You don’t need to plan for complex renovations, such as adding geothermal energy or a green roof, in order to do your part for the planet. Accessible actions can be taken to achieve sustainable and ecological renovations.
Renovating can have a positive impact on the environment. From waste management to the choice of materials and sensible purchasing, here are some essentials:
Repurposing Materials and Furniture
Are you removing your hardwood floor for a new one? Post pictures of it online so that your old hardwood floor slats can be used for someone else’s project. For example, they may want to use it for an accent wall! You can also visit garage sales in search of objects that you can integrate into your renovations, such as used shelving or an armchair that is still in good condition.
Zero-VOC Paint
When the time comes to paint walls or transform old furniture, consider choosing zero-VOC paint, which is paint that is free of organic volatile compounds. Eco-friendly paints do not contain toxic substances that evaporate into the air and pollute it. This type of paint is easy to find, even in supermarkets.
Efficient Windows and Doors
If you need to replace the doors and windows in your home, opt for models that are highly energy efficient. Therefore, in the cold season, hot air will stay indoors and the same goes for cool air in the summer. There are also windows that store the energy of the sun’s rays to provide heat during the winter.
Water-Efficient Faucets
Although a powerful shower jet can be nice, it contributes significantly to wasted drinking water. Low-flow is a better choice for sinks, showers, and toilets. Also, be sure to make high-quality purchases to ensure they last!
Smart Building Materials
Another step in the right direction when it comes to sustainable renovations is the choice of materials. There are several that deserve to be mentioned:
- Eco-friendly wood: Not all trees are cut down in an eco-friendly way! The ones that are have special certification. Bamboo is also a green choice since it reaches maturity in just 7 years and releases more than 35% oxygen into the air.
- Hemp blocks: Hemp is an ideal choice for insulation and it is both effective and gentle on the environment. It pollutes very little and only needs a small amount of fertilizer and pesticides to grow.
- Wood fiber panels: They are made of wood chips that act as thermal bridges. They can replace polystyrene boards that are derived from petrochemicals, non-recyclable and don’t diffuse moisture as well.
According to the Association provinciale des constructeurs d’habitation du Québec (APCHQ), the construction sector accounts for 20% of primary energy consumption. As a homeowner, it is possible to make a difference!