How do we approach the ever changing world of green building and green remodeling? Is something green because its the newest product on the market? Because its being hyped on magazines and websites and social media?
When I interned at an organic farm in Moab, they called themselves Beyond Organic. In addition to meeting all the standards for USDA organic certification, they also took the extra time and care to be good stewards of the land and soil. They did this by soil testing and adding natural amendments, planting cover crops and using crop rotation practices. They also planned in other tools for increasing biodiversity and supporting pollinators like companion planting and crop rotation.
Inspired by that, I like to think of our company as Beyond Green Building. Of course, we support the goals of the green building movement. Yet, we are also also striving to stay on the cutting edge of new developments and research. Incorporating these new ideas can lead to the creation of an even better home, with a lower impact on the environment. Especially with remodel and retrofit jobs, we believe we can do better with more natural and healthy options. So, we like to look at an existing building holistically. First we take the data from an energy audit and materials testing, and then we apply our knowledge and techniques to design the most green and healthy building we can.
In With the Old
Just by choosing to keep an existing structure, rather than demolishing it, you’re off to a great start. The greenest buildings are the ones we already have. With a remodel, you don’t have the initial carbon emissions costs of tearing down and moving the old building materials to a dump. With creative remodeling and potentially an addition, an old home can have a new life and all those useful materials stay out of the waste stream.
Modern Techniques and Old World Materials
Once a remodel has begun, there are many strategies we can turn to in order to take it Beyond Green. One is using carbon sequestering insulation materials like straw, hemp, cellulose, recycled denim, and wool. This helps offset climate change which would otherwise be exacerbated by the building industry. We also choose interior finishes that are VOC free to improve indoor air quality from the start.
Additionally, we use advanced air sealing membranes, efficient mechanical systems, and the addition of a service cavity for utilities. This helps turn an older leaky home into one that is air tight, and usually more insulated than it was. So after the remodel, we aren’t letting air move through small holes in the wall, where it can create condensation and lead to mold, plus raise your monthly energy bills.
Whole house continuous ventilation systems, which are quickly becoming a requirement for new buildings, can also drastically improve indoor air quality in older, remodeled homes.
Built for the Future
A Living Craft remodel is meant to last for beyond the life of an individual, with means not only choosing systems that create a more durable home, but also using finishes and materials that are timeless. Plaster and wood finishes can be varied to meet the modern styles of today, but also have been used in homes for thousands of years, so they have better staying power in a fast moving design field.
We are constantly looking to keep ourselves up to date with the knowledge and new ideas in green and natural building. Through this evolution, we hope to stay on the cutting edge and keep collaborating with other companies and individuals who have similar goals. It’s an exciting place to be!