Where homeowners used to fancy imported countertops, high-pressure showerheads, and powerful irrigation systems, now we’re finding more and more homeowners are becoming eco-conscious, which is great! Not only does this help you save money on utility bills, but it also helps the environment. Home improvement projects like replacing verandah posts with sustainable materials are becoming increasingly popular, offering a perfect blend of style and environmental responsibility.
6 Steps To A More Sustainable Home
Wondering how you can help your home become more sustainable? We’ve got six steps to get you started.
1. Embodied Energy
What’s that?? – Basically it’s all of the materials needed to build or renovate a home, including the building materials, the manufacturing and transportation of those materials, the tools and energy put into the construction process, and so forth. Whether you’re building a new home entirely, or just doing a simple remodel of the kitchen, we should ask our contractor if it’s possible to use local materials from local suppliers, and also be mindful of the amount of equipment and effort it will take to complete the project.
2. Sustainable Storage Solutions
If you’re aiming to make your renovation project more sustainable, container hire can be a smart, eco-conscious choice for managing materials and space efficiently. When undertaking a renovation, the logistics of where to store tools, furniture, and building supplies can add to the embodied energy of the project. Renting a Shipping Container allows you to keep everything conveniently on-site, reducing the need for additional trips back and forth to off-site storage facilities. This minimizes fuel consumption and emissions, helping to keep your renovation as green as possible.
By choosing a container hire company that prioritizes environmentally friendly practices—such as recycling and maintaining their containers—you can further support sustainability efforts. Thoughtful planning about how materials and equipment are stored during your renovation can have a meaningful impact on the overall environmental footprint of your project.
3. Insulation
There’s probably no surprise that this made the list! For Florida homes, insulation is important to help keep that cool air circulating inside your home that your air conditioning is working so hard to generate. An energy efficiency survey can help determine if your window and door seals are letting too much cool air escape. The insulation and overall condition of your roof can also play a major factor in your home’s energy efficiency.
4. Solar panels
This wouldn’t be a sustainability article without the mention of solar panels, would it? While we know they can be costly, the money saved on energy bills, taxes and other “green benefits” can help cover the cost. Even if you only install enough solar panels to heat your pool and spa, that energy savings can be significant.
As individuals and businesses explore ways to reduce their carbon footprint, solar panels emerge as a versatile and impactful solution. Investing in a commercial solar system offers businesses the opportunity to contribute to a greener future while reaping the financial benefits of reduced energy costs.
5. Landscaping
Most newer, high-tech irrigation systems have a focus on water consumption. Besides controlling your sprinklers from your smartphone, we can look for other ways to make our yards more sustainable. AJAX Landscaping is a landscaping contractor Jacksonville. Planting native plants, using permeable pavers (instead of full concrete slabs), and recycling rainwater, for instance, are ways to help reduce water consumption in our yards.
6. Lights
This one is easy. Change all of the light bulbs in your home to Energy Star-rated products, and bam! you’ve taken the first step to sustainability. The U.S. Dept of Energy reminds us that LED Energy Star–rated products use at least 75% less energy and last 25x longer than old school incandescent lighting. And remember natural light is free! So open those blinds and let the lamps rest while it’s still daylight.
7. Plumbing
While not as fun as LEDs and solar panels, plumbing is an important part of the sustainability list. Resolve plumbing issues quickly with professional toilet repair services that ensure reliable functionality. Low-flow showerheads and toilets are becoming more popular, along with aerator faucets, and new technology washer machines. You can use meters to help monitor your current consumption, and resources such as the U.S. Dept of Energy’s guide (linked here), which helps you determine what time of day is best for energy consumption.
