build small dwellings, with the minimal amount of square footage to meet their family’s needs. Many homes in North America are built for luxury and are unnecessarily large—increasing the amount of energy and resources needed to build and maintain the home.
While many homeowners and professionals have adapted sustainable practices that help to reduce the negative environmental impact of their home, some architects and designers are even creating innovative designs that strive to produce the exact amount of energy it requires yearly—referred to as “net zero” energy consumption (Bozikovic, 2014). Bozikovic (2014) identifies a home designed by architect Shafrazz Kada, that uses no natural gas, photovoltaic panels, and aims for “net zero.”
Finally, Bozikovic (2014) comments on effective green landscaping strategies, stating “a green approach is to create a garden that, paradoxically, looks less green." Green roofs are an excellent addition to improve the sustainability of any home, providing various benefits to the environment and homeowner (Bozikovic, 2014). Creating garden spaces that utilize plants best suited to the home's specific environment can dramatically increase the sustainability factor of a home (Bozikovic, 2014).
This article stresses the importance for interior designers, architects, and homeowners who are conscious of their environmental impact, to construct a home that meets the minimal requirements of the family’s needs. Simply “greenwashing” a home is not an effective sustainable design practice, rather the sustainability of a home must be considered from all dimensions.
References
Bozikovic, A. (2014). The right way to build an eco-friendly house (hint: keep it simple). The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/the-right-way-to-build-an-eco-friendly-house-hint-keep-it-simple/article19434475/