Best Sustainable Building Materials for Renovations

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the construction industry accounts for 36% of global energy use and 39% of carbon emissions. About 11% of emissions come from the manufacturing and processing of building materials. While these statistics include major commercial and civil projects, small-scale residential and business renovations can reduce their impact by opting for sustainable building materials to lower their projects’ environmental impacts. 

Sustainability is not just about eco-friendliness. Using renewable or recycled materials for renovation projects offers cost-saving and health benefits, as well as conserving energy and resources. 

Here is a closer look at how homeowners and businesses can plan renovation projects using sustainable materials. 

Why Sustainable Materials?

Sustainability involves sourcing materials and performing the processes necessary for human life without disrupting the natural environment. Sustainable materials are sourced, refined, produced, and used with the minimum possible environmental impact.

Sustainable materials can include everything from fast-growing woods that regrow after harvesting to recycled iron and crushed cement. The goal of using these materials is to create a cycle of regrowth and reuse that will not deplete resources as long as the cycle continues. 

Sustainability can also involve limiting pollution and increasing environmental health and air quality. In addition to selecting products refined with limited carbon emissions, natural materials can improve indoor air quality by limiting the release of chemicals or gasses. 

Another reason to opt for green building techniques and materials is cost saving. Green products are often more durable and require less maintenance than traditional alternatives, limiting costs over the lifespan of the renovation. 

Understanding Sustainability in Construction

Sustainability depends on different factors. The overall environmental impact of your renovation project will depend on how well you balance these factors. In some instances, recycled materials may not be available for certain parts of your renovation. However, you can opt for durable materials that will not require replacement or those with green certifications that guarantee limited carbon emissions or sustainable harvesting. 

According to California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), multiple factors go into measuring the overall sustainability of materials.

• Renewable materials are sourced from sustainably-managed sources. Suppliers can return to the same source indefinitely without having to harvest raw materials elsewhere. These materials may have third-party certification. For example, the Forest Stewardship Council has a certification for sustainable wood.  
• Recycled materials are repurposed or refined using existing materials. Recycled materials could come from other buildings through salvage operations or from other sources.
• Green certifications measure environmental impact, energy efficiency, sustainability, and other factors. LEED certification is the most well-known accreditation for buildings. However, Energy Star and National Green Building Standards (NGBS) may be more relevant for residential and small commercial renovations.
• Durability ensures the longevity of the renovations. Durability ensures the owner gets maximum use out of energy and resources before needing additional renovations. 

Sustainability best practices can vary, especially when it comes to energy efficiency and durability. For example, renovations in San Diego where the climate is stable will require less energy-use planning than renovations in Boise, where temperature and weather extremes are more common. 

Best Eco-Friendly Materials for Renovations

In addition to climate and location considerations, you should also find materials that work best for the project type. Here are four common renovation and remodeling projects and the best sustainable materials choices for each. 

Roof Replacement

The best roofing materials need to stand up to your climate conditions. Luckily sustainable options are available for most types of roofing projects. 

• Sustainably-sourced wood shingles are an exceptionally environmentally friendly option. 
• Concrete tile and fiber cement shingles are durable and long-lasting, but they require a carbon-intensive manufacturing process. 
• Metal roofs are sustainable and 100% recyclable. They are highly reflective and can lower energy bills in warm climates. 
• Slate tile roofs can last for centuries, and they rely on natural materials. However, they are expensive. 

You also need to consider efficiency benefits and durability when selecting a roofing material.  

Window Upgrades

Select the best material for your windows by balancing appearance, durability, and efficiency considerations. 

• Wood windows may be sustainable depending on the sourcing process and additional chemical treatments. 
• Aluminum windows are also a sustainable option. Aluminum is recyclable and durable, but they conduct heat and lack the efficiency necessary for colder climates.
• Fiberglass and fiberglass composite windows are more energy efficient than wood, aluminum, or other options, like vinyl. Many Energy Star-certified windows contain fiberglass. 

You need to account for other considerations, such as choosing between single-pane and double-pane windows. 

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects often have different components, so you need to create a renovation checklist to ensure you account for the sustainability of all aspects of the project.

Here are the most important considerations for remodeling these heavily used rooms.

• Sustainable countertop choices include paper-composite products using resin and recycled paper for a durable and waterproof surface. Bamboo, recycled glass, and glass-cement composites are also highly sustainable. 
• Fixtures are also important. Low-flow showerheads, faucets, toilets, and dishwashers can reduce water use, lowering waste and utility bills.
• Energy Star-certified appliances limit electricity use in the kitchen, ultimately reducing carbon output and energy bills.

Kitchens and bathrooms are heavily used, so you should consider the durability of your chosen materials. 

Wall Construction

Wall constructions are necessary for significant renovations, such as a basement finishing project, or additions. 

• Stucco provides durability and longevity. Modern stucco is more durable than older plastic versions, but it is still sustainable. 
• Wool is an effective insulator. Both sheep wool and mineral wool are effective and natural alternatives to fiberglass and foam insulation. Unfortunately, they are more expensive. 
• Bamboo walls can be highly sustainable because the plants grow rapidly so the source replenishes after harvesting. However, bamboo is often imported, adding to carbon emissions. 
• Steel frames are recyclable. You can reprocess steel again and again without compromising its strength. Most walls are not steel but are a metal composite containing aluminum and other metals, which are also recyclable. 

Wall projects involve balancing the sustainability of materials and energy efficiency.

Additional Considerations

Renovation projects can be complex, so you will need to carefully consider all factors and work with a contractor who understands your desire for sustainability and local codes and ordinances. 

Here are common considerations for renovations. 

• You will need to consider the necessary codes and permits. If you make electrical, plumbing, or structural changes, which are often necessary for kitchen or bathroom remodels or additions, you will need to obtain permits and pass an inspection. 
• Sustainability is easier if you work with a contractor specializing in sustainable materials. They can source the necessary supplies for the project and help you decide which options work best for your plans and efficiency needs. 
• Limited carbon emissions are part of the sustainability process. You can see which sustainable or recycled materials are available in your area and rely on them to limit emissions from long-distance transport. 
• Practicality is another issue to consider. You want to balance form and function by selecting products that look good and provide sustainability features and budget-friendly pricing. You should consider overall costs (including potential maintenance or repair costs) when making these decisions. 

With careful planning and the right contractor, you’ll complete your renovations with a limited impact on the environment.