Building an ecological house in Luxembourg
From the structure to the smallest finish, it is now possible to have a 100% ecological habitat. Want to know more about these buildings that do not harm the environment or health, and that also save on heating? Read on!
Different labels
The objective of "low energy" buildings, also called BBCs, is to emit very low greenhouse gas emissions, and this by limiting energy consumption.
From this labeling comes two more, with more demanding requirements.
There is thus, henceforth, the passive house and the positive house. The first must be able to produce the majority of its annual energy needs. The second, it, must produce more energy than its inhabitants consume: the house is therefore completely autonomous!
Which material to favor?
A material is said to be ecological if it respects the environment and biodiversity, while preserving the health of those who live with it. Another requirement for this title: a production that requires little transformation and is accessible via a short circuit.
Criteria for an environmentally friendly habitat, keeping in mind that homes around the world are responsible for nearly 25% of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Therefore, what materials do you turn to, while techniques and methods are constantly evolving? Here are some answers.
• In terms of architecture, wood is generally the most used. Renewable, it retains CO2, and its implementation consumes little energy. Strong and extremely flexible, it can be used for any type of construction. Very good thermal insulation - more than concrete - it is obviously preferable only if it comes from a nearby region and requires little transport.
• An ecological plant, hemp is also an alternative. Very good thermal insulation, but also phonic, it brings a certain comfort to its inhabitants and helps to regulate humidity.
• Less common since little used, straw. Very resistant material, but also at low cost, it has excellent insulating capacity. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, straw will not be the target of rodents.
• Raw earth is also underutilized, low cost, very good insulation, and rock solid.
Insulation side, to avoid heat loss, plant and animal based materials are preferred to preserve the environment. Among these :
• Hemp, also used in insulation, which takes the form of flexible panels. It is very easy to install and has the property of being a powerful rodent repellent.
• Sheep wool, which comes in rolls, has absorbent properties, making it perfect for loft insulation. If it enjoys a certain longevity, it nevertheless requires to be treated with a product (ecological of course) not to be destroyed by the mites.
• Cork, light and nonflammable, is insensitive to parasites such as fungi and insects. Very good insulation, both thermal and phonic, it is perfect for walls and partitions.
• Flax: its fibers are transformed into insulating panels that absorb moisture well. It is used mostly for roof and walls.
For finishes, the wood, declable at will, is in the spotlight for your floors and walls since parquet and paneling in this material will bring to your interior a touch 100% natural.
On the side of paints and coatings, choose less harmful products that will have a lesser impact on the health of those who will be in contact with them. So prefer acrylic paints whose pigments are natural, and binder of vegetable or animal origin.
Why choose a green building?
Built with environmentally friendly products, ecological habitat is less harmful to biodiversity than traditional construction: it is thus thought to reduce this negative impact. This is taken into account at the time of construction - the goal is for the yard to consume as little energy as possible and produce a minimum of waste - as well as throughout its life.
A home of this kind also has an advantage for its occupants as it is less harmful to their health. Thus, the air quality is superior and the interiors healthier than in a traditional home.
Another positive point, the amounts shown on your heating bills will be lower than before. In principle, 2/3 of your household's energy expenditure is spent on heating your home. To remedy this, it is necessary to orient your home in the best way possible, and this depending on the amount of sunshine it can enjoy.
Opting for an ecological construction is also thinking of the following generations since by reducing your CO2 emissions, you limit your ecological footprint.
What's more, if at any point you decide to separate from your home, its resale price will be much higher than for a traditional home.
What cost?
An eco-friendly home will cost you between 10% and 15% more than a home that consumes more energy. Nevertheless, it is in the long run that you will save money. The amount you have invested initially will be amortized in the following years, thanks to the savings on your energy bills.
It should be noted that the Luxembourg State, thanks to the "PRIME House" support system, supports people wishing to embark on a sustainable construction project.
For the construction of an ecological house, it is better to call on an expert of the sector who will be able to bring you his qualifications and competences. To carry out your project, it is useful to ask for a precise quote for the work you undertake, as well as to inquire about the quality of the materials used and their provenance.