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How to Become More Eco-Friendly in Construction Projects

May 3, 2021 0

The United States has a market share of 10% of the global construction industry and this makes it the second-largest construction market in the world. Yet, it doesn’t stop there, because this market is continuously showing new growth.

In 2017, the solar market advanced by 29.3%. Additionally, worldwide nations were installing 98.9% of new capacity gigawatt power for solar purposes. Whether you want to invest in solar or rely on recycled goods for your construction project, there are plenty of ways to make it eco-friendly. Let’s take a look at a few strategies that will help make your construction project a bit greener.

Advancing Our Health and Safety

Green living and sustainability in construction implicate the manipulation of building materials that are friends to the environment. These materials include the use of paints and solvents that are non-toxic. This eco-friendliness is how recreational areas, offices, and homes are designed.

When a construction company uses toxic solvents or paint during conventional construction, it may result in many health complications. These include, respiratory, migraines, skin disorders and many other issues. The use of eco-friendly materials has proven to be beneficial over extended periods for everyone involved.

Enhancing Techniques for Demolition

Eco-friendly practices also affect how construction companies discard the old materials they are replacing such as structural steel and concrete. These materials are no longer dumped into a landfill to pollute the earth; instead they are recycled. Facilities designed to recycle non-usable materials will crush everything up at an industrial crushing site.

Almost any construction materials can be recycled. This includes materials used for flooring, ceilings, and even carpet. Every time a contractor uses recycled material it offers them the opportunity for considerable savings on a project.

In addition, the use of recycled materials enables the construction company to deter additional expenditures related to dumping toxic materials. If you’re working with a project manager, who oversees all steps of the construction process, ask them about how they can recycle their materials. It can help their bottom line as well as the environment.

Using Materials Sourced Locally

A lot goes into the transporting aspect of shipping materials along long spaces. With an emphasis on green living in construction, materials that are being locally sourced are emphasized. This means that the construction process becomes more efficient as its carbon footprint is reduced. These companies are able to support local business by using materials that are near the area of the job site. Waste should also be taken into account when trying to be eco-friendly. There are experts in concrete waste removal who are committed to sustainability, so you can feel happy in the knowledge that you are helping the environment.

Recycling Water Whenever Possible

Another imperative part to viable construction is the conservation of water. Whether it is commercial, residential or industrial construction, when water can be conserved it proves beneficial. This means implementing such strategies as setting up a system for collecting rainwater. Recycled rain water is able to be useful for irrigating landscapes. HVAC water condensation may be gathered and also recycled. When we recycle valuable water sources we are taken advantage of a valuable resource that would otherwise go wasted.

Using the Wind and Sun

As technology advances, so does our knowledge of what the wind and sun can do in providing a solution to sustainability. Solar energy isn’t just a cheaper method of power, it also lowers our reliance on electricity and the grid. Homes and other buildings become a natural source for generating energy with the use of solar power.

Another green living option is the use of wind to create clean, renewable energy. Turbine farms have been created for the production of giving natural energy to any building. An advantage to using wind turbines for energy is that it needs little upkeep to keep it operating. Air quality is maintained indoors, as well as decreasing investments in utilities is an added asset to the use of wind turbines.

As we have just explained throughout this article, there are many advantages to using the planet’s resources. Green living allows us to improve our living conditions and not destroy the planet in the process.

How to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value While Staying Eco-Friendly

April 20, 2021 2

When you want to improve the value of your home, making eco-friendly upgrades will increase the value and provide you with a healthier environment for family and friends. Below are some ideas to consider to help improve the resale value of your home.

Figure What Is In Your Budget

Figure out what is in your budget before you begin to remodel. Homeowners often spend between 5,000 to 10,000 dollars to make changes to their homes. This was the standard amount spent in 2018 by consumers. Even if you do not have thousands to spend you can make small improvements that will improve the sustainability of your home. Try to decide what you want to improve before tackling the project Do you want to install energy-efficient appliances, add a tank-less water heater, paint the inside walls with eco-friendly paint made from natural materials, landscaping, and energy-efficient exterior doors. For major upgrades, you should contact local contractors that specialize in eco-friendly remodeling and installation.

Install Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors

Replacing outdated exterior doors on the house will save you money on your energy bills. The doors that you enter or exit the house should be energy efficient. This can save you 10% on your heating and cooling bills. Energy-efficient outer doors made from fiberglass save the most energy. Fiberglass looks like real wood and is designed for cold climates and humidity. Steel doors are stronger and wear well in dry climates. Unless you are handy, it is better to hire a contractor to install them. Steel doors can be insulated to retain heat and stay cooler in the warm weather. Double glass panes are often installed to reduce heat flow and magnetic strips reduce leakage of air in the house.

Make Your Landscaping Eco-friendly

Investing in hiring a landscaper improves the value of your home. If you are an experienced gardener, you can do the work yourself. Native plants from a local garden center grow better and use less water. Invest in planting native flowers, herbs, and vegetables in a small rain garden. A rain garden collects runoff water from your yard. Rain gardens attract butterflies and reduce soil erosion. Planting native trees and shrubs can help with cooling your home in the summer. Installing a drip irrigation system to water plants in the yard and lawn will cut the water bill by 50 percent.

Permeable pavers instead of concrete driveways and walkways allow water to go into the ground. Reusing stones and bricks for borders and wall counts are considered eco-friendly landscaping too. You should reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Test the soil it may just need organic compost that you can buy and the organic pesticide that uses natural substances and have a lower level of chemicals. Over 60% of potential home buyers say a well-landscaped property is one of the things they look for in a home.

Install A Tankless Water Heater

The benefit of installing a tankless water heater is it only will use water when you need it. It can save you 30 to 50 percent on fuel costs. This device works when you turn on the tap and sensors detect water coming into the heater that has to be heated. They range in price from about $200 to $2,000 depending on the size and are gas-fired or electric. They should be installed by a professional. The benefits are they produce instant hot water, some are Wi-Fi compatible, and in time save money on water and fuels. They are compact about the size of a suitcase and hang on the wall.

Upgrade to Green Appliances

Consider buying energy-efficient appliances when you replace older models. They are refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners, stoves, washers, and dryers. These Energy Star appliances will save you on water and electricity. They reduce pollution and create sustainability in the home. When you buy an energy-efficient dishwasher it uses less water and reduces your water bill by 25%. An Energy Star refrigerator will decrease your electric bill. Refrigerators are an appliance that uses more electricity than others appliances. Energy Star is a label that appliances get when they meet government regulations for energy efficiency and reducing the use of water and electricity. They can reduce utilities by about 30% in the home. A minor kitchen remodel will have an 82.7% return on your investment.

These are some ways to make the eco-friendly upgrade to your home for a healthier home environment.

5 Eco-Friendly Plumbing Tips For a Greener Home

March 2, 2021 0

When temperatures drop, your chief concern as a homeowner might be to make sure your pipes don’t freeze. While the plumbing industry made more than $107 billion in revenue during 2018, you’ll probably want to avoid paying top dollar for a plumbing emergency this winter. But aside from insulating your plumbing to prevent a burst pipe, there may be other ways to save money in this realm. And in many cases, the cost-saving choice is also the sustainable choice.

Despite the fact that nearly half of American homeowners live in the first home they ever purchased, there are a number of ways to upgrade your home’s plumbing system to prioritize environmental responsibility. If you’re looking to lead a greener lifestyle by reducing water waste and save some green in the process, here are just five ideas that will help you create a more eco-friendly plumbing system at home.

Install Low-Flow and High-Efficiency Appliances

It’s amazing what a few household upgrades can do when you want to reduce water waste. Low-flow toilets and showerheads can reduce how much water is used during daily activities without sacrificing performance. You might also consider installing a high-efficiency faucet, which reduces water flow while maintaining pressure, or high-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines. These options are better for the environment (and for your water bill!), though you’ll probably never notice a difference when you’re using them.

Consider a Tankless Water Heater

Your home’s water heater performs a vital function, but relying on an outdated model can be expensive and wasteful. If you want to prioritize energy efficiency and make sure you aren’t heating water you don’t actually need to heat, you may want to switch to a demand-style heater or a tankless water heater, which tend to be more efficient and can save a lot of space in your home. If you plan on selling your house down the line, these water heaters can add some value to your property, as well.

Opt For Energy-Efficient Pipes

If you own an older home, chances are that your home’s plumbing is on the older side, too. Switching to steel or PEX pipes will naturally retain heat and can allow you to reduce the amount you spend on heating your water. But if you’re sticking with plastic or copper pipes, you may want to insulate them for the sake of energy efficiency. This is a good idea in the winter anyway, but it can actually help you save money and reduce energy waste year-round.

Be Careful About What You Flush

While this doesn’t involve any equipment upgrades, adopting this habit can prevent you from ruining your plumbing system and spending money on expensive repairs or replacement while prioritizing the protection of your local water system. Even if you think certain household products — like sanitizing wipes or cotton balls — are technically flushable, that doesn’t mean they should go down the drain. These products often won’t break down and can actually clog your toilet. Worse yet, they can end up in the water supply. Make it a point to use biodegradable or compostable products whenever possible to avoid this scenario and reduce waste altogether.

Cut Down on Water Use

Hydration and access to clean water is a must, considering that 71% of Americans drink tap water (and no one wants you to get dehydrated!). However, you might want to take some steps to reduce the amount of water you’re unknowingly consuming. For example, taking a shorter shower or limiting the number of times you shower each week can help your family be more eco-friendly. You can also remember to shut off the faucet when you’re brushing your teeth or when you’re washing the dishes. You’re most likely wasting a ton of water without realizing it, which might also mean you’re paying to heat that water. By reducing the amount of water you unintentionally waste, you’ll inherently have a more eco-friendly home.

No matter the season, there’s always a reason to be conscious of our water usage. With these tips in mind, you can curb wasteful habits and save all kinds of resources.

3 Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Projects That Boost The Value Of Your Home

October 31, 2017 0

When it comes to home improvements, many people seem hesitant to commit to projects that require a substantial investment. However, there are a number of renovations and improvements that not only increase the value of your home but serve as eco-friendly solutions as well. Here are just a few sustainable home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home.

Roofing

Your home’s roof is obviously a critical component of its structural integrity. If you’re in the market for a new roof, consider opting for one of the many eco-friendly roofing materials available. New metal roofs, for example, may contain anywhere from 30% to 60% of recycled metal content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their service lives. Plus, while a traditional asphalt shingle roof has an average lifespan of 12 to 20 years, metal roofs can last between 40 and 70 years when properly installed and maintained.

Another eco-friendly benefit of metal roofing? Its energy-efficiency. Metal roofs have a unique cooling quality that allows them to reflect radiant heat from the sun. This can reduce energy costs by between 10% and 25%.

Plumbing

Many homeowners are uneasy about the idea of messing with their home’s plumbing system, but tankless water heaters have a number of eco-friendly benefits. Tankless water heaters are extremely efficient. They use only the energy necessary to heat the amount of water that you’re using, unlike tank heaters which heat several gallons of water at a time. A tankless water heater and can save you as much as a 20% on your energy bills.

“Tankless units (also called “on demand” units) heat water only when you turn on the faucet,” explains Family Handyman. “They usually operate on natural gas or propane. The main advantage is that they eliminate the extra cost of keeping 40 to 50 gallons of water hot in a storage tank, so you waste less energy.”

Furthermore, How Stuff Works says that tankless water heaters typically come with a federal tax rebate of $300. Considering the fact that they can last up to 10 years longer than traditional tanks, they’re certainly an investment worth looking into.

Countertops

Finally, natural stone countertops are a sleek and eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. In fact, of the 93% of homeowners who are updating countertops during a kitchen renovation, the majority are choosing natural stone materials. They don’t require as much energy to produce since they’re all-natural, and they’re incredibly durable and long-lasting. They don’t stain, can withstand hot temperatures, and are almost impossible to scratch.

Homeowners that value individuality as much as sustainability will also be pleased to hear that natural stone countertops are one-of-a-kind. Their natural qualities and unique markings make them a warm and welcoming addition to any home.

Ultimately, these are just three of the countless eco-friendly home improvement projects that increase the value of your home. Never be afraid to experiment with any number of sustainable solutions, and most of all, don’t ever think your efforts don’t make a difference. Each and every eco-friendly home improvement project is another step toward a sustainable future.