Ever wondered what truly defines a sustainable home? Our recent interview with Barry Price, a local architect with a focus on sustainability, breaks it all down.

Sustainable homes transcend mere current comforts. They're about a vision that ensures our dwellings don't jeopardize the well-being of future generations or the planet. This commitment demands a harmonious balance between immediate homeowner benefits and the broader, longer-term community impacts. Digging deeper, Barry introduced us to passive houses, a marvel in energy efficiency. These homes are designed to insulate and minimize energy leakage, prioritizing the equilibrium between interior volume and exterior surface.
 

An additional sustainability concept is carbon sequestration through wood. Unlike many modern construction materials, wood uniquely captures and stores carbon, acting as a bulwark against its release into the atmosphere. This idea effectively positions buildings as carbon banks, amplifying our environmental conservation efforts. Barry is a champion for the use of reclaimed wood, salvaged timber from old structures that offer not just an environmental edge but also an unparalleled aesthetic charm.

Every building, according to Barry, bears two environmental "debts": the embodied carbon from its construction and the operational carbon linked to its energy consumption. Informed choices in construction can minimize these debts, paving the way for an eco-friendly architectural landscape. This conversation underscores the urgent need to intertwine these sustainable concepts into our housing ventures for a future that's not just comfortable, but also conscientious. 

Excelsior Woods is doing our part to help architects like Barry source sustainable and gorgeous wood for their projects. Using reclaimed and locally sourced wood is a great way to bring character and an eco-friendly touch to any home. Stop into Excelsior’s Grab & Go Store to explore our full selection of wood for your next project!