THOUGHTFUL SOLUTIONS IN SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY FOR YOUR HOME

We often think of the benefits of sustainability in terms of what we can collectively achieve to preserve the natural environments we share, to build better communities now and for generations to come. This is a laudable value set, but it glosses over a key component, you.

When you choose to renovate or build your home with sustainability in mind, you’re not only contributing to societal well-being, you’re also creating a healthier space for you and those you love.

You deserve a home that prioritizes well-being. Here, we’ve compiled thoughtful solutions for sustainability and resiliency for your home around the usage of water, energy, and sustainable materials that contribute to creating your ideal wellness sanctuary where it matters most.

WATER

TO PRESERVE, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE THE QUALITY OF CALIFORNIA’S water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, the California State Water Resources Control Board has provided a helpful guide to homeowners. They recommend:

TRANSFORMING YOUR LAWN

About half of California’s water is used for outdoor irrigation. Transforming your lawn into a landscape of native plants that are drought resistant reduces waste, adds beauty, and increases property value.

FIXTURES

Installing faucets with aerators saves 1.2 gallons of water per person per day, and utilizing high efficiency toilets can save 19 gallons per person per day.

TREATING STORMWATER ON SITE

The City of Los Angeles Low Impact Development or LID program seeks to reduce the impact of urban runoff. LID comprises a set of site design approaches and best management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration, evapotranspiration, and use of stormwater. These LID practices can effectively remove nutrients, bacteria, and metals from stormwater while reducing the volume and intensity of stormwater flows.

NET POSITIVE WATER-HARVESTING AND REUSING

Harvested rainwater can provide a source of alternative water to the home. Alternative waters are sustainable sources of water, not supplied from fresh surface water or groundwater, that offset the demand for freshwater. Rainwater harvesting captures, diverts, and stores rainwater from rooftops for later use. Typical uses of rainwater include landscape irrigation, wash applications, ornamental pond and fountain filling, and toilet flushing. With additional filtration and disinfection, harvested rainwater can also be treated to potable standards.

MOVING AWAY FROM NATURAL GAS

Many cities across California have banned new natural gas hookups in homes, and while Los Angeles hasn’t made a ban explicit yet, it has set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. Though natural gas was billed as a bridge fuel to clean energy, its carbon emissions are significant and reducing dependence on it is key to a sustainable future.

INSULATION

Insulation is among the best investments a homeowner can make in upgrading efficiency and reducing energy use. When considering new insulation, energy savings is of course the primary driver. However, it is also important to consider the manufacturing process, materials, and potential toxicity. Materials like wool and cotton are sustainable, safe to handle and don’t cause respiratory irritation.

OPERABLE WINDOWS

Windows that can open provide natural cooling during summer months, particularly in California coastal zones. Additionally, combining operable windows with a zoned, automated HVAC system that senses what areas to cool based on where windows are open could significantly reduce energy usage.

ENERGY

ACCORDING TO THE EPA, REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF ENERGY WE USE lowers greenhouse gas emissions, reduces individual utility bills, creates jobs, and helps stabilize the electricity market, making the sector less prone to volatility. There are several ways to reduce home energy consumption.

“WE DON’T HAVE TO ENGAGE IN GRAND, HEROIC ACTIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN CHANGE. SMALL ACTS, WHEN MULTIPLIED BY MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, CAN TRANSFORM THE WORLD.”

— HOWARD ZINN

SUN CONTROL AND SHADING DEVICES

Well-designed sun control and shading devices can dramatically reduce heat gain and cooling requirements as well as improve natural lighting quality. Using Pergolas, trellises, light shelves, canopies, covered patios and window coverings are all effective and aesthetically pleasing ways to reduce the need for energy-fueled cooling. Orienting larger windows to the north and east rather than the west and south also makes a significant impact.

HOME AUTOMATION

Home automation is not only impressively high tech and convenient, it’s substantially more energy efficient. For example, a smart thermostat allows more precise control over the heating and cooling of your home, and it learns your schedule and temperature preferences for a continuous energy optimized, efficient environment. Automatic shades can be programmed to raise and lower throughout the day and adapt to seasonal changes. Lights can turn on and off automatically as you move to different rooms or be set to specific times.

SOLAR PANELS

Since 2008 an increasing number of Americans have been harnessing the power of the sun to reduce their home energy consumption. The cost of going solar has been decreasing each year and it comes with incentives, installing solar in 2021 can net you a 22% tax credit! Most importantly, starting in 2022, it’s the law. All new California homes will require solar panels from that point forward.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

IS YOUR HOME BUILT WITH SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS? The Forest Services Council, or FSC, sets standards for responsible forest management and certifies millions of products that meet their rigorous requirements the world over. By using materials that meet these standards, you can be confident that the new environment you’ve created hasn’t damaged another.

FSC CERTIFIED

Using materials that are FSC certified to renovate or build your home means those materials aren’t harvested from unique forests, and harvesting keeps natural cover within the forest intact and ensures water quality isn’t disrupted. FSC also mandates that suppliers, on public or private lands, are acquainted with the local members of a specific area to protect the customary rights of indigenous people.

Ideal sustainable material sources should forbid the transformation of natural forests to create farms, agriculture, or development that disrupts the natural environment including the wildlife that call it home.

RECYCLING CONSTRUCTION WASTE

The amount of debris that results from demolition and construction is alarming. However, for almost 14 years now, law requires that recyclable construction and demolition debris must be diverted from the landfill. In LA County, the minimum is 50% of all material must be diverted from the landfill; in Santa Monica, the minimum is 70%! All debris must be hauled by permitted haulers to approved recycling facilities. All debris must be tracked and reported. And even the smallest of projects must comply.

But there is even better news, the actual diversion rates in the LA area (the percentage of material that does not go into the landfill) averages close to 85% with many facilities recycling 100% of the material they receive. Diversion rates depend on a few factors and not all material is recycled equally, but more and more materials are recyclable all of the time.

WELLNESS

YOUR WELL-BEING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR HOME. It has become clear that the way a building is designed affects the health and well-being of its occupants. Taking holistic measures while designing and building a home is vital and will produce long-term health benefits.

DESIGNING WITH HEALTH IN MIND

Air quality, water quality, and even lighting conditions can affect the well-being of the home dweller. Designing with health in mind is a challenge, but achieving such goals fuel our bodies with well-rested nights, maintain our connections with each other, and keep toxicity out of the air we breathe.

Key elements to creating the ideal environment for well-being include using non-toxic materials that do not emit dangerous VOCs, making sure proper ventilation and filters are used, and fostering a connection with the natural environment around the home.

Wellness also means being sure all occupants of the home can access and enjoy all aspects of it regardless of age or ability. Applying universal design principles in building and renovation ensures that the home is a place of appreciation and comfort for all who dwell within.