Ecology is a growing concern in the field of construction and renovation. After decades of using materials and techniques that used up a lot of energy and were made with harmful elements, more people are now aiming to find alternatives. This means that new materials and techniques that are more respectful are being developed.
On our renovation blog, we've published several articles that talk about ecological renovations and these articles are presented in the following guide:
Eco-friendly building materials
Building materials are often manufactured or treated with products that are very harmful to the environment. These products were designed in times when the environment was not much of a concern. Fortunately, there are more and more alternatives, namely for roof renovations but also for lighting, insulation and doors and windows.
- 3 eco-friendly insulation materials
- 10 green home renovation materials
- Why a photovoltaic roof could be right for you
- 5 things to know about TPO and EPDM roofing
- 5 reasons to install a green roof on your home
- Everything you need to know about eco-friendly toilets
- Eco-friendly attic insulation solutions
- Roofing: the lifespan of a roof
- Solar roof: are solar shingles the future?
- The different types of natural paving stones
- How to select an air-barrier
Nature and landscaping
Surprisingly, landscaping has long been highly polluting due to the use of chemicals and unsustainable practices. Things tend to change and regulations are more and more severe in order to reduce the effects of these contaminants. Here are some articles on this subject:
- 10 examples of landscaping projects
- RenoQuotes.com exterior renovation guide
- How to build an indoor garden or greenhouse
- 5 eco-friendly landscaping projects
Tools and energy systems
Heating, air conditioning and electricity are among the most energy-consuming elements of a home. Knowing this, companies are striving to design more efficient, more economical and less polluting devices.
- Environmentally-friendly heating systems
- What are the pros of geothermal energy?
- All about geothermal energy
- Environmentally-friendly air conditioning systems
- How to maintain a heat pump
- How does a heat pump work
Eco-friendly building techniques
For a long time, construction techniques were developed with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These concerns are now complemented by the idea of building in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way. The same goes for deconstruction, which can produce a lot of waste.
- Deconstruction: an eco-friendly alternative to demolition
- LEED: an economical and ecological choice
- Passive house: everything to know about this green concept!
Decorating with the environment in mind
The interior decoration of a house must also be thought-out by prioritizing ecological choices. Scandinavians are particularly known for their style of decor that is inspired by nature, is immersed in minimalism and mainly focuses on renewable materials:
- Home decor: a guide to Scandinavian style
- Lagom: the minimalist concept for all your renovation projects
- Hygge: 7 renovation tips to embrace and enjoy winter this year
Energy efficiency
Green renovations are often done with the idea of improving the home's energy efficiency. Here are some articles that share tips on this topic and discuss the Canadian government's efforts in this area:
- 10 ways to improve your home's energy efficiency
- Optimizing energy efficiency: driving economic growth
- How to reduce your electricity consumption
- How to improve the energy efficiency of your windows
- How to reduce your energy consumption level by renovating your home
Tax credits, subsidies and initiatives for environmentally-friendly renovations
Are eco-friendly renovations and construction projects too expensive? To help, the various levels of government offer grants, financing and tax credit programs. In the long run, buildings that consume less energy and are built with renewable materials will cause fewer expenses for homeowners and even for local governments. It is therefore in the interest of all to aim for a strong increase of ecological constructions.
- Subsidies and tax credits for renovations in Alberta
- Subsidies and tax credits for renovations in Ontario
- Toronto green renovation initiatives
General tips for green renovations
Finally, here are some useful tips to know when undertaking a renovation project with respect for the environment.
Looking for something else? Search here!
