Renovating a home can be an arduous, time-consuming task. Luckily for homeowners who want a home renovation for sustainability, there are countless ways to accomplish this goal.
Whether you’re looking for a complete renovation or just a few changes here and there, the following list of 20 ideas will give you some great starting points.
Incorporate Green Roofs into Your Plans
Green roofs not only look nice but also add significant value to your home while decreasing heating and cooling costs by adding insulation from both heat and extreme cold. They also provide a habitat for plants and insects while creating a cooling effect by absorbing water during rainstorms. You could contact home remodel contractors for help on this task.
Use Materials from Nearby Sources
To keep from having to transport heavy materials over long distances, make sure that you use local materials whenever possible. This not only saves on the amount of material used but also reduces the carbon footprint of your home renovation.
Avoid Wood Floors with Chemicals and Sealants
Most woods sold today come combined with toxic chemicals that are known carcinogens and can be harmful when breathed in or ingested.
Many wood floors have even been coated with sealants such as polyurethane which emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), many of which are also known to be dangerous. Instead, opt for a bamboo or cork floor without any added chemicals to keep your family healthy and your renovation sustainable.
Don’t Rely on the Manufacturer’s Warranty
The warranty that comes with a major appliance is usually only good for about five years after installation even though most appliances can last significantly longer than this out of the box.
Instead of buying an appliance that will break down before it should, try finding one that has been certified as high-efficiency meaning it should last longer than average.
Always Buy Energy Star Rated Appliances
Since 2006, all new homes have been required by federal law to come equipped with homes built in compliance with energy-efficient specifications set forth by the Federal Energy Star program.
This means that a new home built today will almost certainly come with appliances that have been certified as high-efficiency and thus provide lower operating costs for homeowners.
Opt for Energy Star Windows with Low-E Glass
Not only do windows that are Energy Star rated help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but they also often come with an extra coating of low-emissivity (low-E). This special coating reflects heat into your home during the summer while trapping it inside during the winter.
Install Storm Windows to ‘Lock in’ Heat
Installing storm windows over your existing windows is a great way to keep excess heat in your home through the cold months of winter. Though this may seem counterintuitive, when installed properly, they can improve insulation by up to 20%. Ask for help from local home remodel services.
Make Sure Your Water Heater has a High Energy Factor
Though water heaters may not seem like a big drain on energy resources, the average American household can lose up to 11,000 gallons of heated water a year through leaks and other problems.
A high-efficiency water heater will use less fuel to provide the same amount of hot water as an older model, saving you money both in terms of renovation costs and future energy bills.
Install Old Fashioned Storm Windows for More Insulation
Old fashioned storm windows are great because they allow you to benefit from all the benefits of double glazing without having to give up any interior space. These simply fit over top of your existing window which helps keep cold drafts out while also helping keep heat inside so you save money on heating costs as well as renovations.
Incorporate Passive Solar Design into Your Plans
Passive solar design is a great way to maximize the amount of natural sunlight that shines into your home during the winter months when the sun is low on the horizon. For a bonus, try painting your house white to reflect heat off of windows and walls while also adding insulation through insulation in attic floors.
Use Natural Day-Lighting Whenever Possible
Natural day-lighting is perfect for conserving energy because it brings in light without requiring any electricity or artificial illumination which means that you need less power to light up your home during daylight hours. This not only saves money but reduces your carbon footprint too!
Install Low Flow Fixtures and Showerheads
Low flow fixtures are a great way to both save water and reduce your renovation costs. Not only do they help conserve our most precious resource, but they also allow you to go green for less because you don’t need to replace the fixture as often as with higher flow alternatives.
Ensure Your Plumbing Is Up-To-Date
Though it isn’t necessarily something that will make your home more sustainable, updating old plumbing is an easy way to bring new life into an older home or simply serve as a cost-efficient alternative to buying renovations.
Reuse Water Whenever Possible
Whether it be using water drained from washing dishes for watering plants or using collected rainwater instead of distilled water, reusing water is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce your impact on the environment.
Make Your Compost Pile
Not only will composting help you cut down on waste by recycling organic materials, but it also helps fertilize the soil around your home as well as reduce your carbon footprint. If you don’t have a garden, consider donating your compost pile to someone who does!
Plant Lots of Shade-Tolerant Plants
Shade tolerant plants not only look great hanging out in front of your home, but they’re also great at cooling the temperature outside and within. This is because they protect both homes and people from direct sunlight through their leaves and root systems which means less energy use for cooling.
Keep Your Lawn Short and Use Less Water
Keeping your lawn short not only saves water but also reduces your mowing time which means that you’ll save money on fuel costs in the long run. Not to mention, when you mow less often lawn clippings recycle nutrients back into the soil when they decompose!
Use Green Cleaning Products Whenever Possible
Not only are green cleaning alternatives often cheaper than their chemical-laden counterparts, but they’re also better for both humans and the environment. This is because many of them are made from plant matter (versus chemicals like traditional cleaners). That’s why it’s always a good idea to opt for green cleaning products next time you go to restock your cupboards!
Use Recyclable Materials for Your Flooring and Countertops Whenever Possible
Using eco-friendly materials is one of the easiest ways to help save the environment while making sure that your renovations are sustainable. For flooring, consider using bamboo or cork which are both renewable resources.
For countertops, recycled glass does the trick. Doing so will not only create a more sustainable home, but it will also give your home a unique look that’s all your own!
If you want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2022 ( – 20% in 2010 ) compared to 1990 levels, then you need to do something about your house. It accounts for up to 30% of total energy consumed. One of the best ways to reduce your impact is through sustainable home remodeling.
Transforming Your Home Into an Eco-Friendly Environment
Using recycled materials for flooring and countertops is an eco-friendly way to reduce the impact of your renovation efforts which also gives your home a unique look all its own! If you want to use less energy in 2022 than in 2010, consider doing something about your house.
It accounts for up to 30% of total energy consumed so it’s important to do something about this real issue. One of the best ways to reduce climate gas emissions is by doing a sustainable home remodel.
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