Green remodelling in Toronto
Green remodeling in Toronto: good for you, for the planet, and for your wallet.
Making the decision to renovate instead of constructing a new home is already the first step to green remodelling. Sustainable home building, which seeks to minimize construction waste while making homes more energy-efficient, is growing in popularity nationally. Sustainable home building and ‘’green’’ renovations are also becoming easier, especially in eco-minded markets like Toronto.
‘‘You don’t have to do a lot to make a big difference.’’ Explained john shipman from Build it green. The non-profit developed the green point rated label to help and reward homeowners and builders for sustainable construction and sustainable home renovations.
Why should you do a sustainable home renovation?
Creating a ‘’green’’, more sustainable home can be as simple as adding a low-flush toilet, which can cost as little as $100, according to shipman. If you are embarking on an extensive green remodelling project, it will cost approximately $20/000 more than a non-sustainable one. Keep in mind, however, that you will make up for it over time by saving on the electricity bill.
Think of taking on a green remodelling approach as an investment instead of an expense. Not only will you save on your energy bills, but also your home will increase in value. Homes that carry a green certification, like green point rated, sell faster and for about four to five percent above market value, shipman said. Another benefit: a sustainable renovation will likely provide a cleaner lifestyle, thanks to the use of non-toxic materials.
A guide to green remodeling
Energy assessment
Calling in an energy auditor is a great place to start your green remodelling project. It will lead to an efficient home, as well as make your sustainable home renovation productive and strategic.
An energy assessment can involve a visual inspection as well as thermal imaging with infrared cameras to detect energy loss. A blower picks up on unwanted airflow through cracks surrounding entry points like windows as well as roofs. An assessment typically costs a few hundred dollars. It might be a worthwhile investment.
Passive design
The layout of your home, and everything under the hood-think airtight windows and insulation have a huge impact on how effortlessly, you will live modern, sustainable life. It can also eliminate 30 percent of your household energy bills. Here are some top sustainable building options to consider:
- Home layout: a significant part of passive design is the physical orientation of your house, and how that interacts in the seasons. If you embarking on a significant renovation, you may have the opportunity, to consider where each living space goes. For example, you could reconfigure your living room, where you spend most of your daytime hours so that it faces south. This will give you maximum sun and heat during the winter, reducing your home heating costs.
- Skylights: said Timothy Corrigan, a Los Angeles-based interior design that has completed several sustainability projects in the USA. So that there isn’t just a black hole at knight where the skylight is, he suggested putting LED lights in the shaft. Covering the opening with an opaque filter creates some soft lighting.
- The exterior colour of your home: will also make a difference, according to timothy. If you’re in a warm climate, head towards light colours for a cooling effect. That’s one reason why a dark, even black home exterior is common in colder countries like Canada-it hold in heat.
- Landscaping: what trees you plant and where can make a big difference. Deciduous trees provide shade during the summer and maximize heat and light during the winter when they shed their leaves. The best place to plant for this effect is on the south and west side of the structure. Adding a green roof will also keep your home cool.
Sustainable renovation home ideas: air sealing your home
An incredible amount of energy is wasted when air either leaks out or gets in. your heating system has to work much harder if there is a continuous draft from a crack between a door and the floor. Here are some simple, and not so simple, ways to air seal your house:
- Caulking: This material squeezes into small, stationary is to prevent airflow coming through cracks and gaps and joints that are less than a quarter-inch.
- Weatherstripping: this is typically a foam or rubber material that can be cut to fit different dimensions. Unlike caulking, weatherstripping is for anything that moves, such as doors or windows.
- Airtight drywall: if you are doing a significant renovation, this is the approach with the best outcome, airtight drywall seals joints, seams, and openings in your walls, doors, and windows during construction.
Sustainable renovation ideas: Low-E windows
Low-Emissivity glass allows a minimum amount of ultraviolet and infrared says through your windows. The coating keeps the inside temperature consistent by keeping it inside and preventing it from escaping. About 30 percent of heating and cooling energy is lost through windows and doors.
Glass absorbs heat in the summer and cold during the winter, which puts pressure on your heating and cooling systems. The Low-E coating does double duty by reflecting energy from the outside and the inside. For example, in the summer, it reflects heat back to the sun and the cold from air-conditioning back inside the house. If your renovation calls for new windows, it’s your chance to either use Low-E windows or add a Low-E coating to what you already love.
Sustainable renovation ideas: insulation
Insulation will improve the efficiency of your home by trapping energy in. the outside weather has less impact on your inside temperature. However, some insulation products have certain advantages. Recycled cotton and cellulose insulation are made from 80 percent recycle materials, according to the build it green material guide. Companies such as certain teed, use recycle glass so products meet the EPA’s recovered material guidelines. This save material from clogging up landfills, while improving your home’s energy efficiency, when choosing your insulation material, is on the lookout for products that are free of VOCs and toxins.
Take step towards green remodelling and sustainable renovation, and you will be on your way to a healthier home, planet, and wallet. Happy ‘’green’’ renovation!