What Is Green Remodeling And Why Is It Important

Posted By rendon on December 29th, 2009 in basements, bathroom remodeling, green remodeling, green renovations, home additions, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, northern Virginia, residential remodeling No Comments

When people hear the term “green remodeling”, most people don’t really know what it is, except that it must be something to save the environment. The point that I would like to get across in this article, is to educate you on what green remodeling actually is and how it will benefit you and everyone around us.

First off, green remodeling has a lot of meanings and most home remodeling professionals don’t know how to apply them. Their are many green remodeling certifications available to home remodeling professionals to separate the green remodeling professionals from other companies who claim to be “green”, but in reality are not very educated in green remodeling. The term for companies claiming to be a “green” company (but are not qualified as a green remodeler), is “greenwashing”. Rendon Remodeling & Design, LLC has separated themselves from much of the “greenwashing” competition. We strive to stay ahead of the competition by educating ourselves and becoming certified green remodeling professionals. This gives us the ability to properly educate homeowners about green remodeling and remodel with minimal environmental impact, make your home more efficient, and reduce harmful emissions and improve the overall air quality.
So what actually is “green remodeling”? Green remodeling is the design and construction of projects that reduce environmental impact of remodeling, including energy, water, and materials consumption; waste generation; and harmful emissions, both indoors and out. Another term you may hear with green remodeling, is “sustainability”. Sustainability goes hand and hand with green remodeling and is an important part of green remodeling. Environmental sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. An example of a green sustainable product is composite decking. This is considered a green product because composite material is made of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic resins. That makes it friendly to the environment because it does not require the use of trees and virgin plastic. Composite material is a sustainable product because it does not warp, crack, and rot like wood. Composite decking also comes pre-finished which does not require any sealing or staining which wood requires. This is better for the environment because it lasts longer than wood, so it uses fewer resources and omitting the sealing and staining reduces the harmful emissions off-gassed from the sealant and stains used.
Green remodeling is much more than just conserving energy, using renewable resources, and being environmentally friendly. An important aspect of green remodeling is improving the indoor air quality of buildings. According to the EPA, Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. So it would make complete sense to improve the overall indoor air quality. Indoor allergens and irritants can play a great role on asthma and allergies. This is even more critical for children because they are more sensitive. Their are many contributors to poor indoor air quality, but I would be here all day if I spoke about all of them. So I just want to give you a few examples: many gas appliances are inefficient and can leak harmful gases into your home, mold development from poor ventilation, dirty carpets harbor all types of bacteria and dust mites, moisture problems in basements, radon gas exposure in basements (which contributes to lung cancer), cabinetry and furniture in a home (contain toxic VOC’s and formaldehyde that off-gas over time in your home), even household cleaners can release toxic VOC’s in the home. I could continue forever but you get my point. That is why it is extremely important to work with a green remodeling professional that is educated with these types of issues inside the home. A green remodeling professional uses products that are low or no VOC and formaldehyde products, install efficient gas appliances that are vented properly, install proper ventilation systems to control moisture and air quality, and much much more. A green remodeling professional can offer advice and assistance in more than just a particular remodeling project. A qualified green remodeling professional can offer assistance in other areas of your home that may be detrimental to your health.
That seems like a lot to think about, but when you think about the big picture and put it all together; it makes complete sense. I could go on forever with the different topics related to “green remodeling”, but in this article I just wanted to open your eyes to green remodeling so you could see why it is extremely important.
Please stay tuned to future green remodeling articles with more detail about specific green remodeling topics.
If your eager to learn more and would like to speak to a green remodeling professional, please fill out this form.
Rendon Remodeling & Design, LLC
“Making Your Remodeling Dreams A Reality”

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