Sustainable housing doesn’t have to be luxury - these can surprisingly be affordable with green choices. Let’s debunk the myth of sustainability being expensive with the smartest design ideas that cost little to nothing.

Sustainability is no longer a choice - rather more of a necessity. The good news is that sustainable homes can be easy on your pockets, too.

Don’t believe it?

Here are the design ideas for a sustainable house.

Before you spend a fortune on sustainable materials or furniture with an ‘eco-friendly’ tag, look around - you might already have what you need.

Analyse what can be recycled or upcycled.

Perhaps the old wooden table or an old sofa with a little fabric revamp?

When it comes to building materials, try to recycle glass, wood, and metal as a conscious step towards a sustainable home.

Did you know that the right appliances can not only reduce your carbon footprint but also cut down your electricity bills?

Appliances marked with Energy Star ratings cut down energy consumption and lower monthly electricity bills.

Here are the smart energy and money-saving hacks:

• Use LED lighting solutions as LEDs consume up to 90% less energy, giving you the same light while costing less.

• Install solar-powered outdoor lights that operate on free sunlight.

• Integrate solar panels for a self-sufficient energy source to design a sustainable house.

Why rely on artificial lighting and ventilation when nature offers them for free?

Pull back the curtains, open the windows, and invite natural light, fresh air, and scenic views into your home.

Place large windows on the south-facing side to maximise winter sunlight while using overhangs (chajjas) to block harsh summer rays- optimising thermal comfort passively.

Water is precious - why let it go down the drain?

Install water harvesting systems to collect and reuse rainwater for laundry, gardening, flushing purposes, etc. Plan a gradient roof slope to direct water towards drainage points, using downpipes to channel it into storage tanks.

For sloped roofs, make sure to install gutters along the edges to collect and direct water into the pipe connected to the tank.

Further, switching to low-flow showerheads and faucets helps cut water consumption without compromising on comfort, saving both water and money in the long run.

Incorporate native plants and xeriscaping into your landscape design for a low-maintenance, water-efficient garden that blends beauty with sustainability.

Typically, the average landscaping cost ranges between ₹100-₹500 per sq.ft., depending upon the area, materials, design, and labour charges. Here are a few low-cost garden design ideas and their sustainable perks.

Make your sustainable home a little more personalised with a DIY project.

Whether it’s turning an old wooden panel into wall art or repurposing an old briefcase into a quirky planter, DIY projects are an affordable and fun way to create a unique, eco-friendly home.

The best part? They give your space a one-of-a-kind flair while promoting sustainability.