COMMUNITY
Eco Reno
Small changes can make a big impact on your carbon footprint — consider implementing a few environmentally-friendly innovations into your home renovation project.
By Lisa van de Geyn
Think green when you plan a reno. | IMAGE: PONSULAK/ADOBE STOCK
YOU'VE REPLACES YOUR OLD LIGHTBULBS with LEDs, you’ve added weatherstripping to your doors and caulked drafty windows — you’ve even made the switch to low-flow showerheads. These small changes help to reduce your carbon footprint, but when you renovate, you have a chance to implement changes to make your whole home more efficient and reduce its impact on the environment.
“Renovations and construction have a surprisingly large environmental impact,” says Monikah Peetsma, the sustainability manager at Complete Care Restoration. CCR is an Edmonton-based company that specializes in residential and commercial restoration projects. “Globally, the industry is responsible for about 30 percent of all waste generated. Drywall, wood, plastics and metal pile up fast. If not sorted properly, they end up in landfills, where they release methane, leach toxins and add strain to already overburdened waste systems.”
“When sustainability is built into the plan from day one, you open the door to systems that reduce waste throughout the project, like reusable floor protection [used during the reno], donation and salvage strategies, or separating materials for recycling.”
Making green choices from the get-go is key. Work with eco-savvy contractors and use materials that have a positive impact on the environment. “When sustainability is built into the plan from day one, you open the door to systems that reduce waste throughout the project, like reusable floor protection [used during the reno], donation and salvage strategies, or separating materials for recycling. We’ve seen how upfront planning leads to smoother jobs, cleaner sites and far better environmental outcomes. It’s a win across the board,” says Peetsma.
Not sure where to start or what to look for to ensure your reno is as green as possible? Here are a couple of tips to get your project going.
Hire the right people While homeowners are becoming more eco-conscious, not all contractors are created equal when it comes to environmentally friendly renos. “Good contractors won’t just talk about sustainability, they’ll show you how they’re doing it,” Peetsma says, adding it’s a good idea to ask about waste-management practices. “Ask if they reuse, donate or upcycle. Do they separate drywall from wood? Do they recycle metal and properly dispose of hazardous waste? Are they tracking diversion rates or emissions using tools like EcoClaim? If they’re serious about this, they’ll be transparent.” A sustainably conscious construction crew will know how to separate waste, how to salvage materials like cabinetry and trim and how to reduce single-use plastic on-site. “This isn’t just a feel-good extra — it’s a practical and necessary way to reduce the environmental and economic burden of building and restoration,” she says.”
Complete Care sorts reclaimed materials for reuse or recycling. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COMPLETE CARE RESTORATION
Cork flooring is renewable and helps regulate temperature. | PHOTO: ANDREY GONCHAR/ADOBE STOCK
Consider materials
Your best bet is to use salvaged, refurbished and locally sourced materials. “In Edmonton, we have vendors like Homes Once More and Habitat for Humanity ReStore that specialize in high-quality, pre-loved building supplies, such as cabinetry, lighting and flooring,” says Peetsma. Sourcing locally does double duty — it supports the community and cuts emissions caused by transporting materials long distances.
There are several material considerations that can have significant impact. Cork is a great option — it is renewable, plus it’s good for keeping noise at bay and regulating your home’s temperature. Wood is another optimal choice. Select wood and wood-based products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which verifies sustainable handling during production.
Recycled supplies have great environmental merit. There are many interesting ways to repurpose pre-loved items — giving a second life to salvaged materials and furniture is a great way to keep them out of landfill while also negating the demand for the resources to create new ones. From barnboard flooring and feature walls to resurfacing a clawfoot tub and reclaiming architectural elements, repurposing is a brilliant way to bring a unique design element to your home. There are also impressive products created through recycling, such as TruNorth Composite’s Enviroboard — a composite product made almost entirely with recycled materials. It’s a terrific eco-option for decks. Durable materials such as hardwood floors, copper roofs and natural stone will be your best bets for longevity.
Don’t forget to consider what’s in the materials you use, too. You’ll need to research your selections to discover whether they’re eco-friendly and identify any that may contain harmful chemicals. Peetsma advises homeowners to avoid oil-based paints, formaldehyde (in particle board), phthalates (in vinyl flooring) and certain flame retardants. “These aren’t always visible to homeowners, but they matter just as much in creating a safe, healthy space.” AMA
AMA + EcoClaim
AMA protects what matters most to our members — and that includes our communities and the environment. Through a partnership with EcoClaim, the Alberta Motor Association Insurance Company (AMAIC) is helping to tackle that challenge head-on. “By working with EcoClaim, we’re taking practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of each claim while supporting our members and contractor network with the tools they need to succeed,” says Jordan Andrew, claims manager at AMAIC. EcoClaim is an end-to-end solution that measures, manages and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the insurance claims supply chain.
EcoClaim brings a plethora of benefits to AMAIC and its partner contractors, including training and certification programs for sustainably handling claims, and promoting the diversion of waste from landfills. It also has the capacity to measure and report on greenhouse gas emissions. “Our partnership is a big step in the right direction,” says Andrew. “We are literally diverting thousands of tons of waste, generated from insurance claims, from landfills in Alberta. It’s a tangible, meaningful impact that improves the quality of life for our members and all Albertans.”
Argel Puzon, crew lead for Complete Care Restoration, at work. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF COMPLETE CARE RESTORATION
