Homeowners and commercial clients alike are increasingly interested in green building design—and for a good reason. With a few smart decisions and advanced materials, a green decision can slash utility costs, create a comfortable environment your family and employees will love, and reduce the environmental impact of building without sacrificing comfort. If you’re planning a new building project, here are a few ideas to get you started.

5 Building Design Ideas to Keep Your Home Green

1. Place the Building Carefully

Start by making the land work with the building instead of against it. For instance, orienting entrances to stores and offices away from prevailing winter winds will help lower your heating bill, while giving southern-facing windows large overhangs will keep out some of the summer sun.

2. Build Smaller

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to a new building. Small buildings use fewer materials and require less energy, so try to maximize the use of space. A skilled architect can give you a building design without an inch of wasted space, making every room feel bigger on the inside.

3. Invest in Efficiency

Modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other building components that can significantly boost your energy efficiency. Insulated, double-paned windows alone can lower your utility expenses by 12% or more.

4. Consider the Source of Your Materials

Many companies produce advanced building products, while others use recycled or carefully managed material. If you’re installing a metal roof, which provides excellent insulation and can last essentially forever, make sure it’s made of recycled materials, and only use wood from providers who adhere to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standards.

5. Harness Advanced Technology

An automated timer or smart home system can adjust the thermostat based on the number of people in the house or the time of day. With this new technology, you can stop wasting money and resources heating or cooling your home when no one is there.

For nearly 50 years, Mid-Penn Engineering has been one of Union County leading structural engineering firms, providing builders throughout the area with a wide range of planning, development, and building design services. No matter how complex or simple your project might be, you can rely on their team for expertise in every aspect of your job. Visit their website to see an overview of their services, follow their Facebook page for more tips, or call (570) 524-2214 to discuss your project and request a quote.