Upgrading your place can be an exciting journey that brings you one step closer to your dream home. Making your renovations more sustainable along the journey is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, increase energy savings and minimize your environmental impact.
1. Prioritize Recycled Building Materials
Any renovation project will require extra building materials, and you can make a difference by choosing recycled versions. For context, recycled steel can reduce up to 65% of your carbon footprint and save up to 75% of energy. You can also explore recycled glass, plastic and rubber.
Other eco-friendly alternatives exist, such as fly ash from coal power plants to bio-based materials. You could also upcycle what you currently have to avoid using new resources.
2. Add a Green Roof
Consider adding a green roof when renovating the top of your house. Also known as living roofs, these involve creating a surface that is either partly or completely covered with vegetation. They help manage stormwater and indirectly insulate the space.
Depending on what you cultivate on top, the green roof can also improve biodiversity. Grass is often the most popular choice, as it does minimal to no damage to your home’s structural integrity.
3. Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is becoming the norm due to its improvements in comfort and convenience. Most renovation projects integrate these systems. Approximately 103.15 million homes in the U.S. are expected to utilize it by 2028.
Mother Nature would also approve of adding these smart devices. After all, you can automate simple tasks like scheduling the lights or water sprinklers to turn on and off. Improve energy efficiency to help out the environment.
4. Transition to Electrical Alternatives
Another mindful renovation choice is to transition to electrical alternatives instead. For example, induction appliances are three times more effective than gas stoves and are much better for the environment. Plus, you can still make the most comforting home-cooked meals on it.
You could also switch from furnaces to electric heat pumps instead. These can provide energy-efficient heating in colder climates to keep your house cozy.
5. Integrate Water-Saving Fixtures
In addition to conserving power, you could also save some water. Include your plumbing system in your renovation plans and explore some water-saving features. Frequently used fixtures should be prioritized for the most effect.
For example, install low-flow showerheads and toilets. A water-saving aerator would also minimize your water consumption for the faucets without compromising your handwashing and dishwashing.
6. Create a Native Garden
Thinking of sprucing up your yard area? Add native plants to boost and sustain the ecosystem for the long term. Make sure you space them out and review their ideal soil conditions so that they can grow and beautify your space.
You can add other eco-friendly installations, such as a bedrock or bamboo bench. Just be mindful of how you organize these new additions to avoid disturbing your greenery.
7. Add Solar-Powered Lighting Outdoors
Consider adding solar-powered lights to your outdoor area as well. Utility-scale solar prevents 125 million metric tons of CO2 emissions yearly. Plus, it’s self-sufficient, which means low maintenance while reliable.
Remember to install these fixtures in an unshaded area to soak up as much direct sunlight as possible. You should also space them out to get a good amount of illumination throughout this area when it becomes a low-light space.
8. Switch to Low-VOC or Natural Paints
Whether you’re working on the outside or inside of your home, consider choosing more eco-friendly paint alternatives. Paints that contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs can off-gas for months even after they’ve dried, as they need to complete the curing process.
The VOCs emitted are harmful to your health and the environment. Use low-VOC or natural paints to color your home however you wish.
Create a Greener Home to Be Proud Of
Your renovation choices determine how cozy and eco-friendly your future home will be. Take note of your favorite ways to be more sustainable throughout the process and create a home that you and Mother Nature would be proud of.
