Building a well-insulated, airtight home with great ventilation and lots of natural light can cut way back on the energy needed for heating and cooling. But it’s not only good for the climate.

“I mean, all of those aspects truly do lead to, I think, a better life for the occupants of those buildings,” says Jeffrey Domanski of the Erase40 project.

The organization offers a training program for architects and builders. They learn new ways to get potential clients to consider building or buying an ultra-efficient house.

Domanski says even people who do not have climate change on their minds may appreciate the quality of life benefits these houses provide.

“People often in many buildings will not even go into a room during the wintertime because it’s too cold or they don’t want to heat it or they can’t heat it because it’s too drafty,” he says.

So he says an ultra-efficient house can actually feel bigger because there may be more square footage that’s usable year-round.

It may also be quieter, which can help with sleep. And the air quality is better, so it’s better for people’s health.

He says if architects and builders focus on how these buildings can improve people’s lives, more people may decide to invest in efficiency.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media.