Renovation and maintenance have grown exponentially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased exposure to living spaces inspired DIYers, construction workers and builders to reimagine their surroundings. However, renovations come with an environmental cost.
People deforest for lumber and dig up soil for levelling land. This impacts the planet’s water, soil and air quality.
Increasing focus on sustainable sourcing and building practices is crucial for encouraging growth in the sector and altering expectations.
Shift towards eco-friendly materials
Green building has been stealing the limelight for customer priorities in recent years. Climate change discourse pervades every sector, and construction is no exception.
A case study explores the renovations of a 60-year-old building, including a bathroom remodel and floor installations. The research proves some interior renovation and maintenance projects have higher carbon emissions than the structure’s envelope during initial construction. It determined this using life cycle assessments of everything from drywall studs to glazing. Because remodelling is a repeated process, the carbon impact eventually exceeds the building’s inception.
Shifting to eco-friendly materials and tech can save the planet and wallets. Salvaged, repurposed, recycled and upcycled items appeal to businesses and homeowners more than traditional alternatives. The fact is apparent based on projects — green building materials will soar to a potential value of $394.41 billion by 2028. They encapsulate many qualities, including being:
- Non-toxic
- Low in volatile organic compounds
- Organic
- Fair trade
- Energy-efficient or made with renewable energy
- Certified by a third-party auditor
- Carbon neutral or net zero
Energy-efficiency upgrades and green initiatives
Around 85 per cent of consumers are changing their shopping habits to support more sustainable ventures. It means every company selling renovation or maintenance-related items must revise their products. Refrigerators must be energy-efficient and area rugs must contain repurposed fibres to incite customer interest. However, it extends outside of single purchases.
Climate-aware shoppers and builders want to make homes more energy-efficient and better at utilising their resources. Therefore, more people are familiarising themselves with concepts like weatherstripping and passive solar design to retain and distribute heat.
The energy-efficiency upgrades and green initiatives do not stop there for home remodelers. The urgency seeps into related industries, especially technology. Many of these renovations incorporate the Internet of Things (IoT), devices that develop a household into a smart home. They collect data, monitor power consumption and make adjustments based on behaviours. It provides customers with cleaner consciences and fuller wallets.
Analytics help with personal and practical energy and resource management. It increases comprehensive environmental awareness.
Environmental, financial and health benefits
Nobody should justify ignoring a renovation for sustainability because builders can execute every upgrade with the planet in mind. It makes financial sense because structural repairs worsen over time, especially with flooded flooring or warped gutters. More urgent maintenance tasks like this impact the long-term sustainability of the house and the health of those residing there. Putting it off catalyses other wasteful projects that owners could have prevented.
A growing interest in preventive health care is another driver for eco-friendly construction. People no longer want to breathe in toxic chemicals from paint or harmful particulates from inefficient legacy HVAC systems. It is becoming common knowledge human health equates to greener renovations and considerations.
Supporting sustainable building practices notifies industries about how to act. For example, customers who do not purchase materials because of unethical mining or clear-cutting methods will shift gears. Buying decisions minimise resource depletion and inform sectors how clients feel.
Making construction greener
Home repairs are inevitable, and it is reinvigorating to experience a renovation in a stagnating house. Preventing adverse environmental impacts from these luxuries is essential for decarbonising an industry known for its wastefulness. Prioritising sustainably sourced materials, leveraging data and technology, and assigning priorities influence the sector to be greener.
