Smart Green Upgrades: Sustainable Home Renovations That Boost Value and Save Money

Green upgrades offer significant benefits for the environment, whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. In many cities, features once considered "green" are now the standard. However, there is still limited data on how much upgrading a home to a more eco-friendly model impacts its market value. If you're making these changes for your own enjoyment, the return on investment might not be as crucial. But if you plan to sell, it could have an effect. The answer isn’t always clear.

1) Consider Renovating Instead Of Demolishing

In Vancouver, it’s become increasingly common for high-end homes to be demolished and rebuilt. When you're investing millions, adding a bit more for a custom home may seem trivial. But this approach could be considered wasteful, depleting natural resources.

2) Choose Local Materials

Some parts of the world lack regulations on industry practices, making it even more crucial to select locally sourced materials when possible. The environmental cost of transporting materials from faraway places is significant, so choosing local resources reduces pollution and supports sustainability.

3) Harness Rainwater

Vancouver is blessed with one of the world’s largest natural water supplies, but many residents still don’t take advantage of this. Surprisingly, many homes in the area lack water meters, and water conservation is often overlooked. Homeowners could easily collect rainwater using barrels for irrigation, which would help conserve this valuable resource without much effort.

4) Repurpose Materials and Opt for Renewables

Salvaging materials from a demolition can reduce waste, though such opportunities are limited in the Lower Mainland. Instead, consider using renewable materials like bamboo or cork for flooring—both are eco-friendly choices that also look great.

5) Install an Energy-Efficient Water Heater

Adding an energy-efficient water heater is a smart move that can increase your home’s value. Modern units heat water on demand, minimizing energy waste. Additionally, insulating the first few feet of both hot and cold water pipes boosts the system’s efficiency even further.

6) Create a Green Roof Garden

Roof gardens are a popular feature in many of Vancouver’s progressive condo buildings, and for good reason. These gardens enhance energy efficiency, improve air quality, and provide a relaxing space. They can also reduce your dependence on grocery stores by growing vegetables and herbs. If your house has a flat roof, you can make this work as well.

7) Revitalize Old Furniture

Instead of sending old furniture to the landfill, consider reupholstering it for a fresh look. Many modern pieces are poorly made, but older furniture often has a solid structure. Giving it a facelift is both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

8) Ditch the Air Conditioner

Vancouver’s mild climate means air conditioning is rarely necessary. While summers can be humid, it's usually not enough to justify the environmental impact of A/C units, which are energy-intensive and have a high environmental cost. Since A/C is only used a few months each year, it’s an unnecessary drain on resources.

9) Maximize Natural Light

When renovating, explore the possibility of adding skylights or other openings to let in natural light. A well-placed skylight brightens your home. Installing more windows helps reduce your reliance on lighting, making your home feel warmer and more inviting.

Incorporating green upgrades into your home should focus on simplicity and sustainability. These changes are likely to become even more valuable over time. If you’re staying in the home, the long-term savings on energy bills will pay off, and you may even recover most, if not all, of your investment. If the upgrades boost resale value, that’s an added bonus.