| So you want your bathroom remodel project to be | | | | Air Quality |
| greener, but you're not quite sure what "green | | | | Air quality is a vital element of green remodeling. |
| bathroom" means. Is it energy efficient? Does it use | | | | Offgassing releases chemicals and compounds into |
| more sustainable materials? Is it more health | | | | the air that are often unhealthy. Also be sure to |
| conscious? Does it focus on water conservation? | | | | select paint, finishes, and other materials with low or |
| There are a lot of decisions and options for making | | | | no Volatile Organic Compounds. To avoid mold spores |
| your bathroom remodel ecofriendly. | | | | in the air, don't use gypsum drywall near the shower |
| Design for Energy Efficiency | | | | or bathtub or under a surround. |
| Energy efficiency concerns the amount of energy | | | | Conserve Water |
| wasted by appliances. Demand or inline hot-water | | | | Saving water is an easy step, and even luxury |
| heaters save energy because they only heat the | | | | bathrooms can utilize low-water faucets and shower |
| water you use. You can install skylights and windows | | | | heads, which can significantly decrease your water |
| to cut down on using lights, and to make the lights | | | | usage. Low-water or dual-flush toilets allow the user |
| you do use more energy efficient install CFL bulbs or | | | | to select the amount of water necessary. |
| LED. | | | | Think about Longevity |
| Choose Sustainable Materials | | | | An often overlooked aspect of green bath |
| Sustainability generally refers to the ability to replace | | | | remodeling, longevity means thinking about how long |
| a resource, and there are plenty of places in the | | | | the elements of your bathroom will last. If you install |
| bathroom to choose sustainability. A few options | | | | a super-trendy design, it will probably look outdated in |
| include: | | | | ten years. If you use classic colors and design, |
| - Tiles made from clay or glass. | | | | durable materials, and quality fixtures, you won't need |
| - Flooring of bamboo, cork, or sheet linoleum. | | | | to replace them any time soon, which is not only |
| - Bamboo or wheatboard cabinets. Consider Indoor | | | | good for the environment... it's good for your wallet! |