Evaluate Your Needs and Set Goals

Before beginning a renovation, take time to consider your needs and set some sustainability goals. Ask yourself questions like:

How can I make my home more energy and water efficient?
What areas of my home generate the most waste? How can I reduce that?
What changes would improve indoor air quality and create a healthier home?
How can I use more eco-friendly and non-toxic building materials?

Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, you can set measurable goals like reducing energy use by 25%, installing low-flow faucets, or using zero-VOC paints. This will help guide your renovation plans.

Improve Energy Efficiency

One of the best ways to create a greener home is by enhancing energy efficiency. Some ideas include:

Adding insulation to improve your home’s envelope
Replacing old windows and doors with high-efficiency models
Upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified appliances
Installing a programmable thermostat and sealing air leaks
Switching to energy-efficient lighting like LEDs

Focus first on the areas that waste the most energy, like the attic, windows, and heating/cooling system. An energy audit can help pinpoint problem spots.

Conserve Water

With some simple upgrades, you can significantly reduce your water consumption:

Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets
Choose water-efficient appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
Collect rainwater for irrigation through rain barrels
Landscape with native plants to reduce outdoor watering

Fixing leaks, adding aerators, and being mindful of usage habits (like shorter showers) also conserve H2O.

Use Sustainable Materials

When selecting materials for floors, cabinets, countertops, etc., look for products that are natural, recycled, renewable, reusable, and durable.

Flooring: bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, recycled tiles, natural linoleum
Cabinets/furniture: FSC certified wood, recycled plastic
Countertops: recycled glass, concrete, natural stone
Insulation: cellulose, cotton, hemp
Paints/finishes: Zero- or low-VOC options

Buying second-hand materials also reduces environmental impact. Vintage items add character too!

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Renovations present a great opportunity to improve indoor air quality by reducing toxins, ventilation, moisture, and allergens in your home.

Install ventilation systems – exhaust fans, HRV/ERV systems
Seal crawl spaces and attics to prevent moisture and pests
Replace carpets with natural flooring to reduce allergens
Use zero-VOC paints, stains, adhesives and materials
Incorporate lots of plants to purify air

Proper ventilation and dehumidification are key for a fresh, healthy indoor environment.

Design for Durability & Adaptability

Choosing materials and designs that stand the test of time reduces the frequency of renovations. Strategies include:

Select durable materials that don’t need frequent replacing
Create flexible spaces that can adapt to changing needs
Use timeless designs that won’t go out of style
Build spaces for accessibility to allow aging in place
Choose quality over quantity to avoid waste and re-work

Investing in livability and longevity pays dividends for both your home and the environment.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Throughout a renovation, there are lots of opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Reduce:

Order materials in correct quantities to avoid waste
Design efficient spaces without excess
Use digital documents versus paper

Reuse:

Sell or donate old materials instead of sending them to landfills
Check out used and salvaged material retailers
Repurpose old furniture or fixtures for a new look

Recycle:

Set up proper on-site waste sorting and recycling bins
Recycle demolition debris like concrete, wood, metals
Choose recyclable packing materials

Make sure your contractors follow proper waste management and recycling protocols too.

Choose Eco-Friendly Contractors

For renovation work you don’t want to take on yourself, hire contractors who prioritize sustainability:

Look for B Corp or GREEN certified professionals
Ask about environmental policies, practices, and training
Inquire about how they handle waste, recycling, and dispose of hazardous materials
See if they can source sustainable materials for the job
Review energy-efficiency experience and qualifications

Sustainable contractors may cost a bit more but provide added value through their eco-expertise.

Consider Green Certifications

If you want to take your green renovation to the next level, consider certifying your home through programs like:

LEED – focuses on energy, materials, water, and indoor environmental quality
Passive House – emphasizes ultra-efficient construction and insulation
Energy Star – verifies your home’s energy performance
Living Building Challenge – the most rigorous standard for sustainability

While challenging, certified homes have exceptional levels of comfort, resilience, and reduced environmental impact.

Make Gradual Improvements Over Time

Not every renovation has to be a complete eco-overhaul. Making incremental upgrades as time and budgets allow can significantly improve sustainability. Plus it prevents wasted materials from rushed demolitions or remodels.

Focus first on efficiency upgrades, switch out furnishings for greener alternatives, then tackle big-ticket projects like kitchens or baths when the time is right. Small steps can add up to big improvements.

Key Takeaways on Renovating Sustainably

Set green renovation goals like reducing energy use or using zero-VOC materials
Boost home efficiency through insulation, air sealing, better windows, and Energy Star appliances
Conserve water by installing low-flow fixtures and rainwater systems
Use natural, recycled, used, or renewable materials whenever possible
Improve air quality via ventilation, dehumidification, and avoiding chemical fumes
Design durable, flexible spaces that meet long-term needs
Reduce waste through smart design, recycling, and reusing salvaged materials
Hire eco-conscious contractors who follow green practices
Consider certifying your home through LEED, Passive House, or similar
Make gradual improvements over time for the most economical sustainability

With careful planning and commitment to your goals, you can create a home that’s both beautiful and ecologically responsible. A green renovation ultimately pays dividends through utility savings, improved air quality, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much more does a sustainable renovation cost compared to a standard one?

A: In most cases, an eco-friendly renovation will cost about 5-15% more upfront. However, those costs are recouped over time through lower utility bills and avoided renovation costs from selecting durable materials.

Q: What are the top three green upgrades I should make first?

A: Focus first on efficiency upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and new windows/doors. Then look at sustainable flooring and finishes. Finally, upgrade appliances and lighting for maximum energy savings.

Q: Should I get new furnishings all at once or gradually?

A: Furnish gradually with sustainable pieces as your budget allows. This prevents the waste of replacing still-usable items. Buy quality second-hand or vintage furniture too.

Q: How do I find the right green contractors and materials?

A: Online directories like Green Building Advisor or Healthy Building Network can help you find certified sustainable contractors and eco-friendly product suppliers.

Q: Are green renovation materials harder to find and work with?

A: While the selection is more limited than conventional materials, it’s improving all the time. There are now many user-friendly and affordable eco-options. Look for third-party sustainability certifications.

Q: Can I renovate sustainably if I’m on a tight budget?

A: Yes! Even small changes like installing low-flow faucets, sealing air leaks, or using eco-paints make a difference. Prioritize the most impactful upgrades first, then work gradually toward your goals.

Conclusion

Renovating sustainably may require more upfront planning, but it allows you to reduce your environmental footprint and create a space that’s healthy, efficient, and designed to last. By setting clear goals, making gradual improvements, and selecting eco-friendly materials and contractors, you can complete an eco-renovation on any budget. Focus on changes that enhance livability while conserving resources for a greener home that benefits both your family and the planet. With some creativity and commitment to going green, your next renovation can be your most sustainable one yet.

How to Renovate with Sustainability in Mind