Hiawatha, Kansas, 30th July 2022, ZEXPRWIRE, Jeremy Lawson, CEO of Homestead Builders, is exploring new methods for construction that are environmentally sustainable. Lawson is interested in reducing his company’s carbon footprint while still delivering high-quality homes. 

Lawson’s interest in green building stems from his company’s mission to provide “energy- and resource-efficient homes.” In addition to using traditional construction methods, Homestead Builders is also looking into alternative materials and systems for their buildings. Lawson believes that these measures will benefit the environment and save homeowners money in the long run. He notes that there has been a growing interest in green building in recent years and expects this trend to continue.

One method he is considering to make construction more sustainable is to use recycled materials. This can include using recycled metal for structural elements, wood, glass for windows and doors, and recycled plastic for insulation. Recycled materials have many benefits over virgin materials. They are cheaper, require less energy to produce, and have a smaller environmental footprint.  Besides, using recycled materials helps to keep valuable resources out of landfills. It also helps support local recycling businesses and creates jobs in the recycling industry. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to reduce its environmental impact, using recycled materials in construction is likely to become more commonplace.

Another way to make construction more environmentally sustainable is by harnessing natural light and ventilation to reduce energy needs. By orienting buildings to take advantage of natural light, designers can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting. Using skylights and windows, builders can use the sun’s rays to light up a space during the day. Not only does this reduce the need for artificial lighting, but it can also help to heat the space, reducing the need for energy-intensive heating systems. Similarly, careful placement of windows can maximize cross-ventilation, ensuring that a space is well-ventilated without the need for mechanical ventilation systems. Again, by incorporating features such as windcatchers and solar chimneys, builders can create a natural ventilation system that helps cool homes and office buildings without using energy-intensive mechanical systems. These simple measures can significantly impact a building’s energy footprint, making construction more sustainable in the long run.

Lawson also notes that construction is one area where smart technology can be used to reduce our environmental impact. By optimizing energy use, construction companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Smart technology can optimize energy use in several ways, from automatically adjusting heating and cooling systems to monitoring and reducing water consumption. Additionally, smart technology can help to reduce waste by managing inventory levels and directing construction workers to reuse materials whenever possible. This not only reduces energy waste but also helps to improve efficiency. In a world where climate change is a real threat, using innovative technology to reduce our environmental impact is more important than ever.

Another method Lawson is considering is Straw bale construction. Straw bale construction involves using bales of straw as insulation in walls. This type of insulation is highly effective and has a very low embodied energy, meaning that it requires less energy to produce than other types of insulation. There are many benefits to using straw bales in construction. Straw bales are a renewable resource, as they are a byproduct of wheat farming. In addition, straw bales have a high insulation value, which can save on energy costs. Straw bale construction is also earthquake-resistant and can withstand high winds. Finally, straw bale construction is carbon-negative, as growing and harvesting wheat removes carbon from the atmosphere.

Finally, Lawson and his company are looking into using cross-laminated timber (CLT). Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an environmentally sustainable building material that has been gaining popularity in the construction industry in recent years. CLT is made by bonding layers of lumber with adhesive, creating a robust and sturdy panel that can be used in various construction applications. One of the major benefits of CLT is that it is a renewable resource. Unlike concrete or steel, which are made from non-renewable materials, CLT can be sourced from sustainably managed forests. Additionally, CLT has a lower carbon footprint than other traditional building materials; the manufacturing process for CLT produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than the production of concrete or steel. Furthermore, CLT can be recycled or reused at the end of its lifetime, making it an even more sustainable building material. From an environmental perspective, there are many reasons to choose CLT for construction projects.

Jeremy Lawson has been a contractor and builder for over 20 years. He has constructed over 300 homes, including new construction and remodeling projects. He is known for his quality artistry, attention to detail, and his commitment to customer satisfaction. Jeremy founded Homestead Builders to pursue his passion for construction and to help others achieve their dream of owning a home. He is an avid environmentalist and utilizes sustainable methods and current technology in all of his projects to create high-quality homes that are also energy-efficient. As a result of his dedication to his work, Jeremy has established himself as a premier contractor and has helped countless people realize their dream of homeownership.