Taking care of the planet and the surrounding environment can seem taxing, but our daily tasks and projects can be more sustainable than you think. Sustainable practices during remodeling or construction projects are one way to limit damage to the environment. Remodeling can create a large amount of waste and often needs you to access new non-renewable resources. Adopting sustainable remodeling practices, as a homeowner or a contractor, will help all of us have a better community to live in. Here are some ways you can make your remodel more environmentally friendly and reduce damage to our local ecosystem.
1- Invest In Renewable Energy
Reducing energy consumption is an important sustainable practice for businesses, homes, schools, and more. Renewable energy sources reduce our need for fossil fuels while still giving places modern conveniences like electricity, heating, and cooling. Solar panels or geothermal heating are great ways to keep your space comfortable without negatively impacting the environment.
Renewable energy may have a higher initial cost, but the benefits in the long term can save you money while using your space and prevent environmental damage. Renewable energy is a great first step for individuals wanting to become more eco-conscious.
2- Find Eco-Friendly Materials
Remodeling a space typically comes with the desire for new materials or modern fixtures. Choosing eco-friendly materials will still help you achieve a modern look without contributing to harmful emissions. Eco-friendly materials can include:
- Bamboo floors
- Precast concrete
- Recycled materials
- Reclaimed wood
- Sheep’s wool
- Cork
- Straw
- Mycelium
- Clay brick
Prioritizing eco-friendly materials will create healthier living spaces or workspaces while supporting the environment.
3- Minimizing Waste
When it comes to materials, you can either use recycled materials or use less to reduce the waste that is created. Even if you utilize new materials for a modern look, once your project is complete, go through your leftover materials and recycle what can be recycled. Using renewable resources also prevents energy waste. Depletion of natural resources and using excess energy to complete a remodel are not recommended on the list of sustainable remodeling practices.
Deconstruction techniques are also important in remodeling. If you are working with an old building that needs to be deconstructed, ensure that you salvage reusable materials and save what you can for future use.
4- Upgrade Appliances
Older buildings often have appliances that use a lot of energy and are contributing to environmental damage. Older water heaters, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dishwashers, HVAC systems, and others can impede your other energy-efficient practices. Many appliances now have energy ratings that help you know which option is best for your home. For example, water heaters have ratings by The Department of Energy to show how much energy waste they contribute to the environment.
Energy-efficient appliances may have a higher upfront price, but over many years, you will save money on monthly utility bills. Tankless water heaters, modern washers, or HVAC systems will all provide you with a more sustainable home.
5- Get An Energy Audit
Before you prepare to remodel, getting an energy audit will help you learn about inefficiencies in your home or business. Energy audits look at multiple components in a residential or commercial space like your appliances, heating systems, and lighting to see how much energy you use every month. This will help you choose new energy-efficient appliances that still help meet your needs.
Energy audits will also help show you spaces where you have leaks and a thermographic scan that shows where heat or air is drawn to. Sealing windows and doors during your remodel can help improve your other sustainable remodeling practices without breaking the bank.
6- Reclaim And Reuse As Much As Possible
As previously mentioned, there are many materials and practices that can be reused or recycled for another project. Whether you use recycled materials for your remodel, or donate your leftover materials to another remodeling project, these are great sustainable remodeling practices. More construction companies are taking the leftover materials to another project to create less waste when building commercial buildings or residential spaces.
Commercial Construction From EK Bailey
Our construction company builds multiple types of commercial projects in the state of Utah. We focus on retail, healthcare, hospitality, fuel stores, and auto dealerships. EK Bailey is committed to productive and eco-friendly construction practices. No matter what kind of project you are wanting to complete, our experts can make it happen. Reach out to us to start your design and pre-construction process today!