Six Ways That You Can Go Greener On Your Home Improvement And Renovation Project

Home improvement and renovation projects are an excellent opportunity to make your property more environmentally friendly.

There are plenty of ways to make your renovation project greener, like reducing your energy usage to choosing sustainable materials. Everyone has seen the signs of climate change in recent years. You'll have read the stories about the massive heatwaves in Spain already this year, and everyone is going to have one eye on the summer. It's so important to think about your individual carbon footprint. There's no denying that working on your property is going to have an impact on that, but it is a chance for you to reduce your energy wastage and carbon emissions in the future. 

Choose Sustainable Materials

Let's start with one of the easiest steps, shall we? Which is good news really, because it's also one of the most important. Sustainable materials simply means that they've been produced with minimal impact on the environment. For example, you can look at using recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled glass tiles. Not only are these good for the environment, but they can also bring a unique look and feel to your project that materials fresh off the production line just don't offer. 

You could also think about using renewable materials like bamboo or cork flooring. These are more environmentally friendly than traditional options like hardwood flooring, which can take decades to grow and be harvested. Look for products with eco-certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Cradle to Cradle (C2C). These certifications guarantee that the materials have been produced with minimal environmental impact.

Reduce Energy Usage

Most people are thinking about reducing their energy usage at the moment. Energy bills have been on the front pages for the last few months. People have been forced to worry about whether they'll be able to afford to heat their homes. It might seem like it's less of a problem in the summer, but you'll be amazed by just how quickly the winter rolls around again. So, how can you make sure that your home uses less energy? Think about installing energy-efficient appliances, such as LED light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, and Energy Star-certified appliances.

You can also reduce energy usage by insulating your home properly. Proper insulation means that you'll have a much easier time staying cool in hot weather and warm in the winter. That means that you're not going to need to run your central heating and air conditioning anywhere near as much. Your AC is something you're going to have to think about even if that sounds weird for the UK.

Invest in Solar Panels

Solar panels generate electricity from the sun and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. This is great news for the environment and it will keep your energy bills down too. That's something which is appealing to most homeowners at the moment.

It's essential to work with a qualified installer. They can help you determine the best location for the panels and ensure that they are installed correctly. You might also want to check the government guidelines and see what the rules are in your local council. There have been incentives to use them in the past so don't miss out!

Reuse Or Recycle Materials

There tends to be an awful lot of waste involved in these projects. It's so important that you think about how you can get rid of them responsibly. For example, you can reuse old doors or windows in your new design or donate them to a local charity. You can also recycle materials such as old flooring or cabinets.

Your contractor should be made aware of the fact that you want to recycle or reuse as much as possible. They can help you find ways to incorporate these materials into your new design. They should also be able to give you pointers on the best places to dispose of waste properly, and they might even be able to take care of that for you.

Don't Forget Your Tree Surveys

It's essential that you consider any trees on your property. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits, including shade, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. However, they can also be a potential hazard during construction.

Before starting your project, consider hiring a professional tree surveyor to assess your trees. They can identify any potential issues and recommend steps to protect them during construction. Remember that it's not just about the impact of taking out trees now, it's about how your actions will impact the surrounding area and new growth in the future. You're required by law to do this so it's crucial that you find a qualified tree survey team. You can find out more about tree surveys by visiting 24Housing and talking to the specialists that can help you.

You should also get in touch with a qualified tree surgeon if you need to take anything down (and you're cleared to do so). They can ensure that the trees are removed safely and that any waste is disposed of correctly.

Use Low-VOC Paint

Traditional paints can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are harmful to the environment and they're definitely not great for your health either. Consider using low-VOC or no-VOC paints if you've got a major paint job for your project. These paints contain fewer or no VOCs, making them more environmentally friendly and safer for you and your family.

Look for products with eco-certifications such as Green Seal or EcoLogo. These certifications guarantee that the products have been produced with minimal environmental impact.

Making your home improvement and renovation project greener doesn't have to be complicated. Simple steps such as choosing sustainable materials, reducing energy usage, and investing in solar panels can make a big difference. Additionally, don't forget to consider your trees, reuse, or recycle materials, and use low-VOC paint. It's worth remembering that a lot of the steps that you'll be taking will help to save you money in future. Everyone hopes that energy prices will go down. But warmer weather is here to stay and the climate crisis isn't going anywhere.