Building a Sustainable Home

There has been a lot of talk lately about the need to think ahead when building a new home. The climate change issue is just starting to effect the way in which we build our homes. We can no longer rely on the weather patterns of the past to be an indication of the weather in the future.

A new book by John Banta (indoor environmental consultant, with twenty years experience in building biology, building science and indoor environmental quality), Extreme Weather Hits Home, builds on the idea that as global warming continues, nearly 50 percent of North America has a potential for structural damage from shifting moisture in expansive clay soils; a condition that is already costing billions of dollars each year. As well, climate models predict that northern communities are going to become much more humid at certain times of the year, putting buildings in those areas at risk. As the climate changes, and moisture levels adjust, there are a number of proactive steps that can be taken to prevent or lessen expensive repairs.

Some of the areas covered in the book include:

• Risk to your property, due to climate change effects on region and soil
• Extreme weather’s rapid and slow effects
• Site foundation, wall and roof considerations and modifications
• Insurance options
• Anticipated changes for the United States, Canada and Mexico

While what is yet to occur weather-wise is unforeseen, we can take advantage of what scientists have been able to tell us about the years to come. An example of this is water. In many states, rainfall is expected to reduce in the decades ahead; and we’ll see more rain “events” rather than rain periods. This means less rain and what rain does fall will do so in more concentrated bursts.

Given this, many new house will have larger storage tanks and greater roof surface area. Landscaping-wise, it would wise to plant native trees that are the least thirsty of the local species.

The structures should also be strengthened to withstand higher winds than what is required by local regulations. Wind turbines, which weren’t an option before, may become a viable alternative or adjunct to solar panels. Extra expansion joints will be an important feature to cope with extremes in temperature. Even now in some cities; people are reporting huge cracks appearing in brick wall due to drought. Drainage is another important aspect. After a dry spell the ground can be somewhat resistant to soaking up moisture and initial rains can just sit on the surface causing flooding problems.