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Don't just stop at saving water: for the very near future you'll want sustainable technologies like these

How do you imagine the house of the future? Science fiction movies are often remembered when we create our own vision of what's to come. Okay, it's 2015 and we still don't have the flying skateboard, but an interesting thing or two (okay, flying skateboards would be cool) is already out there. For example, have you ever watched the movie Looper? It's a movie and, despite the story, one that may have gone unnoticed for those who were more attached to the plot between Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The cars of that future (a much more palatable future, by the way - if you're not those boring people who talk about time travel) use solar pickup plates on the hood, much like something that is already being tested by our contemporaries.

Okay, but what does this have to do with the subject of this article? A question: as cool as it is to imagine flying cars and suspended houses made of glass, is this really what we aim for? Details like solar panels on a car's hood are much more immediate and necessary to bring to life. And that fits for your home. One day, who knows, we'll have an artificial intelligence system that will be our butler, until the machines decide to rebel and control humanity and force us to use old gasoline-powered generators. And fuel is always in short supply in the post-apocalyptic future. Take a look now at these sustainable technologies that will not be missing in your near future if you are building a house.

What are these such technologies?

Solar energy

To start with, the one mentioned above: solar energy capture technology (learn what solar energy is and how the electricity generation process works). Funny that a lot is done about this technology and everyone knows it exists, but at the same time it seems to be so far removed from our reality. But make no mistake: it is closer than we imagine. In 2012, it was estimated that around 15% of Brazilian households are capable of producing solar energy. Data show that 183,000 homes in Brazil have solar heating, thanks to the initiatives of NGOs and the Federal Government.

In São Paulo, it is mandatory to use a solar water heater for buildings with more than four bathrooms since 2007 (learn more in the article "Reality is solar energy"). At the time the article was mentioned, a device for capturing solar energy cost, in the capital of São Paulo, around R$ 1,600. A quick look on the internet results in several links to companies that sell and install this equipment. There are places where the price has dropped by more than half and the offer is much more varied. At the end of this article, check out the link where you can find all the material covered here.

By the way, we made a special guide for those who want to install solar energy at home. For those who want to start slower, there are some products out there that recharge gadgets and even garden lights. Those who still find it too expensive to install these panels can wait until 2017 for Dsolar HCPTV.

wind energy

Wind energy is more complicated to bring home due to the need to do a preliminary study about the region you live in and the incidence of winds in it (see all necessary information about wind energy), but it is still possible. If it were not possible, the 44% increase in energy production in Brazil would not exist. And you don't need to install one of those huge towers in your backyard - USP has also developed a smaller, more efficient turbine. There is already in our country those who offer the service of installing small generators for the home - even special ones, for urban environments and with little wind - and also for small businesses. Of course you can also put your constructive side out and take a look at this homemade mini generator in the video below, found there in the Green Tips. More personal use is also not left out of everything that is offered with wind energy technology, such as this gadget recharger.

green building materials

But is the sustainable house of the future restricted to energy production? Of course not! From brick to pipe, virtually all basic building materials have their greener counterparts: in addition to lower environmental impact, they help conserve energy. Maintenance is minimal and they can be cleaned without the use of harmful chemicals. They are usually built from recyclable plants, wood and stones or more common materials, but with reduced damage to nature. Some schools and even soccer stadiums were built here in Brazil with this care in minimizing the bad consequences to the environment. You can get to know some of these places in this super guide on sustainable construction that we made, as well as find examples of sustainable building materials. To close, six building materials that reduce energy waste and make a green building. Option is not lacking!

How to acquire?

Speaking of options, we can't finish without showing a starting point for finding some of all of these gear. Here on this Made in Forest page there is a compilation of many (very) places that offer from solar heaters to panels and wind generators, to building materials and a huge range of sustainable items (just check the categories on the left side of the page their).

I highlight for example Aquakent for solar heaters and Eolicom for wind turbines for urban environments. There are just two random examples, but those who are really interested in this need to get their hands on the research, check prices, availability and even get their hands dirty. The video of the homemade wind generator up there is part of a playlist that shows saving tips and even step-by-step instructions for making a solar panel. The doors of perception are open for you.