Sustainability has quickly become one of the more important topics for both builders and homeowners embarking on new projects. As we know it - sustainability works to accomplish a few yet very essential things, such as avoiding the depletion of natural resources, as well as the ability for the home to maintain itself long term. And it comes as no wonder why sustainable homes became so attractive to many people – with the energy costs on the rise, creating a more sustainable home is desirable to those in need to reduce energy costs and live more comfortably in their homes. 

Sustainability takes on many forms, not to mention it can mean different things to different people, with many people stressing the importance of green building and others looking at it from a more economic standpoint.  Given the current economic crisis brought on by the pandemic and coupled with the fact that most of us are spending time inside, sustainability is taking on a new look for many people. 

There are many facets of sustainable remodel, and while most will pay for themselves in time, it’s way smarter to take a look at current trends before investing to help boost your potential gains. Being up to date with current trends for sustainable homes and design can also help you give you a viewpoint on the future of this field.

Remodelling for Sustainability 

We make house remodels for many reasons. While some would love to renew their living space or want a new look, others may be fixing something that is damaged. Yet, remodels centred around sustainability are now a widespread trend. The perks that come with an eco-friendly renovation include saving money, helping the environment, and improving a home's resale potential. Remodelling for sustainability means you need to identify the environmental concerns in your home and try to remedy them. 

Most prevalent renovations involve upgrading appliances. That involves finding energy star-rated appliances that focus on energy efficiency but also doing research on the best appliances for you. 

Water Conservation Measures 

Awareness of the foreseen crisis in freshwater supply in many regions will surge as climate change continues to disturb rainfall and the water supply system worldwide in 2020. Take the 2014 – 2015 Californian drought - with more than 70 percent of the state in extreme drought by summer 2015, brought water concerns to national attention, not to mention it was exacerbated by the disastrous wildfires in 2019. 

These wildfires in CA were reflected in recent years by disastrous summers for fires in Montana, BC Canada, and most recently by those in Australia at the end of 2019. Enhance concern about the impact of the future restriction on water supplies and cost is pushing many building managers, owners, and builders to consider ways to further reduce water consumption in commercial and residential buildings such as rainwater catchment systems, using more water-conserving fixtures, and low-flow toilets and more.  

Non-toxic Building Materials and Healthy Homes 

When completing a home remodel, it's vital to consider the type of materials and coating systems that are going into your home. Sustainable home remodel is less about fashion and more about using eco-friendly materials. These materials can be repurposed, non-toxic, easily recycled, and/or natural. 

You may consider things like steel, wood, cork, and bamboo, which are the best examples of sustainable materials known so far; if you choose to get these materials refurbished, even better. As you may know, most prefabricated homes are made from recycled plastic or steel and tend to generate less waste than a traditionally built house. 

Another trend in sustainable home renovation doubles as a fashionable choice and a sustainable one; most homeowners find repurposed items to carry a vintage appeal that can turn any space into something special. New flooring, cabinets, and walls created with sustainable, domestic materials are great, but so is finding an old wooden cabinet and reusing it. 

ZNE – Zero Net Energy Homes 

The surging cost of energy combined with an increasing awareness of the global climate crisis is the impetus behind the trend towards more energy-efficient home construction. And ZNE home construction is one of the trends that is quickly taking off – if you haven't guessed yet, a Net Zero house is one that generates as much energy as it consumes. 

It starts with an energy-saving building envelope that includes high-efficiency ventilation and heating components systems to help keep the consumption of your building as low as possible, and it's then powered by sustainable energy sources like rooftop solar panels. 

Sustainable homes are more comfortable, healthier, and cost less to heat and cool. All these advantages mean that this type of home design is growing in popularity among homeowners who consider green design and sustainability a part of their next building project.