Awareness of environmental issues is an important decision aspect in so many things and this affects construction as well. In this article, we are looking at how carbon footprint can be reduced when it comes to house renovations especially in carpentry.
You can look for services offered by Geelong All Home and Carpentry to get an idea of what is possible. One of the primary ways that the environment is prioritised in carpentry projects is through the materials used. Reclaimed wood is an eco-friendly option you can use as these are salvaged from old buildings and structures. Using reclaimed wood will prevent it from ending up in a landfill. You will be able to give this material some new life. You can use reclaimed wood for cabinetry, flooring, trim and furniture so that the demand for new timber can be reduced. This will contribute to minimised deforestation. Reclaimed wood also adds warmth and character to the interior of the home and each piece will tell a unique story. There is something beautiful in this as you are reusing something that has a history and memories attached to it. Sometimes, homeowners will prefer to have new wood products. And in this situation, you need to choose wood that is certified as being sourced from responsibly managed forests. These will adhere to strict social and environmental standards and the forests will be sustainably harvested so that biodiversity can be preserved. You can support sustainable forestry practices by choosing this option.
Bamboo is a renewable resource
And it renews rapidly which makes it ideal for carpentry projects. Bamboo is able to reach maturity in a few years unlike traditional hardwood so it is considered an eco-friendly alternative for cabinetry, flooring, countertops and furniture. This is a durable material that is moisture resistant. It is also naturally resistant to pests so you can comfortably use this in humid places and high traffic areas. Minimal water and pesticides are required for bamboo cultivation which can further reduce the environmental impact. When it comes to choosing finishes and adhesives for the carpentry project, you have to choose products that are low in VOCs or volatile organic compounds. These are harmful chemicals that can be found in many conventional stains, paints and varnishes and these will off-gas contributing to indoor air pollution. When you choose zero or low VOC options, the environment footprint can be minimised.
Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider
And this is affected by openings in the building envelope especially such as windows and doors. When you undertake a renovation, you can upgrade to energy efficient windows and doors so that heat loss is minimised which can reduce energy consumption. It will also maximise natural light into the building. Look for products that come with low-emissivity coatings, high performance glazing and insulated frames so that thermal performance can be optimised. You can choose doors and windows that are made from sustainably sourced materials, recycled aluminium or reclaimed wood so that the environmental impact can be further reduced.
