Green Home Remodeling: 7 Great Ideas

Green home remodeling is more attractive now than ever thanks to tax incentives for use of energy-efficient building materials. But the benefits of green remodeling go far beyond cash back from the government. You also save in monthly utilities, help reduce your carbon footprint, cut down on pollution of air and water, and help beautify the environment. While you're putting together your remodeling plans, here are some ideas to help get you greener.

Spruce Up Your Kitchen

In many homes, this is the most used area of all. It’s also usually the most wasteful. Think of all those energy-consuming appliances, wasted water, pollutants and materials used in construction that are non-sustainable. Now you can buy, for just a bit more, energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerator/freezers, dishwashers, ovens, ranges and microwaves that carry the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star label. Cabinets are available that are made with formaldehyde-free, low-volatility glues and varnishes and recycled or reclaimed wood. Countertops can be purchased that are constructed from 50 percent post-consumer recycled paper – and they’re as durable as stone. Flooring ideas include recycled and reclaimed wood, or sustainable wood such as bamboo and cork (cork can be harvested every 8 years vs. 40 to 50 years for wood).

Bath and Laundry

Most of the indoor water is used in the bath, and energy is consumed by heating the water. Consider replacing older toilets, which waste up to 5 gallons of water per flush, with new models that are now required to use 1.6 gallons or less. Dual-flush models permit either a full or half flush, saving even more water. Install flow restrictors or a shutoff valve on shower heads. Look for lifetime warranties on faucets, with durable, long-lasting ceramic disc valves that are easily replaceable. For flooring, consider tile and natural linoleum. Solar hot water systems, waste-water heat recovery and hot water re-circulating systems are great energy-saving systems to heat water for the bath and laundry. Buy Energy Star front-loading washing machines.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

According to the EPA, if every home in America replaced five of their most-used old lights with Energy Star-qualified lamps (such as compact fluorescent lighting or CFLs) the collective savings would be $8 billion per year and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking a million cars off the road. Occupancy sensors or timers, dimmer lights, and other features of these new lights help conserve energy.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights can earn you up to $1,500 in federal tax credit. To qualify, the products must carry a U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. You can find this on the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. Note that the $1,500 is a maximum tax credit for all energy-efficient homeowner improvements, including heating and air conditioning, roofing, insulation and water heaters. South-facing windows provide more sunlight to warm the home. You might also consider salvaged windows and lumber.

Paint

Nothing changes the look of a home quicker than a new coat of paint. In green remodeling, however, choose paint with a green paint formulation that minimizes environmental hazards. You want low-toxic products, and those that are low in volatile organic compounds.

Roofing

Roof composition isn’t something you think about too often, unless you have a leak, missing or damaged shingles, or a disaster. But when you are remodeling, a green roof is another consideration. You may also want to consider a rooftop garden, roof deck, solar-powered hot water system, and even rainwater harvest. Don’t forget gutters and downspouts that are made from recycled aluminum.

Landscaping

Water is a precious natural resource that, in many areas of the country, is getting ever scarcer. This doesn’t mean that your outdoors needs to revert to a desert or be planted with rocks, but it does require strategic planning and placement of plants and materials. When you replace living materials, buy drought-tolerant plants, trees and shrubs. Place mulch around plants to reduce water use, inhibit weed growth and reduce soil erosion. Since the EPA estimates that Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time outdoors, why not consider recycled pavers, broken concrete or masonry for a deck remodel? There’s also recycled plastic and composite lumber that make good green deck choices.