The basement has long been the neglected child of the home. We keep it for storage or turn it into a hangout spot, but we don’t usually think about making changes to this damp and dark space. There are, however, many ways you can update your basement to make it a more usable space. And you can do that in a way that’s environmentally friendly and sustainable. Here are six great tricks for green basement renovations.
Dismantle Instead of Demolish
One of the easiest ways to make your basement renovation more environmentally friendly is by dismantling your old basement instead of just ripping it up.
Take up old flooring and ceiling tiles carefully so someone else can use them. Save whatever trim you can. Try to keep any bathroom fixtures and light fixtures in good repair as you remove them.
Chances are that if you post these items online for free, you’ll find someone who will take them. Or you could donate them to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore if there’s one in your area.
Once you’ve saved what you can, rent a bin to take the rest of the old materials away. Bin companies have good access to recycling facilities and can sort waste properly, which will help reduce the amount of materials your renovation sends to the landfill.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Get the Green Building Project Checklist
Use this handy checklist on your next project to keep track of all the ways you can make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.
The cost of energy-efficient lighting has become so inexpensive now that there’s no reason not to switch over. Not only will this help reduce your carbon footprint, but it’ll also save you money in the long run.
You can replace all of the lightbulbs in your basement with energy-efficient bulbs, or you can buy a smart bulb that you can control with your phone.
If you’re going to replace the lightbulbs in your basement, it’s a good idea to buy LED bulbs. They may cost more than other bulbs, but they’ll last longer and use less energy. You can also purchase dimmable LED bulbs to adjust the level of light depending on what you’re doing.
Update the Windows
If your basement doesn’t have any windows, then you should consider adding some. Not only does this let in natural light, it also helps with ventilation. Basements can often get quite stuffy and adding new windows can help reduce humidity levels.
When you choose windows for your basement, there’s a wide range of options available. You can choose from sliding or hinged windows that open up and let in the fresh air. The choice depends on how much natural light you would like coming into the room.
Be sure to read the window stickers to choose the most energy-efficient model you can find. That will be an essential part of making your basement more eco-friendly.
Add Insulation
Adding insulation is a great way to make your basement more energy efficient. It will keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. You can buy insulation at most hardware stores, or you can hire a professional to install it for you.
When you’re adding insulation to your basement, it’s essential to ensure that the insulation is not blocking any of the vents. If you opt for insulation batts, be careful not to compress the insulation, as this will reduce its effectiveness. Lastly, choose the right insulation materials for the conditions in your basement.
Add Some Plants
If your basement gets stuffy, then you should consider adding some plants. Not only will they help with air quality, but they will also make the room look more inviting. Certain types of plants work better than others, depending on how much light your basement gets.
If you don’t have a lot of light in your basement, you should consider adding some low-light plants. These include ivy, ferns, and Boston ferns. If you have more light, you can add plants like succulents, snake plants or spider plants.
Use Green Materials
If you are doing a full renovation of your basement, you should consider using sustainable materials. This includes using materials that are made from sustainable resources, or that can be recycled (for a more detailed look at what constitutes a sustainable material read our Green Building Guide to Sustainable Materials) You can many different materials to pick from, such as bamboo, cork, wool and wood from responsibly managed forests.
When choosing green materials, make sure to research the company first. Some companies may claim to be environmentally friendly but aren’t. Ask the company how their products are made and what they’re doing to limit their environmental impact.
There are several different ways you can make your basement more eco-friendly. With energy-efficient lighting, updated windows, added insulation, plants for air quality, natural light and green building materials made from sustainable resources or recycled material, you can get that green basement renovation done right.
Feature image: Loegunn Lai; Image 1: Noah Näf
