Are you thinking of renovating your home? Besides being visually appealing, designing spaces means thoughtful choices about what types of materials are being used. Eco-friendly options not only look amazing, but they can improve air quality, reduce energy costs, and last longer than traditional materials. Here are eight surprising ways to make your home renovation a little greener:
1. Cork Flooring
Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, cork flooring is renewable, naturally insulating, and resistant to mold. Most importantly, cork is harvested by stripping the bark of the tree (not cutting it down) and the bark re-grows fully every 9-12 years.
Besides flooring, cork wall panels are often used for absorbing sound or as a full-wall cork board where you can pin your ideas, calendars, and artwork.
2. Double-Pane vs. Triple-Pane Windows
Most of us have heard of double-pane windows by now (two layers of glass to help cut down on energy costs compared to older single-pane windows) but what would getting triple-pane windows help with? Triple-pane windows or ones with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings will improve insulation only further, keep heating/cooling costs down, and block UV rays without sacrificing natural light. These windows are especially common in colder climates. Think of it as one more layer against the elements!
3. Energy-Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Systems
Especially if you’re renovating an older home, Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems help keep your home fresh while recycling heat and moisture from outgoing air. This reduces strain on heating and cooling systems, improving efficiency and lowering energy costs. ERVs are ideal for well-insulated homes, balancing humidity and air quality while cutting down on wasted energy.
4. Marmoleum Flooring
Made from natural ingredients like linseed oil and jute plant, Marmoleum is durable, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals, making it a great alternative to less sustainable materials. It also comes in unlimited colors and some companies are even making amazing patterns for extra visual appeal.
5. Eco-Countertops
These days, there’s a whole slew of amazing countertop materials on the market that are considered eco-friendly. Here are just a few to consider:
- Recycled glass and/or terrazzo countertops: recycled glass or marble chips set in resin or concrete, can get in many different colors
- Soapstone countertops: considered eco-friendly because unlike granite or marble, soapstone does not need a sealant/chemical treatments which are harmful to the environment and is 100% recyclable so can be used for other materials after it’s life as a countertop)
- Bamboo countertops: Made from a fast-growing renewable bamboo plant
- Recycled Stainless Steel countertops: Eco-friendly stainless steel countertops are available through sustainable manufacturers, local metal fabricators, and salvage yards. Many suppliers offer 60-100% recycled content, reducing waste and energy use.
These are just a few of what is out there as an alternative to traditional materials.
6. Heat Pump Systems
7. Reclaimed Materials
Choosing reclaimed materials for your home may take more time and effort, but the benefits go far beyond sustainability. Not only do they add character and history to a space, but they also offer durability, longevity, and even long-term value. Many reclaimed materials, especially old-growth wood, come from trees that grew naturally for centuries, making them denser, stronger, and more resistant to warping than modern lumber from tree farms.
8. Eco-Friendly Appliances
Besides the energy-saving appliances like high-efficiency washing machines and smart thermostats, here are some other options to consider:
- Heat-Recovery Dishwashers: Unlike traditional dishwashers, these models capture and reuse heat from previous cycles to warm water for the next load, significantly reducing energy consumption.
- Refrigerators with Phase-Change Materials: Instead of constantly running a compressor, these innovative fridges use phase-change materials (PCMs) to store and release cold energy efficiently, cutting down on electricity use.
- Induction Cooktops: Using magnetic fields to heat cookware directly, induction cooktops are far more energy-efficient than gas or traditional electric stoves, reducing heat waste and cooking food faster.
- Dual flush toilets: A simple but effective water-saving fixture, dual-flush toilets let you choose between a low-water flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, reducing unnecessary water use.
