6 Tips for Making Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable
Four architects reveal how to reduce the environmental impact of your home project
Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, it’s a great opportunity to make your home environmentally friendly. From finding local materials to designing easy-to-clean spaces with an eye to the future, here are six expert insights you need to know if you’re eager to go green.
Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes
2. Pick the Right Architect or Building Designer
It may seem obvious, but if a sustainable build or renovation is your focus, it’s important to work with an architect or building designer who specializes in this area. “Choose a designer who understands passive solar design principles — good design saves energy and materials, and will make your home more functional, comfortable and beautiful,” says Rhiannon Hayward-Steers, architect at Hindley & Co.
On Houzz you can search the professional directory for home pros who support sustainable practices. Filter your directory search by pro type and select Eco-Friendly under the Business Highlights pull-down. You can also find the Eco-Friendly badge on individual pro profiles.
Find architects who support sustainable practices on Houzz
2. Pick the Right Architect or Building Designer
It may seem obvious, but if a sustainable build or renovation is your focus, it’s important to work with an architect or building designer who specializes in this area. “Choose a designer who understands passive solar design principles — good design saves energy and materials, and will make your home more functional, comfortable and beautiful,” says Rhiannon Hayward-Steers, architect at Hindley & Co.
On Houzz you can search the professional directory for home pros who support sustainable practices. Filter your directory search by pro type and select Eco-Friendly under the Business Highlights pull-down. You can also find the Eco-Friendly badge on individual pro profiles.
Find architects who support sustainable practices on Houzz
Fete Nature Architecture
3. Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials
When you’re building or renovating your dream home, don’t get caught up in the idea of having the newest and shiniest products. Materials such as recycled wood are not only an environmentally sound choice, but they can add real character to spots such as countertops, floors and walls. “Recycled bricks and roof tiles are other products you might consider using,” says Kirsten Johnstone, director at Kirsten Johnstone Architecture.
When it comes to wood, seek out species that are responsibly sourced. “Renewable plantation timber, preferably locally sourced, is the most sustainable building material because it can be regrown and the plantations store carbon,” says Anne Hindley, architect and director at Hindley & Co.
3. Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials
When you’re building or renovating your dream home, don’t get caught up in the idea of having the newest and shiniest products. Materials such as recycled wood are not only an environmentally sound choice, but they can add real character to spots such as countertops, floors and walls. “Recycled bricks and roof tiles are other products you might consider using,” says Kirsten Johnstone, director at Kirsten Johnstone Architecture.
When it comes to wood, seek out species that are responsibly sourced. “Renewable plantation timber, preferably locally sourced, is the most sustainable building material because it can be regrown and the plantations store carbon,” says Anne Hindley, architect and director at Hindley & Co.
Southend Reclaimed
How do you know if the products you’re choosing are sustainable? Look for industry-recognized certification, Johnstone says. For example:
How do you know if the products you’re choosing are sustainable? Look for industry-recognized certification, Johnstone says. For example:
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) provides a certification process for environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically responsible forest management for timber products.
- Global GreenTag provides certification for many products and is recognized in over 70 countries. It is compliant with numerous ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, providing internationally accepted quality-management standards.
Erika Altenhofen, CKBD - Neil Kelly Co.
4. Ask More Questions
“Designing sustainably is not just about the initial choices you make. It also includes asking deeper questions, such as, ‘How is the product manufactured? Who made it — was it produced in the equivalent of a sweatshop and shipped from overseas? When and where should this product be used?’” Johnstone says.
4. Ask More Questions
“Designing sustainably is not just about the initial choices you make. It also includes asking deeper questions, such as, ‘How is the product manufactured? Who made it — was it produced in the equivalent of a sweatshop and shipped from overseas? When and where should this product be used?’” Johnstone says.
Young & Borlik Architects
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Technology
Hayward-Steers recommends reducing your reliance on the grid (and seeing your energy bills tumble) by specifying energy-saving heating and cooling technology. “Think solar panels, high-efficiency heat pumps and geothermal heating and cooling,” she says.
And when you are shopping for major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers and washing machines, seek out energy-efficient styles that consume less water and power.
Find builders who support sustainable practices on Houzz
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Technology
Hayward-Steers recommends reducing your reliance on the grid (and seeing your energy bills tumble) by specifying energy-saving heating and cooling technology. “Think solar panels, high-efficiency heat pumps and geothermal heating and cooling,” she says.
And when you are shopping for major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers and washing machines, seek out energy-efficient styles that consume less water and power.
Find builders who support sustainable practices on Houzz
Green Hammer
6. Make It Easy to Clean
Create a healthier interior by choosing finishes that can be easily cleaned without toxic chemicals, including tiles and wood floorboards, and appliances that can be wiped down easily, Scipioni says.
In the kitchen, she says, consider:
6. Make It Easy to Clean
Create a healthier interior by choosing finishes that can be easily cleaned without toxic chemicals, including tiles and wood floorboards, and appliances that can be wiped down easily, Scipioni says.
In the kitchen, she says, consider:
- Matte and semi-gloss kitchen cabinetry finishes that reduce the visibility of fingerprints and stains.
- Nonporous stone or glass backsplashes and countertops — they are durable, extremely hygienic and simple to clean.
- Create as much storage as possible to keep countertops clutter-free and easy to wipe down.
- Incorporating an appliance cabinet where you can store and easily access frequently used appliances such as the microwave, coffee maker and food processor.
- Give your healthy cleaning routine a further boost by choosing eco-conscious cleaning supplies that keep your home sparkling without the nasty chemicals.
Tali Hardonag Architect
In the bathroom, consider:
Your turn: Do you have any tips for making a remodel or new build more sustainable? Share in the Comments.
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In the bathroom, consider:
- Wall-hung vanities and toilets that are easy to clean underneath.
- A back-to-wall bath rather than a freestanding style if your bathroom is small — there are fewer hard-to-reach spots to scrub with toxic cleaning agents.
- Large-format tiles with fewer grout lines to clean.
- Recessed or semi-recessed sinks; the joint between the sink and countertop is minimized, allowing a long-lasting and easy-to-clean fixture.
Your turn: Do you have any tips for making a remodel or new build more sustainable? Share in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories on green building
Find pros for your project
Shop for products
1. Look Beyond Price
If you’re building or renovating on a budget, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest products and materials. But this can often be a false economy, leading to unnecessary waste, says Nathalie Scipioni, architect and director at Nathalie Scipioni Architects.
“Renovators often focus on the price of products and materials, finding it more affordable to source them overseas. But many cheap, overseas products are very often not of the same quality [as the more expensive, local equivalents] and end up breaking down faster and more often. This can result in repair costs, replacements and waste. As such, it is always best to prioritize durability and quality over price,” Scipioni says.