So the biggest question I hear about sustainable design is, "Isn't it expensive?"
While there is no straightforward answer for this, I can say that it will cost as much or as little as your budget will allow. Of course, there will be those who are willing to spend the moon towards green products but if that isn't you, then take comfort in the knowledge that sustainable design doesn't have to be over the-top and over-budget. The key is patience and creativity.
In my previous post, I touched on some ways to begin the switch towards more sustainable practices without spending too much. On this segment, I will take the living green concept to another level and focus on some eco-friendly design options that you can incorporate into your project.
If you're considering a remodel or a new build in the near future, the planning stage is a great time to consider how to design for a greener lifestyle and it starts with your budget. Don't derail your own good intentions without knowing what you can realistically afford. If money is no object, then the world is your oyster. On the other hand, your budget may be a mere fraction of The Donald's portfolio, so work with that and decide what areas you would like to focus your efforts for a more sustainable design. I have included just a few possibilities that I think are worthwhile to consider:
Lighting.
Studies show that in an average American home, lighting accounts for about 20% of the electric bill. Switching to CFL's on most of your existing luminaires can reduce energy consumption by about half and as much as 75% on dedicated Energy Star qualified light fixtures which are gradually coming into the market as more and more companies cater to an eco-savvy generation. There is a dizzying amount of options to choose from in any given store and you don't have to worry that style will be compromised in your efforts to live green. Also, consider dimmers as part of your lighting plan. Chances are, you will be using some kind of recessed or track lighting in your project which may not accommodate common compact fluorescent lamps. The use of dimmers is a great energy saving measure and offers the added bonus of creating a softer lighting environment when you have no functional need to have everything on at full blast.
Surfaces.
I am a great believer of "form follows function" and surfaces as a whole is a dramatic design tool to create visual and textural impact in any room. It is the one element that I feel requires careful thought and application because it defines how well and how cohesively your home's character comes together. The opportunity to shop at a tile and stone center or a floor coverings showroom is an experience not much different from a kid in a candy store. Natural stone, exotic ceramics and porcelains, rich woods of many varieties, and incredible rugs and carpeting from every corner of the world are literally laid at your feet for inspection. But what I enjoy the most is the chance to see and utilize alternative materials that are sustainably harvested and/or manufactured. Natural stone slab such as granite or marble is the current trend in countertop surfacing. However, companies have been coming out with alternative composites using recycled paper, plastic and glass. Paperstone, 3Form, and Vetrazzo are just a few companies that come to mind who use recycled materials and sustainably responsible facilities to fabricate their countertops. There is a wonderful array of porcelain tile available that mimics the look of natural stone tile. Bamboo, cork and even reclaimed timber (though expensive) are fantastic renewable materials for flooring. With so much of your space affected by these materials, it's not a surprise that a large part of your budget will be focused on this area.
Cabinetry.
If you are remodeling and you have the luxury of having existing cabinets in excellent condition, a retrofit may not be such a bad idea. If the "carcass" is in functional shape, there is the option of simply re-painting or even re-facing your cabinetry to update the look. The savings you gain in salvaging your existing materials can be used towards interior cabinet organizers. In my projects, I find that big isn't necessarily better if the cabinetry I specify does not offer functional organization to utilize the space efficiently. If retrofitting is not a practical route or your project is a new build, consider using a local cabinetmaker for a custom or semi-custom look. They typically use materials from local mills and lumber yards who have access to low-VOC materials for use on your project. Urea Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is a major concern in cabinetry production primarily because the carcass, or box, is made of some kind of pressed wood (e.g., particleboard, plywood, etc.). If you are considering purchasing your cabinets "off the shelf" make sure to check if these products are formaldehyde-free as certain countries do not necessarily adhere to higher production standards of their US counterparts. Consider the use of plywood over particleboard or MDF which has been shown to have the highest rate of formaldehyde emmission.
Appliances.
Energy Star equals money in the bank. As I have previously posted, utility companies are offering rebate incentives to make it more appealing for consumers to purchase Energy Star qualifying appliances and fixtures. Mind you, this isn't a philanthropic operation. The reality is that the more energy everyone uses, the more taxed the power grid becomes so it's in everyone's best interest to reduce that consumption. Your long-term savings will also benefit from your purchase. That tired old refrigerator is probably not the best investment in your house and while you could make the effort to service and maintain that unit, it may cost you more than it is now worth.
Plumbing Fixtures.
I like the vintage hand pumps. They deliver water....'nuf said. Actually, those original hand pumps were probably one of the most ingenious ways of conserving water since it stopped the flow of water when you stopped pumping. But what of today's wide world of plumbing fixtures? Thanks to regulation, companies are facing tougher requirements to manufacture more eco-friendly products. The ever-increasing demand for energy is bringing forth a greater awareness for more efficient building materials and plumbing fixtures are not an exception. California recently mandated that low-flush 1.28 gpf toilets be used on all new residential projects beginning this year. Sensor activated faucets that you would only think to find in retail stores and restaurants are moving into the home. For a mere $5, you can purchase a simple in-line shower valve shut-off that you can install on the showerarm. In designing your plumbing system, I would recommend the use of an on-demand hot water system such as Rinnai. Used for some time in Europe, this system will heat water only when it is needed. In planning your kitchen, consider the addition of dedicated dispensers for soap and instant hot-water. In planning your bathroom, ask yourself if a tub is truly a want or a need. In master bathrooms, there's a tendency to install jetted tubs that rarely get used thus wasting space and energy as you have to still keep this unit clean. Design your shower stall with a handshower assembly. If nothing else, cleaning a shower with this added accessory reduces the amount of time and water you spend cleaning that space.
As a final note, your own creative savvy in seeking out materials can be very valuable in your efforts to building green while saving green. You may not have to buy your materials new if you have a local Habitat ReStore. Countertop fabricators always have small remnants or even large pieces left over from previous jobs that they are willing to sell at a fraction of what it would normally cost. Consider going on a salvage hunt. It can be a lot of fun and enormously satisfying when you run across a goldmine at a bargain. Look for someone else who is remodeling that would be happy to unload some good materials that are still in great (and sometimes new) condition such as wood floors, doors, hardware, and even fixtures. Contractors are a great source for other "bonepile" that they have accumulated over the years, most if which were likely never used for one reason or another. And one final but equally important avenue are your local independently-owned businesses whose available resources and competitive prices just may surprise you.
Some reference links:
Dedicated Energy Star Light Fixtures
Dimmer FAQ's by Lutron
Sustainable Countertops
Are Your Cabinets Eco-Friendly
An Introduction to Air Quality
Lessons from a Secondhand Home in Teton Valley
