With global climate change showing no signs of slowing down, promoting eco-consciousness through green renovations has become more critical than ever. Using sustainable materials for green home renovations can enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and increase the property’s resale value.
From any homeowner’s perspective, these reasons are compelling enough to warrant serious consideration. So, if you’re looking to give your home an eco-friendly upgrade or are just interested in the latest advancements in sustainable living, you’re in the right place.
The Rise of Human-Made Green Materials
The construction industry is notorious for its massive carbon footprint, accounting for 39% of global emissions — 11% from building materials alone.
Evolving consumer preferences and regulatory pressures have heralded a new era of sustainability, in which materials are specifically developed to address environmental challenges.
What Makes a Building Material Sustainable?
Of course, not all human-made materials are sustainable. There’s been a lot of greenwashing lately, so it’s important to do your own research before starting a green renovation. Generally, a material may be considered environment friendly if it meets the following criteria:
- It was sourced sustainably.
- It has a decent life span and reduces waste.
- It minimizes energy usage during production.
- It actively reduces the structure’s carbon footprint.
- It offers lower long-term operational costs through enhanced energy efficiency.
5 Sustainable Materials for Your Next Home Remodel
The last few years have seen the emergence of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing resource efficiency and minimizing emissions in the built environment. These include:
1. Hempcrete
Consider using hempcrete if your home remodel includes new room additions or wall fortifications. This material combines hemp fibers, lime and water to create a lightweight and mold-resistant building composite.
More importantly, it absorbs carbon dioxide over time, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete for non-load-bearing walls, bricks and finishing plasters. The material also has low density and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for insulation.
2. Algae Bioplastic
Biodegradable plastics made from algae offer a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based, single-use plastics currently topping the global pollution list. These materials are made without using fossil fuels and are compostable, so they will not linger in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years like their traditional counterparts.
3. High-Density Fiberboard (HDF)
HDF is a durable engineered wood product made from wood fibers, resin and wax. Its manufacturing process incorporates recycled building materials, making it an environmentally friendly option for green renovation projects.
With a typical density of up to 900 kilograms per cubic meter, this sustainable material is tough and versatile enough to handle the load-bearing demands of floors and wall paneling. It’s also used to manufacture doors, furniture and drawer bottoms in cabinets.
4. Cork Flooring
The same cork material used for wine bottles can be a viable household flooring resource for green renovations. It is one of the most sustainable materials for green renovations because it is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree.
5. Green Roofs
Rooftops with a built-in layer of vegetation have become increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits. These systems can absorb heat better than conventional roofing materials, creating cooler, more comfortable indoor environments.
They also boast an unprecedented 224% return on investment and an exceptionally long life span, minimizing the frequency of replacements and associated costs.
Use Sustainable Materials for Your Next Remodel
Using green materials in home remodeling and new construction projects represents a vital step toward environmental responsibility. These systems are essential to fostering eco-conscious living and lowering buildings’ carbon footprints. Thanks to the growing list of rebates, tax credits and discounts associated with such undertakings, it can also be a financially rewarding endeavor.
