Are you in the market for home renovation? Join the club. More than half of homeowners renovated in 2021. But with all of that renovation comes a lot of waste. From throwing away old furniture and materials to buying brand-new goods, renovating isn’t always the most environmentally friendly practice.

If you’re interested in keeping sustainability in mind while renovating your home, you’re in luck. More and more companies are producing environmentally friendly materials and practices to aid in your home renovation journey. At DYM Builders, we value sustainability and are willing to put it at the forefront of your renovation if you are so inclined. 

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started with making your home more sustainable! 

Choose environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo flooring or cork tiles

One of the best ways to renovate sustainably is to use reused or recycled materials. Whether you’re looking for flooring, countertops, or cabinets, there are plenty of options available that come from recycled materials. Reclaimed wood is a popular choice, but there are also many options made from recycled plastic or metal. 

Bamboo is another great sustainable material for floors, countertops, and cabinets. It’s a fast-growing grass that doesn’t require much water or pesticides to grow, making it a more environmentally friendly option than wood. Cork is another great sustainable material that can be used for flooring, walls, or ceilings. It’s made from the bark of cork trees and is a renewable resource.

Install energy-efficient windows and doors to reduce your carbon footprint

Having strong insulation in your house can help lower your energy bill by conserving heat and air conditioning. That same logic can be applied to your windows and doors. If they’re not properly insulated, heat and air can escape, making your HVAC system work harder than necessary. Installing energy-efficient windows and doors can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bill.

Add a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater from the roof for use in the garden or washing the car

Rainwater is a great resource that we should protect. Because so much of our rainwater is not reabsorbed into the ground due to pavement and hardscaping, it’s a great idea to collect as much as possible with a rainwater harvesting system for later use. Often, this is as easy as buying a rain barrel and positioning it underneath a gutter.

You can use the rainwater you collect for watering your garden, washing your car, or even cleaning your house! Plus, you can design a spot for your rain barrel that blends in with the rest of your backyard’s aesthetic. Many companies also sell gorgeous rain barrels with a terra cotta look.

Use low-VOC or no-VOC products whenever possible

When renovating, make sure to choose low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and other finishes. These finishes release fewer harmful chemicals into the air, making them better for both your health and the environment. You can find great low-VOC and no-VOC paints online.

Install energy-efficient appliances and lighting

Another great way to go green with your renovation is by choosing Energy Star-rated appliances and products. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that most appliances and electronics already have an Energy Star rating. By choosing products with this rating, you can save money on your energy bill while still being environmentally friendly.

There are also lighting options that are environmentally-friendly. Consider LED lighting, which uses less energy and lasts longer than traditional light bulbs. You can also find solar-powered lights for your home exterior.

Connect your home to a smart energy management system that can save you money on your utility bills

A smart energy management system is a great way to save money and conserve energy. These systems allow you to monitor and control your home’s energy use. You can set timers, schedule energy-saving activities, and receive alerts if there’s an issue. Many smart energy management systems also come with a mobile application to easily manage your home’s energy use.

Additionally, you can sign up for clean energy even if you don’t have the space for solar panels. Some energy companies offer plans that subsidize your energy usage with energy from a solar farm. They’ll also save you money in the long run thanks to tax credits!

Plant trees and gardens around your home to create natural insulation and reduce air pollution

The natural thought when going green is to simply integrate more greenery into your space. The more trees and plants you have around and in your house, the cleaner your air will be. Outdoor plants can also provide insulation for your home and some much-needed shade in the sunnier months.

Not only are trees and plants crucial for creating a healthy environment, but they also play an important role in reducing your carbon footprint. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful chemicals from the atmosphere, which can help reduce your home’s contribution to air pollution.

Educate yourself about green building practices and find a contractor who can help you implement them

Of course, it’s vital that you understand your own carbon footprint and how your home impacts it. Educate yourself about the options out there and what you may be able to do in the future.

Working with a contractor that understands green building practices and energy conservation can also help substantially. DYM Builders has designers, architects, and engineers all under one roof to help you envision your dream from the first to final steps. Learn more about our offerings on our website.