You know that a sustainable renovation is an ideal solution for your high energy and water bills. But the problem is you don’t know much about it or how you can make your home sustainable without building your home from scratch.
With everything in your home already set, we understand that it can be difficult for you to change some features. But it doesn’t have to be this way, as there are a few ways you can have your sustainable renovation.
What is Sustainable Renovation?
Sustainable renovation is an upgrade to your home that reduces the amount of energy you consume. This can be done through a variety of methods.
The benefits of sustainable renovation are numerous. Not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you will also be doing your part in helping the environment.
6 Elements of Sustainable Homes
Smart Appliances
What better way to make a home sustainable than installing some smart appliances?
Most smart appliances are energy efficient, capable of reducing electricity bills by more than 10%. They can also help you save time and effort.
Automated Thermostat
Automated thermostats not only help you save on your energy bills, but they can also make your home more comfortable.
Most automated thermostats have many features, including occupancy detection and automatic temperature adjustment.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
LED lights are a great way to save on energy costs. LED lights consume far less energy than incandescent lights, and they last much longer.
Organic Plantation
Having an organic garden is a great way to improve the look of your home whilst also providing you with a source of healthy food. Not only will you be able to save money on your grocery bills, but you will also know that the food you are eating is organic and healthy.
Good Insulation
Home heating systems may provide you with some comfort in cold weather. However, many homeowners are unaware of the cost of running these systems.
In addition to the high cost of running home heating systems, they also produce a lot of pollution, harmful to both people and the environment.
Solar Energy Source
If your electricity comes from the sun, you can save a lot of money on your energy bills. Solar energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
How Do You Renovate Sustainably?
You don’t have to apply all the elements of a sustainable renovation, but you can do your best to incorporate as much eco-friendliness in your home.
You can renovate sustainably by doing the following:
Use water-saving bathroom fixtures.
To conserve water in your bathroom, consider installing a low-flow showerhead. This will help you save up to 10 gallons of water per minute.
You can also conserve water by installing a dual-flush toilet. This will allow you to use one flush for solid waste and the other one for liquid waste.
Make use of natural light.
Increase natural light indoors by strategically positioning your mirrors, adding larger windows, and relocating windows facing south.
If natural light through windows is not an option, install a skylight. It allows the natural light to pass through your roof.
As for artificial light, use LEDs, as they can make a tremendous difference in your energy bills and last for years.
Install a fireplace.
A fireplace is a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your home. It also provides you with a natural heating system that is 30% more efficient to run than a stove.
Use eco-friendly paint.
When choosing paint for your sustainable renovation, make sure to select one that does not have harmful chemicals.
Eco-friendly paints are just as good as traditional paints, and they come in a variety of colours and finishes.
Draught-proofing
One of the main ways to make your home comfortable is by ensuring that there are no draughts, as they can cause discomfort to the home occupants.
You can ask your builders to fix the draughts in your home by doing the following:
- Weather stripping all doors and windows
- Installing door sweeps on all exterior doors
- Caulking any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and baseboards
Recycle
Reclaimed wood flooring is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. It is made from wood that has been recycled from other structures.
This type of flooring is sustainable because it does not require the destruction of any trees.
In addition, reclaimed wood flooring comes in a variety of colours and styles, so you can find one that will perfectly match your home’s décor.
Another great way to sustainably renovate your home is by reclaiming furniture.
You may also buy your materials from eco-friendly companies that recycle waste materials to be good as new. You can find materials, such as glass, concrete, and tiles for your renovation.
Install solar panels
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your reliance on the grid and help you save money on your energy bills.
You can install solar panels in two ways:
- Permanently mount them on your roof.
- Install portable panels that you can move around as needed.
Green roofing
Green roofing describes a roof that is covered in vegetation. Having a green roof provides a lot of benefits. It includes insulation, low energy bills, improves stormwater management, and extends your roof life.
In addition, a green roof can also help to reduce the amount of pollution in the environment.
Conclusion
Sustainable renovation is a great way to upgrade your home and help the environment. You can use various methods to make your home more sustainable, including using water-saving fixtures, using natural light, or installing a fireplace.
Whatever method you choose, sustainable renovation is beneficial in many ways. That is why it is highly encouraged.
If you need help with your house’s sustainable renovation, contact MKJ today!
