Great Green Idea: Green Furnishing: Save Energy, Money, and Help the Environment with an Earth Sheltered Home

Save Energy, Money, and Help the Environment with an Earth Sheltered Home

For many of us, environmental consciousness is becoming very near and dear to our hearts. But often, the means by which we can "go green" are out of most of our price ranges and don't offer the benefits of some of our current alternatives. However, there are certain areas in which you can green your life that are not only affordable and green, but naturally so.

When looking into designing a home, many of us want only the best. But we also want to be conscious in the design of our home. Choosing to go with an earth sheltered home is a cost effective and very green way to build a house. Homes are one of the biggest investments we make in our lives, and it is also one of the major places where our energy consumption and other energy sucking activities are at their highest. So when trying to green your life, your home is an obvious area to start with.

There are a number of ways to design an earth sheltered home and the benefits of doing so are numerous. The three main ways to construct an earth sheltered home are "earth berming", in-hill design, or a fully underground construction. All have their own set of benefits and which design you choose will be based on your location, as well as aesthetic preferences.

Earth sheltered homes are unusual in that the entire home is not above ground. This makes for a unique looking home that abounds with environmental and other benefits. These homes, being partially within the earth, are actually integrated within their environment, rather than simply sitting atop it. This gives unique views that cannot be attained with any other type of home.

These homes are highly energy efficient, using the earth's thermal mass to help maintain a steady temperature. These homes are built to go down below the frost line, where the earth's temperature remains at a pretty constant level. This means that you do not have dramatic changes in internal temperature, and these homes are far easier to heat and cool during the winter and summer months. These homes will drastically save you on energy costs as they are designed with optimum energy efficiency in mind.

These homes are also better protected from the elements than traditionally constructed homes. Due to their being partially (or completely) underground, they are not subject to high winds which can rob heat from our homes during the winter. Not only does this improve energy efficiency, but it also protects our home from wind damage, which can be costly to repair. These homes are also not warmed to the point of needing excessive air conditioning in the summer as their partially buried nature allows them natural protection from the suns harshest rays.

These homes are often easier to maintain as with few, if any above ground features, the need for constant gutter cleaning, window cleaning, and other regular home maintenance is unnecessary.

These homes, due to the orientation they usually are built in, are able to be lit by mostly passive solar means. This means lower lighting bills and a better mental environment, as study after study has shown the mental power of natural versus artificial lighting.

Earth sheltered homes are often eve insurance savers! Because of their sturdy nature and the ability to withstand the elements far better than traditional homes, they are less "risky" and thus don't require nearly the expensive coverage that a traditional home needs.

Not only are these home affordable to build and environmentally conscious, they will continue to pay for themselves over and over. From reduced heating and cooling costs, to less vulnerability to damage, and less maintenance and repairs, these homes are clear winners. Enjoy the unique look of a home that integrates with your environment, rather than simply occupying a piece of land. Take advantage of the benefits of wonderful views and passive solar lighting, and breath easier knowing that you are doing your part to help protect the planet.