Big Eco-Home Construction Trends in 2020

People are increasingly waking up to the potential of eco-homes as new construction products arrive on the market. Thanks to advancements in sustainable building techniques, green homes are more efficient and easier to build than ever.

As the eco-home market looks to the future, what trends are starting to make their mark on sustainable construction in 2020? In the list below are some of the biggest innovations currently impacting eco-home building, including educational advancements, construction philosophies, and green building tools.

Adoption of Prefab Homes

Prefabricated homes will continue to be embraced by homeowners as more companies arrive in the market with their house kits. New property types are arriving that are compliant with LEED or ZNE green building standards.

Because so-called kit homes are built in a controlled manufacturing environment, they often have greater quality control and construction is not affected by bad weather. Over the next decade, expect prefabricated homes to become more popular. They will increase in quality and become more affordable.

ZNE – Zero Net Energy homes

While eco-friendly homes were once for people with a dedication to the environment, they are now becoming important for a population that is becoming more environmentally conscience. People want to ease the situation around global climate change and are seeking more energy-efficient homes.

Zero Net Energy homes are starting to trend. If you are unfamiliar with a ZNE property, it is a house that can be self-sustaining and generate its own energy. This includes an energy-efficient building, construction techniques to ensure the home consumes as little energy as possible, and power coming from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Mandatory energy efficiency disclosure for buildings

During 2019, cities around the United States released regulations that require homeowners to disclose the energy rating of the home before they sell it. Other nations are already adopting similar legislation, ensuring homeowners must provide significantly more information about the energy efficiency of their house.

Water conservation

Many regions across the globe are facing a freshwater crisis and governments will be restricting water consumption in many areas. 2019 was the second hottest year on record and there are genuine concerns about the long-term viability of many sustainable water sources. Construction companies are now seeking ways to reduce water usage in the building process.

• Among the conservation strategies being employed are:
• Using stormwater management infrastructure
• Placing water-conservation fixtures
• Installing low-flow toilets
• Installing low-flow showerheads
• Using rainwater catchment for sustainable water
• Installing green roofs