Education
If I Do a Green Remodel Do I Have to Have a Compost Pile?
By Nancy KinghornI am an interior design with a firm called Green Intention Design on the coastside of San Mateo County, CA.
I was speaking with a friend recently about what I am doing. She said that she wanted to remodel her kitchen. When I suggested that she consider some of the beautiful green and sustainable building finish materials now available, she said, “If I do a green remodel do I have to have a compost pile?
Today remodeling “green” or choosing sustainable products with lowered environmental impact doesn’t force you into lifestyle changes that you don’t want. Choosing “green” remodeling, today, allows you to be just as creative, just as budget-conscious, and still have a beautiful, personalized space.
Composting is great. I do it but I wouldn’t force any one to adapt a laundry list of “green to-dos”. Going green is a choice.
As we become more and more aware of the huge impact of our lifestyles on our larger homespace, Planet Earth, we feel a desire to do what we can to develop a more sensible, sustainable lifestyle and reduce the impact we have on the planet daily. We just need to learn how.
One thing we all have in common, no matter where we live, is that most every human being lives in a building, works in a building, and chooses to spend most of their day inside of a building.
It is estimated that the “built” environment has the greatest impact on our planet, more than the automobile, other forms of transportation, and manufacturing.
Focus on changing our building processes is the natural place to start in reversing the impact we have created from lifestyles based on living in buildings.
Architects, builders, and property owners of commercial buildings have turned their intentions to designing and constructing energy efficient, healthy, and sustainable building. Saving money on operating costs was a huge incentive.
Since 1998 United States Green Building Council, USGBC, has been at the forefront in developing standards and criterion which, when applied, result in not only a beautiful building but one that is energy efficient, sustainable, and supports the health of those who work inside.
If you have a new or newer public building in your community, it may have been built to design standards originated by the USGBC called L.E.E.D. or Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design.
What about homes? In December 2007, the American Society of Interior Designers, A.S.I.D, joined forces with USGBC and created a standard for homes. Their residential program is entitled REGREEN. The concept is simple- Green from the Start.
There are no mandates to build “green” homes yet, however, cities are creating awareness around the preference for “green” building- reducing waste, improving energy-efficiency, and using sustainable building materials in its construction.
So if you are considering a remodel or an upgrade of your home wouldn’t it make sense to look at the efficiency and integrity of what you do have now? Decide if upgrades or changes will support making your improvement project more energy efficient, use sustainable products, and improve the air quality inside your home
Some of the most effective ways to reduce the use of energy to heat and cool your home are relatively low-cost.
Many of today’s kitchen appliances are so much more energy efficient than those of as few as 15 years ago. Shop for energy-efficiency as well as good looks next time you are planning on replacing kitchen appliances- especially refrigerators. Energy Star rates many of the major household electrical appliances.
Products that are manufactured to go into homes are still being produced with harmful chemicals which are released over a period of time after being installed. This is referred to as “off-gassing” of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Some individuals, especially the elderly and the young, have a sensitivity to these chemicals and become affected through long exposure.
Today, there are many producers of building finish materials created with recycled materials. One can find tiles and countertops made from recycled glass, cabinets made from bamboo, palm wood, and wheat grass which can be easily regenerated. There is a thriving market for reclaimed wood, salvaged architectural elements, and recycled building components like windows and doors. Many paint manufacturers produce a beautiful array of colors in bases that have low VOCs.
All it takes is a bit more time and thought before you purchase. If you are planning a new or remodel to your present home or business, ask your professional to give you some “green” options. If you like to do-it-yourself, visit showrooms with “green” products and learn if there is a better choice for your replacement material.
Ask yourself if you really need to remodel or build new. Can you organize your present space to achieve a better flow or create what now seems to be “missing” in your current home? Can you create a new home that respects the local neighborhood, has minimum impact to the site, is sited to capture the most natural light, uses sound building practices, minimizes waste and is constructed with durable, sustainable products?
Nearly everyone is aware of the benefits of repairing and reusing items rather than always purchasing new: adapting more energy efficiency lighting in your home, recycling your household waste, seasonally lowering or raising the setting on your thermostat, and turning off lights when you leave the room.
You are already practicing a “green” lifestyle. Who knows your next choice might even be to have a compost pile to benefit your garden.
To learn more visit these sites: