Be sustainable, be efficient, use eco altenatives and consider using a green tradie.

In the lead-up to Sustainable House Day on 11 September 2011, Managing Director, Rob Harris, offers some eco alternatives for your next home maintenance or renovation project.

Low impact, sustainable practices and materials are now essential elements of every tradesman’s toolbox and can be employed in almost all areas of your home. The Reduce, Reuse, Recycle maxim is readily applied to everyday fix it jobs as well as large-scale builds. Here are a few ways you and the trades you use can ‘go green’.

Recycled building materials
Where possible, use recycled materials. Reclaimed hardwood flooring and pre-loved fittings and fixtures are widely available. Consider how and where materials are sourced: go local where possible to reduce transport energy. Opt for low-impact and reject materials that are manufactured using chemicals or processes that adversely affect your health and the health of the environment. Hire A Tradesman professionals always attempt to minimize waste and make efficient use of existing materials.

Water conservation
Reduce your water consumption by choosing appliances and fittings with a high conservation rating. The 5A Water Conservation Rating scale covers washing machines, dish washers, showerheads, toilets and taps. On the Reuse front, Hire A Tradesman plumbers can source, deliver and install rainwater tanks and wastewater redirection systems, saving you money, time and effort.

Energy use
In Melbourne, at least 70% of annual energy use is for heating, so turn off the heater at night and when you are not at home. Have Hire A Tradesman arrange the installation of ceiling insulation and blinds or curtains to help your home retain heat. You might also consider double glazing for insulation. Windows have a major impact on energy efficiency and are rated by the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) for their performance.

The most efficient light is natural light, so make an effort to maximize its use by setting up your desk by the window. When lights are necessary, Hire A Tradesman’s electricians can advise on the most energy efficient lighting for your environment. Our electricians will also help you find white goods and electrical equipment with a high efficiency energy star rating.

You can go solar! Ask Hire A Tradesman to find your certified Sustainable Energy Industry Association tradesman to install photovoltaic panels, converting sunlight into electricity.

Low-impact chemicals
Ask us at Hire A Tradesman about environmentally sensitive options when engaging in work that typically involves toxic chemicals such as painting, floor polishing, cleaning, graffiti removal, gardening and pest control.

Outdoors
The garden offers abundant opportunity for exercising your eco-consciousness. Up to 60 percent of household water is used outdoors, so look for ways to reduce your usage. Redirect wastewater to the garden, apply mulch and plant native species that are drought-tolerant. Composting organic kitchen matter will improve your veggie patch yield and reduce your general waste output.

Contact us for more ways to go green on your next home repair job.

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