10 Eco-Friendly Renovation Ideas for Sustainable Home Improvement
- PRO PURE DESIGN
- Nov 22, 2024
- 13 min read
You don't need to go fully off-grid to make a positive impact on the environment. Regardless of your budget or lifestyle, various eco-friendly upgrades of your home can help reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and contribute to the planet's well-being.
Sustainable home renovations go beyond just cutting down emissions; they also focus on creating a healthier, more efficient living environment for you and your family.
Maybe you have questions in mind, but don't worry! In today's article, we will answer your questions and get you inspired by our 10 energy-saving tips for eco-friendly renovation.
Whether you plan some simple steps toward going green like LED lighting or you have a more ambitious plan for building a new house or renovating an existing property, keep reading because we will reveal many pieces of advice and practical recommendations on how to apply them.
What is eco-friendly house renovation?
Why is it important to have an eco-friendly home?
How do we renovate our house to be greener?
What are the most eco-friendly renovation ideas that fit homes in Central London?
Table of Contents:
Living Green: Transforming Your Mindset and Home for a Sustainable Future
What does it mean to be eco-friendly?
In simple words to be eco-friendly means not to cause harm to the environment and people living around you.
And what does this harm look like from our everyday perspective?
excessive usage of non-reusable resources;
using too many plastic products;
no waste separation;
wasting too much energy and water.
The good news is that we can take steps to protect the environment, such as limiting plastic use, reducing demand for non-renewable energy sources, etc. And when we talk about sustainability and going green, making eco-friendly home improvements is even easier!
What is Sustainable Home Renovation?
Generally speaking, a renovation is the process of restoring the good condition of a house and unlike redesign and refurbishment actions, it usually includes more significant changes, or installations like putting solar panels, let's say.
A sustainable renovation involves applying specific design practices and using materials with lower environmental impact while improving the functionality and visual appeal of your living space or office. The enduring renovation approach includes various activities and strategies that can range from energy-efficient improvements and choosing sustainable materials from local manufacturers to specific reconstruction techniques for maximising energy efficiency and light flow.
Incorporating eco-renovation principles into sustainable home improvement projects further enhances their environmental benefits. Eco renovation focuses on reducing the ecological footprint by utilising renewable resources, implementing energy-saving technologies, and incorporating recycled or reclaimed materials whenever possible.
Why is it Important to Have an Eco-Friendly House?
It's important to become more aware of the negative impact we have on the environment and how to become more responsible and reduce it.
Sustainable renovation contributes to reducing your carbon footprint and can make a big difference.
Here's how this can help you:
Energy-Saving: your lower energy consumption could lead not only to lower utility bills but can limit the carbon footprint;
Health and Well-being: when you opt for eco-friendly materials and keep such practices, you can improve your home indoor air quality and thus your overall health. This can help with conditions like allergies and asthma as well as with improving the stale air inside your house. A greener lifestyle will result in healthier surroundings and improved well-being.
Property Value: a "greener" home can enhance the value of your property no matter whether you are a homeowner who wants to resale or let the property. You will attract eco-friendly and conscious buyers or tenants who are willing to pay a premium for your sustainable home.
Think of eco-friendly renovation as a smart investment rather than just an immediate expense you make.
10 Eco-Friendly Home Improvements for Sustainable Renovation Results
Some of the following activities and updates don't require much effort, budget or professional help, like turning off the light or throwing our waste in the right bin for plastic, paper or glass recycling. However, for other home upgrades, you will need the professional help of design and renovation experts. They will help you with careful time, budget and resources planning, take care and advise you in terms of law requirements (if any), and apply a holistic approach regarding the whole sustainable building construction or its surrounding space. No matter how you choose to embrace sustainability - whether through small DIY upgrades or more extensive sustainable renovation - both approaches can positively impact your home's aesthetics, your physical and mental well-being, and, most importantly, the environment we all live in.
It's time to explore several practical ways to incorporate long-lasting design principles into our homes and see what could be the benefits of them.
1. Insulation
The importance of eco-friendly insulation to reduce energy loss
There is one single most important thing you can do to lower your energy bills along with your impact on nature and this is insulation! There are several different types of insulation you can install, depending on what type of property you live in and different places you can apply it - walls, floors, attic, etc. Insulating your pipes and sealing drafts around windows can lead to significant improvements in terms of reducing heat loss and better overall power efficiency.
2. Energy-Efficient Windows
Benefits of upgrading to double-glazed windows
About 30% of heating and cooling energy is lost through our windows and doors. Whether because of some small gaps and cracks around them, or poor quality frames and glass used, a significant amount of heat and energy can be lost. Which is neither eco- nor budget-friendly.
The easiest, though not the cheapest way to solve the energy and heat loss problem is to:
Choose Double-Glazed Windows and Wooden Frames
Unless you live in a graded building, it's time to upgrade your windows. Double-glazing is the recommended minimum, and triple-glazed windows are the gold standard for energy efficiency. If you're the proud owner of a Victorian or Edwardian home, as most Londoners are, invest in wooden frames as well, to keep with the character of the building.
But let's see some pros and cons of opting for double or triple-glazed windows with wooden frames:
Key Benefits:
Energy Efficiency: double or triple glazing provides a layer of insulation by trapping air between the glass panes, reducing heat loss. When combined with the natural insulation properties of wood, this creates highly energy-efficient windows;
Aesthetic Appeal: wood adds a warm and classic appearance that fits well with various architectural styles, particularly in traditional or heritage homes;
Sustainability: using wooden frames combined with energy-efficient glazing contributes to a more eco-friendly solution.
Considerations:
Cost: wooden frames, especially with double or triple glazing, tend to be more expensive than alternatives like uPVC or aluminium;
Maintenance: wooden materials typically require periodic maintenance, such as repainting or sealing, to protect them from moisture and potential rotting.
Low-Emissivity Windows
Low-emissivity (or Low-E) glass minimises the amount of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays that pass through windows, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature. This glass coating reduces energy loss by reflecting heat back into the home during colder months and keeping heat outside during warmer months. Windows with this type of low-emissivity film significantly improve your home energy efficiency all year round.
3. Renewable Energy Sources
How installing solar panels can reduce energy bills and support renewable energy
Solar panels are probably the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about using renewable energy resources. While they require an upfront investment, these installations are proven to be a huge perk in the long run, making you less dependent on the grid.
High energy bills may mean you might be one of the many people considering solar panels. They connect to your home’s electricity system to power your appliances. You can also buy solar batteries that store energy for later usage. Keep in mind that most panels don’t need direct sunlight to create energy which means they’ll still work on cloudy days.
4. Environmentally Friendly Water Conservation Tactics
Implementing low-flow fixtures, water-saving taps, and efficient irrigation systems
Plumbing system update
If you have just bought an old house and you are about to undertake a huge renovation project, firstly, start by updating your plumbing system and making fixtures if needed. This is one of the first things you must check when buying a house or moving to a new rental home (especially for a long period ahead). An old plumbing system could cause many troubles - from unexpected leakages to other bigger problems. So, you'd better check and renew it to be calm.
Water-saving taps and low-flow toilets
Installing water-saving taps and showers is a great way to reduce your water usage. If you can’t afford to replace all your sanitary, a cheaper option is to install aerating taps. This is a cost-effective solution that combines air with water, giving you a satisfying water flow. The best part of the deal is that you don't feel the difference and on top of that you save a significant amount of water.
Upgrading your bathroom with low-flow toilets is another good water conservation practice. Dual-flush toilets offer even greater water savings, helping you also reduce your environmental impact.
Smart and efficient irrigation systems
Smart irrigation systems for your garden are designed to conserve water by using technology to monitor soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and plant needs. These systems ensure your plants are only watered when necessary, thus reducing water waste while keeping your plants healthy. By automating and optimising water usage, these systems help homeowners save on water bills and contribute to more sustainable gardening practices.
5. Sustainable Materials
Use reclaimed, recycled, or rapidly renewable materials for home renovation projects
Sustainable, recycled or reclaimed materials or products from local manufacturers can contribute significantly to the success of renovation projects and save us a lot of money.
Support local producers:
When we buy materials, furniture or other design accessories from local manufacturers, we can benefit from saving money from transport expenses, thus lowering the carbon footprint caused by the vehicles. Another positive impact is contributing to the local economy and supporting the small businesses. Additionally, it’s much easier to receive reliable support and personalised service when the producer is nearby rather than dealing with an overseas merchant or supplier.
Reuse furniture:
Giving new life to what you already have is a simple way to reduce your renovation’s carbon footprint. Buying second-hand or reclaimed furniture is a much more sustainable way to shop. Using salvaged wood for your flooring means less ends up being burned or put in a landfill, as well as helping to prevent more logging. And it looks great, too.
Prefer eco-friendly materials:
There are specific materials such as cork, bamboo or reclaimed wood that are more sustainable and stylish-looking and could be a wonderful option for your floor renovation.
6. Energy Efficient Appliances
Transitioning to LED lighting and the benefits of reduced energy use
Energy-efficient lighting
Not only will this save you money on your energy bills, but it’ll also mean you’re using a more sustainable form of power in your home. Traditional bulbs are highly inefficient, converting only about 5% of the electricity they use into light, according to studies. Lighting makes up around 10% of your household energy consumption, and imagine what wasted energy is.
If you’re worried that LED lighting can look a bit "cold", opt for soft or "warm white" bulbs.
Power-saving home appliances
Yes, it can be a huge investment at first, but it pays for itself in the future. Prioritise the choice of such models of electrical appliances that have high-class energy efficiency. Smart boilers, refrigerators, washing machines and air source heat pumps can significantly lower your energy consumption, thus reducing your environmental impact.
7. Natural Resources for Your Heating
Maximise the benefits of using earth's natural resources for heating your home
Combi boilers:
They have become significantly more efficient in recent years and remain the most popular choice for the typical Victorian property which may not have the space or required level of insulation to run a heat pump effectively.
Any new building in the UK however needs to meet certain efficiency standards and requires a heat pump.
Heat pumps, including air-source and ground-source types, offer an eco-friendly heating solution by using natural heat from the air or ground. This eco solution works via a system of pipes and advanced technology to generate energy. Unfortunately, installing a heat pump can be expensive initially, but it typically results in long-term energy savings. Payback times vary based on the system being replaced. For example, switching from an oil or electric heating system to a heat pump can yield a payback period closer to 10 years, while upgrading from a modern gas boiler may extend this period to around 20 years.
But what are the main advantages?
when the entire heating system is balanced and properly working, you enjoy cosy and warm spaces throughout your home, meaning the temperature is balanced everywhere. Of, course, the thermostatic valves allow you to regulate the temperature between the separate spaces - if you prefer to stay in a cooler room than the rest of your family, you can choose a specific temperature for your cabinet;
the thermostat helps you regulate the desired temperature as we mentioned and you can turn it off when you plan a longer holiday, for example. This saves you money and you are more energy-efficient.
8. Green Roofs and Living Walls
Advantages of installing a green roof and living walls for insulation and air quality
Green infrastructure offers numerous advantages, including effective stormwater management and the ability to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Such systems enhance urban resilience against climate-related challenges.
Adding a green roof to your shed, bike store or garage can have all sorts of benefits – and not just for wildlife. It could improve air quality and help rainwater run off, preventing flooding. And, in some cases, adding plants and greenery could increase the lifespan of your roof.
Green roofs have the potential for energy savings in building heating and cooling between 9 and 50% and the average payback period reported for a green roof is about 16 years. However, this depends on many things like the initial cost and maintenance.
9. Passive Design Strategies for Energy-Efficient Home
Benefits of using eco-conscious practices
Passive House Standards
Have you ever heard of the Passive House principles?
These are certain thermal efficiency standards established in the 90s in Germany and regarded to be the "gold standard" for energy efficiency. If built or renovated the right way, keeping up with the recommendations, your home can become Passive House certified and takes very little energy to maintain a constant temperature throughout the year.
Here are some good practices to consider:
Home Orientation
If you are about to plan and construct a new home, consult with designers and architects and orient the house in a proper way to maximise natural light flow. This way you will achieve energy efficiency and will reduce future electricity bills for lighting and heating.
Interior and Exterior colours based on wall directions
When choosing colours for your home, consider the direction of the walls, as this affects how natural light influences the shades. By selecting colours that align with the unique light characteristics of each room, you can achieve a harmonious and inviting living space.
North-facing rooms tend to be dim and benefit from warm, earthy tones;
East-facing rooms enjoy warm morning light but transition to cooler tones as the day progresses, allowing for colour choices that balance this change;
West-facing rooms, bright in the afternoon, can handle cooler shades to offset the warmth;
South-directed walls receive intense sunlight throughout the day, which can exaggerate warm undertones, thus, cooler shades like blues and greens create a more inviting atmosphere.
Green exterior
Another element of passive design strategies is the choice of greenery in your backyard and around the house. Planting trees or decorative bushes can help ensure proper natural shadow during the hot summer months.
If you choose deciduous trees and plant them on the south and west sides of your house, they can offer effective seasonal benefits. In summer, these trees provide cooling shade, while in winter, when their leaves fall, they allow more sunlight to penetrate, helping to warm the space. This strategic placement maximises both the light and heat your house will receive throughout the year.
Natural lightning
Larger windows and suitable shadowing techniques are also a way to control the quantity of natural light that enters your house.
10. Eco-Friendly Products, Materials and Accessories
Improve indoor air quality by using harmless paints and cleaning products
Paints and Finishes:
When it comes to protecting the environment, not all paints are created equal. Water-based paints are more eco-friendly than oil paints and don’t contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds – the toxic chemicals added to many paints).
If you want to learn more about paints you can refer to our article dedicated to the different types of paints and the benefits of choosing mineral and acrylic ones for your home renovation and redesign plans.
Eco-friendly cleaning products:
Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can not only pollute the environment but also impact your health. Instead, consider using eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable cleaning products, eco-friendly candles, soaps, and bamboo items. These options are just as effective as traditional products and, most importantly, they help protect your health by reducing the risk of allergies and skin irritations while keeping nature cleaner.
Bonus Idea: Waste Separation
Be environmentally friendly by recycling
Waste separation is one of the simplest yet most impactful steps you can take toward a greener lifestyle. By investing in specialised bins for the separation of glass, paper, metal, and organic waste, you can significantly reduce the amount of garbage sent to landfills. This practice not only conserves natural resources but also minimises pollution associated with waste disposal. Moreover, effective waste separation promotes recycling, which helps to reduce the demand for new materials and resources, thus contributing to a more sustainable environment.
How to Implement Our Eco-Friendly Renovation Ideas
There are some steps you need to follow if you consider upgrading your home. To apply the above sustainable renovation ideas you need to do some initial research, which includes:
Conducting an energy audit of your house: assess your current energy use and identify areas for improvement. Otherwise, you can undertake some unnecessary actions.
Contact experienced contractors and plan your renovation project: consider consulting with professionals to design and implement sustainable solutions for your home's energy efficiency. You will receive a valuable piece of advice on where to start and what you can expect in terms of time, budget and final results.
Schedule a consultation with the ProPure Design team and we will discuss all options related to the following:
how to make your home sustainable and eco-friendly;
what improvements you can make to your current property;
are the renovation ideas for your home applicable and suitable or not;
what will the renovation process include;
how to transform your current property into a premier, green and eco-friendly smart home.
Conclusion
As our awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the desire to make more sustainable decisions grows too. Renovating your home offers a great opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly features that not only help lower your carbon footprint but also cut energy costs and improve the efficiency and functionality of your living environment. And let's not forget that everything starts with us and with our simple sustainable choices. Whether to turn off the light bulb, recycle our waste, or make home improvements that can make a positive impact on the environment.
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