LEED buildings get a lot of press these days. Homeowners and major corporations alike have begun to strive for this fairly new U.S. Green Building Council certification—and usually for noble reasons. As people have grown more and more aware of how limited our natural resources are, it makes sense that we’re trying to limit consumption any way we can. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, has developed tremendous advances in sustainable construction. Designing a new house with LEED practices is certainly better than old, wasteful customs, but Virginia home remodeling tends to be a greener choice.
Light fixtures, lumber sources, and building methods all have an effect on the environment, but any new construction project is inherently more destructive than remodeling. Even if a new building achieves a net zero carbon footprint (which is almost impossible), its presence alone can have a detrimental impact on the earth. Unless it’s built on a vacant city lot, every new condominium, home, or office building encroaches on the natural habitat of some species. Any development, even if it adheres to LEED standards, unnaturally cultivates a part of the earth. For eco-conscious homeowners wanting something new and updated, remodeling serves as a greener alternative.
By avoiding new development, Virginia home remodeling can be an act of environmental conservation. Refurbishing an existing house not only reduces the lumber and resources needed, it preserves more wilderness and natural habitats. A home isn’t just a one-room log cabin; it’s a significant structure, which requires significant materials and space. Virginia home remodeling is, in a sense, a form of recycling. The core of the house is being reused, just modernized. And if you’re economically and environmentally concerned about energy consumption, some LEED practices can be incorporated into remodeling. Just hire a certified green professional to ensure you outfit your home with the most sustainable and energy-efficient materials.