Building Greener: Eco-Friendly Features for Your Custom Home
Many of our clients are looking to include green, eco-conscious features into their custom homes, and for good reason. A thoughtfully designed home doesn’t just reduce your carbon footprint; it can also enhance comfort, improve air quality, and support healthier living every day.
Whether you’re building new or updating an existing space, here are simple, effective ways to make your home more sustainable—room by room.
In the Kitchen
- Use natural cleaning products
Pantry staples like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are powerful alternatives to harsh chemicals. They’re safe, affordable, and effective for everything from cleaning windows to freshening carpets—and they’re especially helpful for families with pets or young children. - Design for easy recycling
Incorporate a pull-out trash system with dual bins to make sorting recyclables second nature. A simple layout tweak can lead to long-term sustainable habits. - Grow your own herbs
Fresh herbs do more than elevate your cooking—they help purify indoor air and reduce plastic packaging. Add a built-in herb garden or vertical planter for easy access. - Collect rainwater
Rain barrels are an eco-friendly way to irrigate your garden or landscape. They’re easy to install and pay off quickly, especially during the warmer months. - Start composting
A kitchen compost bin lets you turn everyday scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It’s a low-maintenance way to reduce landfill waste and nourish your plants. - Choose cloth over paper
Replace disposable paper towels with microfiber cloths or cut-up t-shirts for everyday cleaning. This simple swap can dramatically reduce household waste over time. - Use the dishwasher wisely
Running a full dishwasher uses significantly less water than hand washing. Wait until it’s full before running a cycle—saving time, water, and energy in the process.
In the Laundry Room
- Wash only when needed
Not every item needs to be washed after one wear. Airing out jeans, sweaters, or jackets can extend their lifespan and reduce energy consumption. - Hang to dry
Add a wall-mounted rack or clothesline—indoors or out—for air-drying your laundry. It saves electricity and adds that fresh scent only nature can provide. - Go natural with fabric care
White vinegar softens clothes and removes odors naturally. Use baking soda in the rinse cycle or switch to wool dryer balls to cut static and reduce drying time.
Heating, Cooling & Energy Use
- Consider solar panels
With lower costs and improved efficiency, solar power is a smart long-term investment for many homeowners. Our team can help explore options during the design phase. - Design for passive solar gain
Window placement, roof overhangs, and shading strategies can help your home stay warm in winter and cool in summer. We’ll guide you through how to make the most of your site’s solar potential. - Switch to LED bulbs
LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and last longer—making them an easy win for both your wallet and the environment.
Crafted for Efficiency from the Ground Up
When you build with Beaver Mountain, energy efficiency is built into every detail. Our custom log homes are naturally efficient, thanks to the insulating mass of 10″ white pine or cedar logs and our signature double tongue-and-groove joinery and preframed walls designed to meet energy codes in the Northeast. The result? Homes that stay cozy in winter and cool in summer—often without the need for constant heating or air conditioning.
Beyond logs, our timber frame and pre-engineered, pre-framed homes are all designed to meet or exceed the Northeast’s stringent energy codes. Our in-house team ensures compliance with insulation, ventilation, air-sealing, and structural performance standards—eliminating surprises and minimizing long-term operating costs.
Ready to Build Greener?
Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic retreat or a contemporary timber frame home, we’ll help you create a sustainable design that reflects your values—and your lifestyle. Contact Beaver Mountain today to start planning a custom home that’s beautiful, healthy, and future-ready.
Let’s build a better home—together.
