Eco-Friendly Renovation Tips: Beyond the Basics

Renovating your home in Singapore not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a chance to make it more eco-friendly. While traditional methods such as incorporating LED lighting, solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or sustainable flooring are undoubtedly effective, there are several other ways to further enhance the sustainability of your renovation project. 

With an array of eco-friendly options available, homeowners can choose from a wide range of materials and design elements that will make their renovation project more sustainable and eco-friendly. From eco-friendly insulation materials to natural paint made from milk or clay, there is no shortage of innovative and sustainable renovation options available. Below, we explore some eco-friendly renovation tips that will help you make your home renovation project more sustainable.

#1: Use recycled materials

Renovating your home can have a significant impact on the environment due to the use of new materials, production waste, and energy consumption. However, you can make your renovation more eco-friendly by incorporating the use of recycled materials. This approach can help reduce the environmental impact of your renovation and make it more sustainable.

One way to use recycled materials in your renovation is to utilise reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood comes from demolished structures, old furniture parts, or factory scraps, which can be repurposed for new furniture, flooring, or accents in your home. By using reclaimed wood, you are reducing the demand for new lumber and preventing it from ending up in a landfill. Additionally, reclaimed wood often has unique tones and interesting wood grains that can add character or a rustic feel to your home.

Another eco-friendly option is to use recycled glass for countertops or backsplashes in your kitchen or bathroom. Recycled glass can come from a variety of sources, including old bottles or windows, and can be melted down and repurposed for use in new products. Using recycled glass in your renovation reduces the demand for new glass production, which can be energy-intensive and result in carbon emissions.

Using recycled steel for an industrial touch in your design is another way to make your renovation more eco-friendly. Recycled steel comes from old cars, appliances, or other sources, and can be repurposed for use in new construction projects. Using recycled steel reduces the demand for new steel production, which can be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, there seems to be a trend of upcycling cargo containers for whimsical home designs that are really catching on!

#2: Use non-toxic paints, sealers and adhesives

When it comes to painting your home, it’s important to choose paints that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that can be released into the air and have been linked to various health problems. 

Instead of using traditional paints, consider using non-toxic paints that are made from natural ingredients like clay or plant oils. These types of paints are not only healthier for you and the environment, and also offer a unique and textured finish.

You can also reduce the environmental impact of your renovation choices by choosing eco-friendly flooring sealers. Traditional flooring sealers often also contain VOCs, which can release harmful chemicals into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution.

Eco-friendly flooring sealers are made from natural ingredients such as linseed oil and beeswax. These ingredients are not only safe for the environment, but also safe for your family and pets. They provide a protective layer that helps keep your flooring looking fresh, while also being environmentally friendly.

During a home renovation project, homeowners may pay special attention to the materials they use but overlook the potential hazards of the adhesives used to install these materials. Traditional adhesives, such as those used for flooring, wall coverings, and cabinetry, can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and even cancer.

To avoid these hazards, it’s essential to use non-toxic adhesives during your renovation project. Non-toxic adhesives are made from natural and sustainable materials that are safe for human health and the environment. Non-toxic adhesives are just as effective as traditional adhesives, with strong and long-lasting bonds perfect for a wide range of renovation projects. Non-toxic adhesives are also designed to be low-odour, making them an ideal choice for indoor use.

#3: Install rainwater harvesting systems

Singapore is known for its frequent rainfall, so why not take advantage of it? One way to make your home more eco-friendly is to install a rainwater harvesting system. This system collects rainwater from your roof (or balcony) and stores it for later use. This water can be used to water your garden or wash your car, reducing the amount of potable water you use. By using rainwater, you are also reducing the demand for treated water and the amount of stormwater runoff that can lead to flooding.

In fact, to promote environmental sustainability and reduce reliance on potable water sources for non-potable uses, HDB has plans to install rainwater harvesting systems in common areas in almost 90 HDB blocks located in Yishun and Jurong. This initiative is expected to collect rainwater for non-potable purposes in the near future.

#4: Use Energy-Efficient Windows 

Revamping your home is an exciting venture, and while windows play a crucial role in the overall aesthetic, they also have a significant impact on energy efficiency. The good news is that you don’t have to compromise on style for function — energy-efficient windows are the answer! They come equipped with advanced features like multiple panes of glass, low-e coatings, and gas fills, which team up to keep your home toasty in the winter and breezy in the summer. Choosing energy-efficient windows means you’ll be doing your part for the planet and saving some serious cash on your monthly energy bills.

For a really out-of-the-box solution to keep your space cool while reducing energy costs, NTU’s liquid window is worth checking out! This groundbreaking smart window not only blocks out unwanted sunlight but also cleverly absorbs heat for slow release throughout the day and night. It’s a game-changer for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while cutting back on energy bills. 

Go green with the help of our Renovation team

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