Top Sustainable Construction Renovation Ideas for Your Home
Going sustainable is a popular trend when it comes to renovating old homes as well as creating new ones. It's widely known that sustainable construction practices are not just better for the environment but can also reduce homeowner costs by cutting utility bills and extending the LifeLife of building materials.
So, if you're looking to renovate your home in a more sustainable way? Check out our top sustainable construction ideas below!
Going Solar
Saving money on your energy bills can be difficult, especially when there are so many other things to pay for. However, by installing solar panels in your home, you'll be able to reap the rewards of renewable energy and help protect the environment at the same time!
Solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of renewable energy and is getting popular, so let the sunshine in! Skylights and solar panels are great sustainable renovations you can undertake for your home.
Insulate as much as you can
If you have ever lived in an older building, the most common problem is poor insulation and drafts. To increase insulation, try installing new and high-quality insulation or adding extra layers to old materials. With better insulation, you're not just protecting your home, but you're also reducing your energy bills. Because of efficient insulation, you can set your thermostat at a lower setting in wintertime and cooler during the hot summer months.
Alongside, you can buy thicker window shades. You can also install weather stripping around doors and windows, use thicker curtains on drafty windows, or even hang sheets across open doorways for temporary protection.
Upgrade appliances to eco-friendly models
One of the easiest ways to adopt sustainable living is by changing heating or cooling systems. There are many different types of HVAC systems available, but by switching to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, you can save up to 50% on your monthly utility bill. That could pocket enormous savings and can put that towards making other home improvements.
Try to choose appliances certified by ENERGY STAR, no matter if they're expensive upfront because your investment will be paying for itself in your future bills. You can get all the appliances around your home, like a dishwasher, HVAC system, refrigerator, lighting, washer, and dryer.
When it comes to the water heater, there're new tank-less versions available certified by ENERGY STAR. They're great at saving energy as well as providing you with unlimited hot water in cold winters.
Save water- Save Life
If you've got a dripping faucet around your kitchen or bathroom, you're wasting litres of water for none. Older home plumbing fixtures are not that good at saving water. There're now low-flow models available in the market. They do pretty well in terms of reducing water consumption in your toilet.
A dual-flush is a water-saving design that allows two separate flushing volumes for disposing of waste. The half flush is for disposing of liquid waste, while a full flush works for solid waste. Similarly, there's a low-flow shower head that allows you to use enough water without wasting it down your plughole.
Also, make sure you have reasonable pressure from your home's main water line. For an average home's plumbing, a pressure of 35 psi is sufficient. If you have high pressures in your faucets, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). They're pretty good at cutting water costs and expanding the lifespan of pipes.
Sustainable remodelling going through the roof
A green roof is one of the most popular ways to make homes and buildings more environmentally friendly. It's also an excellent way to save money on heating and cooling costs, increase property value, and reduce the urban heat island effect. And the best part is that there are so many types of green roofs you'll be able to find one that fits your needs no matter what they are.
Rooftop Gardening – This type of green roof features using plants, soil, gravel or sand, and water as well as climate control methods such as shading or windbreaks. The benefit of rooftop gardens is that they can be used for food production while at the same time creating insulation from heat waves.
If you're living in a warm climate, you can invest in cool roofs. They've got a useful feature of reflecting the sun's rays that can otherwise increase your home's temperature.
Invest in LED Lights
Your average energy bill comprises 15% of the cost of artificial lighting. But you can considerably reduce this bill by replacing all your lights with LEDs. They're a sustainable source of light, not only letting you save money on energy costs but also offering brighter and whiter light. These lights are made of durable materials that last up to 50,000 hours.
Use natural lights
Combine the use of LEDs with natural daylight. Adding natural light is an easy and affordable way for you to make your home more energy efficient. When the sun shines through windows, it reduces the need for artificial light.
And when you have windows on multiple walls, it creates an even greater sense of space. So, if you want to save some energy and money while making your house feel bigger and brighter, consider adding natural light where you can.
You can also incorporate skylights in your rooms. They let natural light into your space and make your home warm in winter. They can instantly elevate the mood and also brings various health benefits.
The bottom line
With energy costs on the rise and concerns over global warming, it is becoming increasingly important to conserve energy and be environmentally friendly. That's where these sustainable renovations can be handy at reducing energy consumption in your home. If you're tight on budget, you can rely on relatively inexpensive home improvement ideas that still have long-term benefits for both you and the environment!
