An eco-friendly home is designed to minimize our negative impacts on the environment such as global warming, pollution, and depletion of natural resources. It is built with materials and technologies that promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. In this article, we will explore twelve features of an eco-friendly home that can help reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable living.

1. Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design is a design strategy that uses the sun’s energy to heat and cool the home, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems. Passive solar design involves positioning windows and doors to maximize natural light and ventilation, using shading devices to prevent overheating, and incorporating thermal mass to store and release heat.

2. Passive Cooling
Passive cooling is the technique of naturally cooling the house to provide indoor comfort without reliance on mechanical cooling systems. During construction of the new home, features including cannily designed roof overhangs and external shading devices can be used to prevent excessive heat gain. Additional cooling can be achieved with reflective exterior building materials, while external water features such as stretegically located pools or fountains can cool the outdoor air by evaporating water. Consider a light-colored or white roof, also known as cool roof, as it keeps the roof and interiors cool by reflecting the sun’s rayswhile reducing the heat-island effect.

3. Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of the home, which can significantly reduce energy bills. These windows are made with special coatings and frames that help prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, and they often have multiple panes of glass to improve insulation.

4. Solar Panels
One of the most popular features of an eco-friendly home is the installation of solar panels. These panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy, and can significantly reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By generating your electricity, you can also reduce your energy bills and contribute to the fight against climate change.

5. Green Appliances
Green appliances are designed to be energy-efficient and …