Are you thinking of renovating your home, but want to make sure that you do it in a way that is environmentally friendly and sustainable? If so, you’re in luck! Sustainable renovation is the perfect way to go green while keeping your budget in check. But there are many misconceptions about what it actually means to be “green”, and in this informative article, we break down what sustainable renovation really is, as well as some of the best ways to make your home more environmentally friendly.
What is sustainable renovation?
So, what exactly is sustainable renovation? In a nutshell, it refers to any type of renovation that minimizes environmental impact and contributes toward saving natural resources. There are many different ways to achieve this, and the specific approach you take will depend on your individual circumstances. Some common sustainable renovation strategies include installing energy-efficient appliances, using recycled materials, and adding insulation to your home.
Why should you do a sustainable home renovation?
There are many reasons why you should consider doing a sustainable home renovation. Perhaps the most important reason is that it can help reduce your environmental impact. By renovating your home in a sustainable way, you can save energy and water, and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, sustainable renovations can often be more affordable than traditional renovations, and they can also increase the value of your home.
Common Misconceptions
You have to replace everything to make it green
One of the most common misconceptions about sustainable renovation is that you have to replace everything in your home in order to make it more environmentally friendly. This is not true! In fact, many sustainable renovations can be completed without making any major changes to your home. For example, you could install energy-efficient appliances, add insulation, or use recycled materials.
There aren’t many options for eco-friendly building materials
Another common misconception is that there are not many options for eco-friendly building materials. This is also not true! In recent years, there has been an increasing number of sustainable building materials available on the market. Some of these include bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and cork walls.
Eco-friendly materials are weird looking/ugly
This is completely false! People often assume that sustainable building materials are weird-looking or ugly. This could not be further from the truth! In fact, many sustainable materials are actually very stylish and chic. For example, bamboo flooring has a beautiful natural grain, and recycled glass countertops can add a unique and stylish touch to any kitchen.
Green home building and remodeling is just a fad
Many people believe that sustainable building is just a fad that will eventually die out. However, this is absolutely wrong. Sustainable building is here to stay, and it is only going to become more popular in the years to come. More and more people are becoming interested in sustainable living, and this trend is only going to continue. If you’re thinking about renovating your home, sustainable renovation is the way to go!
My contractor won’t know what I’m talking about
This is another false assumption. Many people assume that their contractors will not be familiar with sustainable building practices. However, this is not always the case. In fact, more and more contractors are becoming familiar with sustainable building methods. If you’re concerned that your contractor will not be able to help you with your sustainable renovation, simply ask them if they have experience with this type of work. Check out this list of the best sustainable contractors available in the United States.
Green home remodeling is more expensive
Although sustainable building materials can sometimes be more expensive than traditional materials, this is not always the case. In many cases, you can actually save money by doing a sustainable renovation. For example, energy-efficient appliances can save you money on your energy bill each month, and adding insulation to your home can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Defining your sustainability goals
Before you start renovating your home, it is important to define your sustainability goals. What are you hoping to achieve with your renovation? Are you looking to reduce your environmental impact? Are you trying to save money on your energy bills? Or are you simply looking for a more eco-friendly home? Once you have defined your goals, it will be much easier to choose the right green building materials and methods for your renovation.
Green home remodeling is all about choosing the right products
It is important to do your research and find products that are right for you and your home. There are many green materials on the market, so there is no need to sacrifice style or quality when doing a green renovation. With a little bit of planning, you can easily create a beautiful, eco-friendly home that you can be proud of.
Look for products that say “green,” “natural” or “eco-friendly”
When you are shopping for sustainable building materials, look for products that say “green,” “natural” or “eco-friendly.” These products have been specifically designed to promote green living, and they will help you achieve your sustainability goals without sacrificing style or quality. For renovation or remodeling, the commonly recommended items include bamboo, wool, latex, and cork.
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. It grows rapidly, and it does not require any pesticides or chemicals to thrive. Bamboo is also very strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for flooring or countertops.
Low-E windows
A great way to make your home more energy-efficient; Low-E windows have a special coating that helps reflect heat back into your home in the winter and keep the sun’s heat out during the summer. This can help you save money on your energy bill each month.
Insulation
Adding insulation to your home is a great way to reduce your energy costs. By keeping the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, you can save money on your heating and cooling bills.
Importance of Energy Assessment
Before you start your sustainable home renovation, it is important to have an energy assessment done on your home. This will help you determine where your home is losing energy and how you can make improvements. An energy assessor will come to your home and conduct a thorough analysis of your home’s energy usage. They will also provide you with a list of recommendations for making your home more energy-efficient.
Passive design
Passive design is a term used for homes that are designed to use as little energy as possible. By incorporating passive design principles into your home renovation, you can greatly reduce your energy usage and environmental impact. Some of the most common passive design features include proper insulation, windows that face the sun, and roof overhangs.
Sustainable Home Renovation Strategies for Lower Utility Bills
Low Flow Water Fixtures
Installing low-flow water fixtures is a great way to reduce your water usage and save money on your monthly utility bills. Low-flow showerheads and faucets can save you up to 50% on your water bill each month, and they are relatively inexpensive to install.
Programmable Thermonstats
Programmable ThermonstatsProgrammable thermostats are a great way to save energy and money. By programming your thermostat to lower the temperature when you are away from home, you can save up to 10% on your energy bill each month.
High-Efficiency Lighting
Replacing your old incandescent lightbulbs with high-efficiency LEDs is a great way to save energy and money. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they can last up to 25 times longer.
Weatherstripping For Your Home
Weatherstripping is a great way to keep the heat in your home during the winter and the cool air out during the summer. By weatherstripping your doors and windows, you can save money on your monthly energy bills.
Why is it important to focus on health in a sustainable home renovation?
When you are renovating your home, it is important to consider both the environmental and health impacts of your decisions. By incorporating healthy and sustainable materials into your renovation, you can help improve the air quality in your home and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Some of the most sustainable and healthy materials include bamboo, wool, latex, and cork.
Importance of low and zero VOC products while renovating
When renovating your home, it is important to use low- or zero-VOC products. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are harmful chemicals that can cause health problems when released into the air. By using low- or zero-VOC products, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals and improve the air quality in your home.
Plants for better air quality
Adding plants to your home is a great way to improve the air quality. Plants help remove harmful chemicals from the air, and they also add oxygen to the air. Houseplants are an easy and effective way to improve the air quality in your home. In addition, plants can also improve your mood and help you to relax.
Focus on cooling and heating systems
When renovating your home, it is important to focus on upgrading your cooling and heating systems. By upgrading to a more energy-efficient system, you can save money on your monthly utility bills. In addition, you will also be helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Sustainable home renovation is a great way to go green while keeping your budget in check. By incorporating sustainable design principles into your renovation, you can reduce your energy usage and environmental impact. In addition, by using low- or zero-VOC products, you can improve the air quality in your home. By upgrading your cooling and heating systems, you can also save money on your monthly utility bills. So, what are you waiting for? Start renovating your home today!