# How Smart Homes are Delivering on Sustainability - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/how-smart-homes-are-delivering-on-sustainability/ - Published: 2021-06-10T12:58:43-04:00 - Author: Eillin Delapaz The pandemic generated a societal shift towards eco-consumerism. Housebound lifestyles allowed Americans to witness their excess garbage and greenhouse gas emission production. Environmental scientists and engineers developed residential devices that [increase the energy efficiency of a home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/07/garage-energy-ev-charge-solutions-for-smart-homes/). President Biden recently instilled the Build Back Better policy, working towards a carbon-neutral nation. We can all work together, reaching climate protection goals by adopting emission reduction technology. Smart devices shrink one’s carbon footprint while reducing or eliminating utility costs. ![How smart homes are delivering on sustainability](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ECFAD81F-8131-49F9-9CDE-7400E7CFE231.jpg?resize=715% 2C477&quality=52&ssl=1 "How Smart Homes are Delivering on Sustainability - The Green Living Guy") ## **What is a Smart House?** A smart house uses automation and computerization, controlling electricity-driven devices. Modern homes contain smart devices[ built into the infrastructure](https://build.com.au/what-smart-home), where older buildings include add-ons. Systems range from phone-controlled speakers to weather recognition irrigation devices. Automated home systems [benefit residents](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/reduce-energy-grid-demand-with-smart-solutions/) in various ways. They increase one’s productivity and convenience, simplifying each task. Smart devices also add a layer of protection to one’s property, incorporating advanced sensors and communication technology. Most importantly, the systems enhance the [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/feed-in-tariff-scheme-sustainable-energy-savings/) of a house by limiting excess energy extraction. Professionals predict the connection of all[ home devices in the next ten years](https://www.knightprotect.com/the-future-smart-home-systems/), normalizing the smart house. Their ability to limit natural resource exploitation and reduce greenhouse gas emission reduction increases our [climate change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/greenhouse-gas-standards-for-corporate/) prevention capacities. ## **What Is the Big Deal with Greenhouse Gases?** Air pollution emissions contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect. The majority of homes source their electricity from coal or fossil-fuel-burning plants. When burned, these elements release carbon dioxide and other toxic elements into the atmosphere. As they invade the environment, they alter Earth’s natural composition and processes. The organic[ process converts sunlight into warmth](https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/climate-science-data/climate-science/greenhouse-effect), sustaining life on the surface and releasing excess heat to space. Greenhouse gases are too efficient at light to heat conversions. They generate more warmth than necessary for supporting biodiversity. Air pollutants also hold heat in the atmosphere for extended periods rather than releasing it to space. High heat [production rates and entrapment cause rising](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/glass-bottles-the-rise-of-reusable-barware/) global temperatures, negatively affecting the planet. ## **The Smart Solution** Smart devices can instill sustainability into the residential sector, limiting the enhanced greenhouse effect. A significant concern for emission reduction derives from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Heating consumes nearly 42% of a homeowner’s utility bill. Fortunately, smart thermostats and energy monitors help residents increase the [energy efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/05/indiana-delays-in-weatherizing-homes-for-residents-delays-in-weatherizing-homes-for-residents/) of their HVAC systems. Smart thermostats are programmable and reduce electricity waste in a vacant home. They have motion detection sensors, tracking when and how many individuals are home. If the sensors do not detect motion, the HVAC system turns off. The device also has an internet [connection of weather](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/weather-channel-connecting-green/) information access. When it detects a temperature drop at night in the summer, it will turn off the system and allow outside air to cool the house. Smart energy monitors further reduce a home’s electricity waste. The[ device connects to your meter](https://www.energysage.com/energy-products/energy-monitors/), tracking power uses and patterns. Once a reading is complete, the system converts the data into digestible charts and graphs, sending them to the homeowner’s smartphone. The monitor’s breakdown identifies which devices use the most energy and where residents can cut back. From there, you can reprogram your other devices, shutting down during peak hours or reducing their energy extraction. Another essential sustainability feature is a smart sprinkler system. Weather and [ moisture-based technology optimize watering](https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-labeled-controllers) times for efficiency and resource conservation. Many homeowners water their lawns during the day, losing significant quantities of resources to evaporation and heat. Smart sprinklers reduce water exploitation by limiting irrigation during rainy seasons. They also calculate time changes and sun exposure, turning on in the evening for optimal absorption. In the summer heat, the device calculates the coolest days of the week to water, limiting evaporation loss. ## **Better Buildings** Part of Biden’s Build Back Better policy includes increasing climate change reduction employment. As the market transitions towards eco-consciousness, [construction companies must increase production](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/porsche-taycan-production-starting-factory-opening/) and meet consumer demands. Smart device manufacturers may also advance technology development, ensuring the energy use reduction of all properties. Many employees must come on board, helping the U.S. reach its energy-efficient construction goals. Further development will increase employment while shrinking the nation’s carbon footprint. Together we can ensure a sustainable future.  **Bio:** Jane is the Editor-in-Chief of [Environment.co](https://environment.co/) and an environmental writer covering green technology, sustainability and environmental news. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f30a82826ab5e40ae1efde55aa735f0579f0105f7692fc289aebf0d58584c37e? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) Eillin Delapaz [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/)