The construction industry is one of the largest sectors responsible for energy consumption and emissions. Every year, it produces an incredible 40 million tonnes of CO2, contributing significantly to climate change and pollution.
If you feel your home needs a facelift, but are concerned about the environmental impact a renovation might have, a sustainable refurbishment could be the solution you’re looking for. Using fewer new materials - and producing less waste - than renovations, refurbishments are a great way to cut both the cost of your project and your carbon footprint.
Fewer New Materials
In general, refurbishments require fewer materials compared to renovations. As creating new materials accounts for a significant chunk of construction industry energy consumption, using bricks, tiles and windows that are already in situ is a great way to help reduce carbon emissions.
Not only will using existing materials help cut down on waste, it will also reduce the need for extensive transportation. Having fewer trucks come to your property will further minimise emissions and help prevent your home turning into a major neighbourhood polluter.
Less Construction
Full home renovations require a lot of big, heavy elements like roof tiles, timbers, sand, cement and bricks. These resources all have to come from somewhere, and many are transported from hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away. All this adds to the carbon footprint of your home and takes its toll on the environment.
Using Existing Structures
Refurbishing existing structures, rather than replacing them, can significantly reduce your project’s environmental impact. If your window frames, roof tiles and walls are still in good condition, there’s no need to rip them out and throw them away. Instead, you can dramatically reduce your carbon emissions by using techniques that clean, revitalise and strengthen existing elements of your home, and create a more durable, more sustainable place to live in the process.
Less Waste
In the UK, construction and demolition activities account for around 60% of the country’s waste. Ripping out and replacing existing parts of your home generates a huge amount of refuse. All this rubbish has to go somewhere, and more often than not, it ends up in landfill. Because buildings are designed to last, these materials will not decompose. Instead, they will stay buried, polluting the ground for centuries to come.
Refurbishing a home creates much, much less waste. Wherever possible, materials are reused, keeping almost all of the existing structure in place and preventing materials from going to landfills unnecessarily.
Make a choice that benefits both your living space and the planet. If you want to find out more about getting a sustainable refurbishment then get in contact with the team at LTI Transformations today!
COMMENTS