There are many shades of green—especially when it comes to home building and remodeling. Eco-friendliness may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of luxury homes, but in reality, earth-conscious building practices are becoming widespread across the home building industry. Sustainable design no longer requires drastic measures like giving up hot water or living in a teepee. Eco-conscious elements are everywhere, including in luxury homes. In fact, here are 5 trends in “green” building that show where luxury and eco-friendliness intersect.

1. Solar Panels

Solar panels are no longer a trend in green building, they’re a staple. They’ve actually come a long way in terms of design—home builders can fit these sustainable tiles to the aesthetic of your home. In other words, they aren’t just big clunky gray sheets that clash with your roof any more. These panels basically absorb sunlight, convert it into energy and use it to generate electricity or keep your home comfortable.

2. Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Geothermal heating and cooling has really taken off, especially in the DC metropolitan area. These systems use water from several hundred feet below the earth’s surface to provide green energy for homes. Much like solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling lessen homeowners’ impact on the environment by using natural power.

3. Reclaimed and Recycled Materials

There are tons of options for incorporating reclaimed lumber and recycled material products into custom-built luxury homes. These materials add a quirky or unique aesthetic to homes while cutting down on energy and lessening the home’s impact on the environment. Some examples? Recycled steel, recycled aluminum, or reclaimed wood.


4. Tankless Water Heaters

Typical furnaces heat and store water all day long, regardless of demand. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, only apply heat when water flows through the system. They’re compact, on-demand units that attach to your plumbing system, and you only pay to heat water when you need it. These tankless heaters are becoming much more popular, and happen to be very eco-friendly!

5. Smart Devices

I don’t need to tell you how popular smart devices have become. But while they may not seem very eco-friendly, they can surprisingly help homeowners cut down on wasted energy. They can help you control your home’s climate, lighting, sound, and many other aspects, which is great for professionals who spend a lot of time working or traveling. Just another reason to trade up for better technology!

The professionals at Sandy Spring Builders have always kept energy-efficiency in mind when creating their custom homes. From sustainable to recycled products, we can help you see the world through a greener lens.