With thousands of toxic and unethically sourced building materials on the market today, homeowners are increasingly concerned about the materials entering their living spaces. Recently, the concept of incorporating sustainable materials and practices into home remodeling has grown in popularity.

This is for good reason as the sustainable choices that homeowners make when renovating their homes can aid in natural resource conservation, reduce landfill waste, and improve indoor air quality. In today’s day and age, it’s never been more important to find home contractors who are dedicated to sustainable building practices for the health of your family and the planet.

Sustainable Materials

As the use of toxic chemicals in the building industry increases, homeowners and contractors are seeking ways to incorporate sustainable materials. Eco-friendly materials can significantly reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and promote healthier living.

So, what makes a building material sustainable? Sustainability can be evaluated in several ways, including renewability, recyclability, energy efficiency, durability, and toxicity. As a homeowner, it’s important to decide which aspects are most important to you. Some of the most commonly used sustainable materials in home remodeling include reclaimed wood, recycled steel, low-VOC paint, bamboo, and recycled glass.

  1. Reclaimed Wood

Wood is one of the most widely used building materials in home construction and remodeling, offering a great opportunity for homeowners to make their remodels more sustainable by choosing reclaimed or recycled wood for structural beams, flooring, cabinetry, decorative paneling, and more.

Opting for reclaimed wood from old barns, factories, and fences can help homeowners save money during the remodeling process. Additionally, reusing wood materials reduces pressure on forests, contributing to efforts to reverse deforestation worldwide.

  2. Recycled Steel

Recycled steel offers numerous benefits for homeowners remodeling their homes, including increased sustainability, cost savings, and durability. Choosing this used material provides all the advantages of newly manufactured steel, without the high price tag.

Steel can be recycled from demolished buildings, old railroad tracks, and post-industrial manufacturing processes to be used in structural beams, decorative cladding, roofing, siding, and fencing. Homeowners who choose recycled steel can have peace of mind knowing it’s 100% recyclable for future use and highly durable compared to other materials.

  3. Low-VOC Paint

Low-VOC paints offer a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional paints that contain volatile organic compounds. As the paint dries, VOCs are released into the air, polluting the environment and posing risks to human and animal health.

By choosing low-VOC paints, homeowners can ensure their family is protected from harmful chemicals. These paints are also more eco-friendly, as they contain fewer heavy metals and toxic chemicals, making them less harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly.

  4. Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that resembles wood in look, feel, and function. Homeowners are increasingly turning to bamboo to replace wood in many home remodeling products, including flooring, cabinetry, countertops, wall paneling, and fencing. As a rapidly renewable resource, bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly choices for a home remodel, offering both aesthetic appeal and durability without compromise.

  5. Recycled Glass

Choosing recycled glass countertops and tiles helps divert waste from landfills and reduces reliance on non-renewable materials. Glass used in home improvement projects can come from both post-consumer and post-industrial sources, including recycled windows, glass bottles, and materials from old buildings.

Recycled glass is transformed into beautiful and durable flooring, shower wall tiles, backsplashes, and kitchen countertops during home renovations. Consider incorporating these unique and eco-friendly materials the next time you need to replace any of these items in your home.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainable practices refer to the everyday actions homeowners take to live more eco-friendly lives within their homes. Beyond selecting sustainable materials for a home remodel, it’s important to adopt practices that reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, conserve water, minimize landfill waste, and support local sourcing. By embracing these efforts, homeowners can reduce overconsumption of natural resources, lower their carbon footprint, and save money.

  1. Energy Efficient Products

One of the most effective ways to reduce your home’s strain on natural resources is to install energy-efficient products. In today’s modern era, there are constant innovations in the world of energy-efficient appliances and products being used in home remodeling. Some popular upgrades include:

• Energy Star Windows
• Spray Foam Insulation
• LED Lighting
• Energy Star Appliances
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Insulated Siding

  2. Solar Installations

Solar energy is considered one of the most sustainable energy sources for residential use. With solar gaining popularity across the board, many programs are being developed at the local and government levels to incentivize homeowners to have solar panels installed on their properties.

There are various ways to incorporate solar energy on your property including roof-mounted solar panels, freestanding solar panels, and solar roofing. A solar system typically includes solar panels, an inverter, and battery storage. Once the system is installed, it will continue to work for decades with minor repairs or maintenance as needed.

   3. Water Conservation Efforts

Water conservation appliances are fixtures designed to use less water, such as energy-efficient dishwashers, low-flow showerheads and faucets, and water-saving toilets. Each of these products helps reduce a home’s reliance on natural resources and can lower water bills over time.

Water conserving efforts are crucial for parts of the world that are experiencing drought. In these areas, homeowners must do everything in their power to reduce the amount of water their homes use. By investing in water-saving appliances, you can contribute to sustainability efforts while lowering your utility bills.

  4. Long-Lasting Products

Another strategy for increasing the sustainability of your home during a remodel is through the selection of highly durable and long-lasting products. A more durable building material won’t need to be repaired or replaced as frequently as other products.

This practice reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, and offers long-term value for homeowners. Some products to choose from may include metal roofing instead of asphalt shingles, hardwood flooring instead of vinyl, and fiber cement siding instead of vinyl.

  5. Locally Sourced Materials

While it’s one of the most overlooked ways to achieve sustainable home remodeling, sourcing local materials is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and support local economies. For example, choosing stone from a local quarry creates significantly less pollution than transporting a product from overseas. This practice can also save you money on costs associated with shipping materials to your property from distant locations.

Positive Effects of Sustainable Home Remodeling

Implementing sustainable materials and practices into your home remodel can provide many benefits for yourself and the planet including the following:

• Environmental Conservation: Many sustainable home renovations reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and reduce landfill waste. These practices all contribute to environmental conservation efforts for the greater good.
• Personal Cost Savings: Reusing, reducing, and recycling building materials is a great way to save money during a home remodel.
• Health and Well-Being: Choosing products and materials that are better for the environment means they’ll also be better for your health.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Sustainable materials can add character and charm to any home renovation. Products like recycled steel, glass, and wood offer a desirable aesthetic.
• Longer-Lasting Installations: Choosing to install materials that last longer can reduce waste and save you thousands on repairs and replacements over the years.

Get Matched with a Sustainable Home Contractor Near You

When searching for a sustainable home contractor, look for someone who specializes in green home building, installing reclaimed materials, and solar installations. It’s also important to ask your home contractor if they have any partnerships with eco-friendly manufacturers for low-VOC paints, recycled materials, and Energy Star products.

They may also hold certifications for sustainable home remodeling including a LEED credential, CGBP certification, NAHB certification, or Passive House certification. We have many contractors and home services companies standing by to get started on your project with an emphasis on sustainable materials and practices.

Ready to bring your green vision to life? Let us connect you with trusted professionals who specialize in sustainable renovations. Browse our network of qualified, eco-conscious contractors to quickly find the perfect match for your sustainable home remodel!