Modern homeowners are more environmentally conscious than ever before. This is especially apparent as Millennials and Generation Z-ers become homeowners. 

In a recent survey, the U.S. Green Building Council found that:

• 73% of single-family builders and 68% of multifamily builders say consumers will pay more for green homes.
• 49% consider eco-friendly features more important than luxury items in a home.

Despite higher building costs, it’s clear that going green will benefit not only the environment but also your business.

To meet the needs of your customers and compete in your local market, it’s important to work toward being an eco-friendly builder. This is critical because, while many customers want to go green, they don’t know what being eco-friendly entails or costs. So, it’s up to you to be able to show your customers what eco-friendly options they have. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips. 

Build Green

If you want to be known as an eco-friendly builder, then you need to be aware of green building practices and implement them whenever feasible. 

One example of this is to install good insulation in homes. Well-insulated homes help lower energy bills, so taking the time to install more, thicker insulation can pay the environment dividends for years to come. 

Another option is to implement efficiency into the building plans, specifically when it comes to water and energy. This can be as simple as installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, energy-smart appliances, and skylights, or as complex as implementing measures to collect rainwater and reuse greywater. 

Use Green Materials

When building green, it’s important to use sustainable materials. Here are a few common building materials that can be sustainably sourced:

• Foam insulation made from wood
• Ferrock™ (an environmentally-friendly cement alternative)
• Recycled steel (in place of traditional wood framing)
• Solar panels
• Biomass boilers
• Air source or ground source heat pumps
• Sustainable flooring, such as bamboo, glass tiles, cork, wool carpeting, or reclaimed hardwood

Another option is to choose locally-sourced materials. Buying local reduces the number of pollutants expelled into the air compared to buying materials from across the country or in another country, which requires long-distance transportation. 

Dispose of Waste Properly

Using eco-friendly waste management procedures critical for eco-friendly builders. 

One way to dispose of waste properly is to repurpose it. Sometimes this is an option for building material waste, such as wood and nails. However, materials like concrete and steel need to be reformed before they can be repurposed; this may reduce the cost of materials, but may add to the timeline of a project to do so. 

Another option is to recycle waste. This is a great option for demolition waste, especially when it is sorted before it is recycled.  

When it comes to disposing of hazardous construction waste, it’s best to do so in accordance with local legislation. 

Consider Getting Certified or Joining an Organization

Some customers will want you to prove that you are a green business by showing that you have green certifications or are a member of a green building organization. These actions not only show your dedication to the environment and your customers, but they also offer you opportunities to learn more about sustainable practices, green building standards, and more. 

For example, you can join USGBC New Jersey or become Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. 

Partner with Eco-friendly Businesses

Where you get your materials matters. If you want to go green, you can start by purchasing materials from environmentally-conscious companies, such as Alya Bath.

Alya Bath products are made of naturally variable raw materials. This means that the grain color and character will vary among our pieces. These variations in look are naturally-occurring and provide your customers with unique pieces. 

But our environmentally-conscious efforts don’t stop there. Our manufacturing philosophy is to pair classic craftsmanship and the most advanced technologies with the lowest possible impact on the environment.

If you’re ready to provide your customers with unique, eco-friendly bathroom vanities, then visit our warehouse at 55 Bergenline Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675, or send us a message.