Sustainability is a core consideration for contemporary architecture, making it a planet-friendly trend that’s here to stay. If you’re planning a home renovation, don’t underestimate the inspiration you can draw from eco-conscious construction. Intrigued? Let’s take a look at some of the top ways you can boost the sustainability of your renovation.
Get Cosy With Timber Cladding
The classic Scandinavian-inspired timber cladding exterior is the perfect blend of stylish and sustainable. With an undeniably warm aesthetic, it brings a sense of comfort to homes while maintaining a chic, modern finish. It’s also fairly easy to maintain, with a quick clean and re-stain ensuring your renovation stays fresh for decades to come.
Before installing timber cladding, be sure to research the right species for your project. You’ll need a durable species that’s well-suited for external applications, like Cedar or Larch, and a profile that suits the style of your renovation.
Source Vintage Treasures
One of the simplest ways to reduce the environmental impact of your home renovation is to source second-hand, salvaged, and vintage items. From your construction materials – including reclaimed timber and metal – to antiques such as doors and shutters, there’s a whole world of wonderful items already out there to use in your home. Many of these bring character and charm to a renovation, too, for a more unique aesthetic that doesn’t rely on trends.
By skipping the emissions associated with sourcing brand-new products, you can drastically lower the carbon footprint of your project. It could also save you money, making this a win-win.
Try Planet-Friendly Landscaping
A touch of landscaping can instantly renovate the outdoor space of your home. If you’ll be freshening up your garden, keep the planet in mind when making your choices.
For example, choosing species that require less water creates a drought-friendly space that won’t use a vast amount of resources to stay green. Consider planting wildflowers to help your local bee population, too, and let patches grow wild in your borders so that insect life can thrive.
Another sustainable solution is to incorporate organic compost and mulch rather than chemical fertilizers. These are fantastic for boosting the health of your soil without negatively impacting local wildlife.
Consider Indoor Air Quality
Could you reduce the pollution in your home? Breathe easier and do your bit for the planet by looking into eco-friendly ways to improve indoor air quality. There are certain plants, for example, that you can add to your space to soak up harmful gases and emissions. Some top choices include:
- Snake Plants
- Peace Lilies
- Spider Plants
- English Ivy
- Bamboo Palm
It’s also crucial to avoid toxic chemicals during your renovation. This has countless sustainable benefits, including improving the quality of your indoor air. Switch to chemical-free paints, sealants, and adhesives for a healthier household and a happier planet.
Choose Your Electrical Appliances Carefully
From gorgeous aga cookers to standing lamps that could be a work of modern art, the appliances you choose during your renovation will drastically impact your aesthetic. But, alongside style, don’t forget sustainability.
Look for electrical appliances that are energy efficient, with ENERGY STAR ratings to show they’ve been tried, tested, and approved for their energy usage. Smart products can also be a good way to reduce consumption in your household.
For example, smart thermometers for your heating give you complete control over the temperature of your home. Turn your thermometer down a few degrees and drastically reduce your emissions. With remote smart controls, you can also switch off your appliances after leaving the house, ensuring you never leave the lights on or your heating high when they don’t need to be.
Create a Sustainable Renovation
With these top tips, your renovation doesn’t have to have a negative impact on our environment. Make sustainable switches without compromising on style, creating a home you love that puts the planet first.
