TOP GREEN RENOVATIONS

Trendy Energy Renovations

Think Small

Forget adding square footage - more space will increase your energy usage and cost more money to maintain.  The bigger your home’s square footage, the bigger your energy footprint in terms of energy usage, materials, etc. Instead of building additions and increasing the size of your living space, figure out how to use the space you have more effectively.  Even something as simple as rearranging furniture in a way that allows your space to function better will improve the effectiveness of your home. Smart storage will also help a small space function “bigger”.  Use natural light to make certain rooms feel larger and more spacious. Consider removing walls to open up small spaces and create a fresh interior layout.

Invest in the Long Term

Upgrading your heating and cooling systems might have a big price tag at the time, but the money you save in the long run will make up for the initial cost over time.  Think about having a home energy audit done to assess your current situation and to see what approach will best suit your home’s needs.  If you plan on staying in your current home, upgrading these systems sooner rather than later will see you recouping your original investment as soon as possible... and help you reduce your environmental footprint at the same time!

Climate Control

Use your natural climate to your advantage.  In warmer months, overhead fans will help keep warm air at bay and encourage air to circulate through the home.  Fans use much less energy than your air conditioner, so use the AC sparingly and rely on fans to keep the heat down.  Check out the different techniques of PASSIVE SOLAR technology and discover new ways to use your surroundings to your advantage!  Weather stripping and caulking is one of the most cost-effective ways to control temperature in colder months.  Also, before cranking up your heating system, think about bundling up instead.  Sometimes, another layer or a warm drink might be enough to do the trick.  Even the slightest temperature adjustments can either cost or save you money.

Harness your H2O

Upgrading your water systems is another great way to save money long term.  While installing new systems might come with a high cost initially, the savings you’ll create over the course of your time in the home should recoup your original investment.  A variety of options are available when looking to upgrade your water systems.  ON DEMAND tankless hot water is a great way to cut energy costs.  Essentially, ON DEMAND hot water will instantly heat water only when you need it - rather than working to keep hot water available constantly.  GREY WATER RECOVERY systems are a smart technology that decreases your water consumption substantially.  GREY WATER systems recycle water from your home and recirculate it in other areas, such as your lawn and garden. Renovations in the kitchen and bathroom should include installing new water saving fixtures, such as dual-flush and low flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and energy star dishwashers and washing machines.

Green Lighting and Fixtures

If you’re undergoing a major renovation or building a new home, think about how you can use natural light to light your home.  By strategically situating walls and windows to maximize the amount of natural light in your home, you’ll significantly decrease the amount of energy needed during the day.  Install motion sensors in rooms to keep lights turned off when you’re not in the room.  A cheap way to cut energy bills is to install dimming switches.  Not only will you be able to have a softer light and ambiance in your home, but dimming your fixtures by 50% will save you almost as much in energy usage!  Consider using energy-efficient bulbs in all areas of the home.

Recycle Materials

Before throwing away all the existing, torn out materials at the start of a renovation, think of ways to recycle them.  Old lighting fixtures, materials, furniture, appliances, and other home decor and accessories can be given to the Salvation Army, given to friends or family, or thrown on an online classifieds site.  By using sites like Castanet, Craigslist, VernonDeals and Kijiji, you can recycle your materials AND make some money at the same time!  One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, right?  In order to save materials, disassemble your home with care - broken or mangled materials and items are not as usable or attractive.

Buy Second Hand

Just as you might recycle materials from your home, you can use the same logic to benefit your own renovation!  Look online for deals on second-hand items and materials.  Even things like tools and appliances can be found at huge discounts.  Consider using reclaimed materials like reclaimed wood flooring or reclaimed wood for your countertops. Reclaimed pieces are typically more affordable, save energy, and use less resources than it would take to produce an equivalent new product. Ask around for stores that sell recycled materials and items, such as SHARE in Kelowna, Salvation Army stores throughout the Okanagan, and the Mission Boutique in Vernon.

Invest in Green Cleaning Products

Making a stand for sustainability can be easy on your budget - something as simple as buying Green cleaning products is an important step to take as an educated consumer.  Most department stores and big chains now carry affordable options for Green cleaning products.  Also, reducing the amount of chemicals you have in your home is always a good thing!

Look for Sustainable Products

There are a number of objects you need during any home renovation - items like caulking, sealers, paint, flooring materials, insulation, and drywall are just a few of the many purchases you’ll find yourself investing in during a reno.  While you can look for products that boast a “Green” symbol or pledge that they are a sustainable choice, there are a few common sense things to look for.  Buy products that are durable, easy to maintain, contain a high percentage of recycled content, and look for products that were produced locally.  However, it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye out for those items that boast a variety of Green logo’s, including Green Seal, Energy Star (appliances), Forest Stewardship Council (wood products), and Cradle to Cradle (carpets).  Avoid purchasing disposable products or products that can contain VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) like some carpets and paints.

Improve you Insulation

Almost a THIRD of your home’s energy consumption is directly related to heating your space.  Adding extra insulation or improving the quality of your insulation will go a long way in improving your energy footprint, and save you money on your heating bills!  In particular, ensure that your exterior walls and roof are well-insulated to prevent heat from escaping the home.

Learn about LEED

Think about renovating or building to meet LEED specifications. LEED stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design." If you’re planning on building an addition to your existing home, learn about how you can earn a LEED-certified, silver, gold or platinum rating. Requirements for the ratings vary, but include using recycled walls, generating alternative energy through solar cells, installing a grey water system, installing a geo-thermal heat pump and designing spaces to maximize the use of natural lighting and minimize the energy required for heating.

You may also be interested in the following:

Incorporating Sustainable Design; Learn more about "Green" cost saving measures.

RENOVA; The Appraisal Institute of Canada's guide to the value of home improvement.