6 tips for having a sustainable home

Anyone who knows CASACOR knows that one of our main pillars is sustainability . During the São Paulo show, for example, 99.5% of the waste generated in construction was diverted from landfills. Thinking not only about the event, but also about the daily lives of people who are inspired by the show, we have gathered below some tips that can help you have a lively and sustainable home. Luiz Henrique Ferreira, engineer and founding partner of Inovatech Engenharia, helped us create a list of strategic solutions to preserve our planet. We would like to point out that the most important thing is to work on the project with a professional who understands the subject.

Materials

According to Luiz, there is no ready-made recipe for this type of construction and that, basically, any type of material can be sustainable if used well. However, certified wood can be used more abundantly in civil construction – but care must be taken not to use it in high-maintenance areas, such as wet decks. Steel ends up being a viable option because it is easier to recycle than concrete, but in terms of thermal performance, concrete wins. The important thing when choosing the material is to understand the compatibility and useful life of each material according to its use.

Casa Sustentável Leroy Merlin, por Gabriela Lotufo e Larissa Oliveira na CASACOR SP 2018 (Rafael Luvizetto)

Energy Use and Reuse

Just like with water use, the first step is to reduce energy demand. Here, the most sustainable ways to obtain energy are through thermal solar panels and photovoltaic systems. The first, which heats water, provides a return on investment in 2 to 5 years, and the second, which generates electricity, provides a return on investment in 5 to 10 years.

Biodigestor da SysHaus, de Arthur Casas na CASACOR SP 2018 (Divulgação)

Vegetation

It is important to choose species that are adapted to the climate of each region, considering the demand for irrigation water. Vegetation acts as a physical barrier and, therefore, absorbs radiation; climate moderation through evaporation is related to the humidity of each plant. Green roofs are a solution that insulates heat better than ceramic tiles, but they require a lot of maintenance in hard-to-reach places. Using vegetation around the house is simpler and requires less work, but it should be chosen according to the type of construction, whether it is single-story or not. In the second case, taller species are the best option.

Tempo, de Renata Tili, Vera Oliveira e Lucas Tell Push, na CASACOR SP 2018 (Felipe Araújo)

Waste reduction

A compost bin is a great option for those who want to reduce organic waste at home. The best place to place it is in a shaded area outside your home.

Materials

Energy Use and Reuse

Vegetation

Waste reduction

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