Introduction
Due to the construction method, materials, and architectural elements employed, homes and other buildings directly influence the environment. By emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere while heating, cooling, and using other energy sources, traditional dwellings frequently negatively influence the environment (Anusas & Harkness, 2020). As more individuals try to lessen the environmental impact of their houses, the movement toward sustainable structures is gaining steam. The Earthships constructed at Taos, New Mexico, are one instance. These facilities are made to run independently and off the grid, reducing their harmful effects on the environment.
Carbon Footprint of Earthship vs. Traditional Homes
The environmental impact of Earthship homes in Taos, New Mexico, provides substantial benefits compared with usual houses. Earthships are constructed from natural and recyclable materials, which gives them the moniker “zero-carbon homes” (Anusas & Harkness, 2020). In order to construct Earthships, contractors comb landfills for acceptable building materials. For use in constructing Earthships, supplies, including used tires, aluminum cans, and glass and plastic beverage bottles, have been gathered (Glikli et al., 2021).
An incredibly robust material suited for external walls and load-bearing interior barriers may be created by combining used tires with compacted earth. Even the panels from old refrigerators and washing machines are utilized in these homes. Additionally, Earthships are designed to live in harmony with and be a part of their surroundings. Ground insulation surrounds these homes, which aids in controlling their internal temperature (Weiner, 2020). These factors contribute to the lessening of the carbon footprint and positively impact the environment.
Earthships are autonomous buildings with energy consumption benefits. They generate the energy required for their lighting, general electrical power, sewage, water production, and water heating. Earth ships install specialized organizational modules to gather solar and wind energy and then store it for use at home (Weiner, 2020). In addition to powering electrical appliances, washing machines, and other domestic functions, batteries also require energy. These characteristics show the advantage of the energy consumption of Earthships.
Water Usage Comparison: Earthship vs. Traditional Homes
Waste management is another aspect where sustainable buildings, such as Earthships, can be beneficial. Since Earthships recycle and reuse water gathered from rain and snow, waste management is extremely advantageous when compared to alternative housing solutions. In addition to being used to flush toilets, cleaned domestic wastewater is also utilized to grow food. The inside of the plants in Earthships receives contaminated water thanks to a sophisticated sewage treatment system (Glikli et al., 2021).
Before the remaining water builds up in the well and is sent to the toilet cistern for flushing, the plants take up as much of the water as they can. Additionally, with the aid of a crop specialist, the Earthship design has recently included an organic food production system. Vertical gardens and hanging small hydroponic planters are used in the design to continuously grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs (Anusas & Harkness, 2020). Due to the present climate problem, operating such homes results in greater advantages.
Conclusion
As governments work to reduce carbon emissions and citizens want to lower their energy costs and enjoy more comfortable homes, the demand for energy-efficient buildings is increasing. Mandatory energy efficiency criteria are codified in law through building regulations in several nations. A planned structure’s heating and cooling energy consumption is frequently predicted using software based on variables including glazing orientation, insulation, construction materials, and regional climate. An intriguing illustration of a sustainable housing option that reduces trash production, water usage, and carbon emissions is the Earthship house in Taos.
References
Anusas, M., & Harkness, R. (2020). Different presents in the making. In Design Anthropological Futures (pp. 55–69). Routledge.
Glikli, C. A., Rasheed, S., Mahamadou, A. M., Horry, R., Manu, P., Awuah, K. G. B., & Georgakis, P. (2021). Insights into public perceptions of Earthship buildings as alternative homes. Buildings, 11(9), 377. Web.
Weiner, S. (2020). Urban earth house. Modern Green Homes, 52(1), 16–20. Web.