Top (re)model

There are many innovative ways to make remodeling projects greener and more sustainable. A remodeling company doesn’t need to specialize in green remodeling, nor does it need to have clients who are specifically seeking sustainability in order to implement ideas with a lasting impact.

While builders and designers can increase their scope of knowledge about sustainable remodeling by earning a green certification from NARI or NAHB, there’s nothing requiring a firm to have employees with professional certifications in order to be pioneers of sustainability through their business and the home building industry.

Sustainable remodeling means taking a balanced approach by understanding client needs and budget and then applying green principles to the design and building process within those parameters. As remodelers, it is also our responsibility to educate clients about environmental codes and regulations that help them comply with the law, while planning a project that addresses their needs and helps them limit their impact on the planet at a level they’re comfortable with.

Going green can mean saving green.

Some clients want to save money, while others are concerned with their carbon footprint, and a growing number are interested in both. There are many ways that green remodeling practices can limit spending on a home project and/or home life, especially when it comes to materials and resource consumption.

Repurposed materials: Nearly all types of building materials can be repurposed from either the original space or another building project, including everything from appliances to tiles to wood cabinets. Used materials removed during demolition can also be reused elsewhere in the home, such as installing old kitchen cabinets in a basement, laundry room, garage, or bathroom. Refinish materials for a new look or use as-is in a low-profile area.Energy upgrades: Plumbing, HVAC, and lighting upgrades often require an initial investment that many homeowners are willing to make because of the immediate savings in their monthly bills. In some states, certain resource-related upgrades are required by law and may include low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED lighting fixtures, increased ventilation, and energy efficient appliances.Locally-sourced products: Our firm uses a cabinet maker who mills local wood onsite and offers custom designs. He visits job sites and services his products himself because they’re installed locally. We reduce product travel distance and fossil fuel consumption this way. Salvaged materials such as locally reclaimed barnwood can be used for flooring, cabinets, and structural beams. Salvaged doors and windows can also be incorporated into a remodel.

[source: http://sustainableindustries.com/articles/2013/02/top-remodel]