Elements of a Green Bathroom
August 23rd, 2008
While kitchens use the most energy in a typical home, bathrooms use the most water. According to the U.S. EPA, a family of four could save more than 16,000 gallons of water per year simply by replacing a traditional toilet with a high-efficiency toilet.
“A lot of what makes a bathroom green has to do with water savings,” says Sean Ruck, spokesperson for the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “And consumers can easily incorporate a lot of items that don’t look or perform any differently than traditional materials, for about the same price.”
Since 1994, federal standards have required toilets, showerheads and faucets to use less water, so if you replace pre-1994 fixtures with new ones, you’ll save water right from the start. Low-flow toilets got a well-deserved bad rap for poor performance when those standards first came out, but newer models have largely fixed the problems.
If you’re still worried about getting a lemon, research your options at the Saving Water Partnership’s list of FlushStar toilets (those that meet certain performance criteria) at http://www.savingwater.org/docs/FlushStar.pdf.
“Dual flush toilets are another new product that is gaining popularity,” says Ruck. These toilets feature a dual flushing valve, where users push one button to release about half a gallon of water. Pushing the second button releases a flush with more force and anywhere from 1.2 to 1.6 gallons of water. “Combined with low-flow showerheads and faucets, you’ll notice dramatic water savings,” says Ruck.
Green Bathroom Remodeling
August 23rd, 2008
Bathrooms are among the easier rooms in which to go green. Changing out fixtures manufactured before the water conservation mandates of 1994 will immediately ease your bathroom’s impact on the environment (and your wallet). As consumer demand for green products has grown, manufacturers today are offering more recycled and sustainable options.
THE BENEFITS OF GOING GREEN
In a recent survey of remodelers conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), more than one quarter of the respondents saw a growing demand for green remodeling. And since bath remodels are consistently among the top four remodeling jobs (along with kitchens, room additions and roofing projects), that translates into more green bathrooms today than ever before.
“Americans spent over $230 billion last year on home remodeling, with energy efficient and sustainable products representing an increasing share of the market,” says Mike Nagel, chair of the NAHB Remodelers Council.
An energy efficient and water-wise bathroom can save significantly on monthly utility bills. Using low-flow water fixtures can save thousands of gallons of water per year.
And don’t forget indoor air quality. Since the bathroom is subject to heat, humidity and chemicals from cleaning, hygiene and cosmetic products, ventilation becomes vital. It is also important to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are known to cause a range of health problems, from asthma to cancer. They may be contained in building components, like cabinetry, adhesives, caulks and paints.
