What is "green" remodeling? The answer to that question has been feverishly debated by remodeling and home improvement contractors for more than a decade. Green remodeling can be implemented in a multitude of avenues: utilizing materials that embody the cradle to cradle concept, following the USGBC: LEED for Homes Guidelines, choosing reclaimed or recycled products, purchasing materials with maximized lifespan, choosing organic textiles and finishes or by simply purchasing more energy efficient products.
Using "green" building and remodeling practices is more popular than ever. Why? Because it makes sense. Remodeling your home with green products not only helps to save the environment and preserve the world we live in, but it can be a longer-lasting, more comfortable, and much more energy-efficient solution for your home.
Green homes save money! The US Department of Energy reports that insulating the basement walls can save between $250 and $400 annually alone, and even something as small as changing an incandescent light bulb with an Energy Star rated one can save $30 in energy over the lifespan of the bulb! Check the link above for information on how to recieve financing and tax credits. Once you've remodeled the entire basement- including the walls, floor, windows, and lighting- with a green design in mind, the savings can be enormous!
How to Finish & Remodel "GREEN"?
Energy efficiency can mean a right-sized HVAC unit or, better yet, a geothermal system.
A geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump (GSHP) is a central heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat to or from the ground. It uses the earth as a source of heat (in the winter), or as source of cold (in the summer). This design takes advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling systems, and may be combined with solar heating to form a geosolar system with even greater efficiency.
Proper installation of Fiber Glass Batt insulation can be applied to exterior walls of basement.
Cellulose Insulation is composed of 75% to 85% recycled paper fiber. It requires much less energy to produce, and has low-toxicity and does not create global warming potential by not producing significant gaseous emissions. Cellulose Insulation has been found to save homeowners 20% to 50% on utility bills by performing 20% to 30% better than fiberglass in reducing energy used. Cellulose is also shown to have superior pest, insect, and mold control.
Take advbantage of Passive Solar Energy.
Passive Solar technologies are means of using sunlight for useful energy without use of active mechanical systems (as contrasted to active solar). Such technologies convert sunlight into usable heat (water, air, thermal mass), cause air-movement for ventilating, or future use, with little use of other energy sources. 'Low-grade' energy needs, such as space and water heating, have proven, over time, to be better applications for passive use of solar energy.
Bamboo flooring and finished concrete both mean sustainability and durability.
Bamboo floor manufacturers and sellers promote its durability as well as resistance to insects and moisture. Bamboo has also gained a reputation as an eco-friendly, highly renewable source of material, as the bamboo plant (technically a grass) reaches maturity in considerably less time than the trees used to make wood floors. The United States Green Building Council's LEED program allows points for the use of bamboo floors by virtue of it being a rapidly-renewable resource.
Properly sizing a hot water heater or, better yet, using a tankless hot water heater. Although a tankless water heater might cost more initially it may result in both energy and cost savings in the long term. As water is heated only when it is needed, there is no storage of hot water. With a tank, water is kept warm all day even if it never gets used and heat loss through the tank walls will result in a continual energy drain. Even in homes or buildings with a high demand for hot water, a tankless water heater may provide some level of savings. In a typical home these savings are quite substantial.