If you are feeling an itch to renovate your home into something new and different, why not consider upgrading its sustainability as well? If you want to help the environment but are not sure how, then keep reading to learn how you can have a green renovation.
1. Reduce
The easiest and quickest way to have a green renovation is to reduce the new materials you are going to use. This can range from reusing whatever materials you had from prior renovations to shrinking the scope of your renovation.
Remember, when you use fewer materials, you create less waste. For example, you will be decreasing transportation costs and waste. If you are looking for ways to shrink the scope of your renovation, consider hybridizing new rooms. Make your new laundry room a mini-gym, or turn a new guest bedroom into a home office.
2. Reuse
In line with the previous tip, reuse items in your renovation. Don’t throw out old furniture, but refinish it and use it again. Also, use reclaimed wood as the main material. Refinish old cabinets instead of tossing them and repaint old hinges and doorknobs. You can even use old countertops as a garden pathway.
If you can’t find a way to reuse an item, donate it to a thrift store. Maybe someone else can find a use for your old furniture. When you do, write off the value of that item on your tax return!
3. Recycle
Finally, if you can’t find a way to reuse your waste, be sure to find a way to sustainably recycle it. Be sure to check your local municipality on what is ok to throw in the trash, what you need to take to the dump, and what materials need to be safely handled and disposed of by professionals.
4. Go high-efficiency
Make sure that you use high-efficiency appliances and electronics in a renovation. This will not only save you money on your electrical, water, and heating bills but will make your home more sustainable. Some items that you can consider replacing include:
- Lights – Replace your lights with LEDs. LEDs use energy efficient lighting, which means that they use 75% less electricity and last 8 to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Further ways to upgrade your electricity is to include dimmers and motion sensors in your remodel.
- Refrigerator – Replacing an old fringe with a newer Energy Star certified model can reduce electricity usage by up to 40%.
- Toilets – Install low-flow toilets in your home to save gallons of water every flush.
- Thermostat – A smart thermostat can determine what the ideal temperature is for your home and can adjust automatically. It can also heat and cool rooms individually based on whether it senses a person, which can help reduce your energy bills.
- Windows – Replace older windows with high-efficiency double-pane windows. They will seal your home better and cut down on heat loss in the winter and AC loss in the summer.
5. Use green materials
When implementing a renovation, use eco-friendly materials. If you are replacing your floor, consider using bamboo or cork. Bamboo grows extremely quickly and is carbon negative, and cork can be harvested from trees without killing them. When installing new insulation, use recyclable, non-toxic materials to keep your home warm.
6. Source Locally
Try to locally source the materials in your renovation. This will cut down on transportation costs and oil and gas usage. This will also have the added benefit of making your home look more natural and fit in with your environment.
By taking these various tips into account, you can find ways to make your renovation sustainable and eco-friendly. Plus, you will also save money in the long run. Additionally, green renovations are seen as something that massively boosts the value of your home.