Lessening our carbon footprint is something that is on the forefront of many world citizens’ minds, but it’s one that is hard to achieve.
With so many homes on the market that were built prior to this century, and even more new developments that have no regard for the land on which they are built, simply unplugging electronics, buying energy-efficient appliances and driving hybrids never feels like enough. Thankfully, the future is being molded by architects and dreamers to create homes and communities that keep being green in mind.
Innovative plans like the United Kingdom’s Solcer House serve as great examples of ways to produce homes that reduce environmental impact. Designed to meet Britain’s zero carbon housing target, the home features a combined power system. The heating, ventilation, electric and water systems are all connected to minimize energy output. According to the Solcer website, the house can generate, store and release its own energy.
The Solcer House is part of a growing initiative to create “buildings as power stations.” Of course, the power of the home relies heavily on its “glazed solar photovoltaic panels,” which were implemented to reduce costs. In fact, the entirety of the home’s model is made specifically with low costs in mind to offer an energy-efficient product to the masses.
Earth911.com offers some alternatives to the U.K.’s efforts with the LEED community. LEED neighborhoods are ones modeled with more than just energy-efficient homes in mind: they are concocted to reduce the need for cars, add more green spaces, and encourage sustainability. In order for a neighborhood to be LEED certified, it is required to construct buildings “with green principals,” provide bike and pedestrian access throughout the development to eliminate the use of cars, and have an abundance of green public spaces.
The U.S. currently has 200 LEED pilot communities, with more on the way. A world where you can walk to the store without worrying about crossing heavy traffic areas is on its way. And with the implementation of new home and community types, a sustainable future is drawing within reach.