When it comes to your renovation, sustainability is more than simply using ‘green’ appliances and products.
BRANZ, the New Zealand building and construction research organisation has published numerous studies focusing on the lifetime sustainability of buildings. It considers the full cycle of a building, and hundreds of specific elements are measured to determine its sustainability. These include construction waste, energy and resource used in building material production as well as the materials themselves, energy consumption and longevity of products and even the transport of products to and from the property. These elements along with much more go into calculating the long-term impact of sustainability in construction.
While you don’t necessarily need to think about sustainability at that level, the environmental impact of your home renovation is worth considering as you start your project. By giving thought to the above elements this could save you time and money in the long run and ensure we are creating more sustainable homes together.
At Lockhart we like to consider the three Ps:
- Planning
- Products
- Project management
Planning/Preparation
Good planning at the beginning saves time and money on design and product selection which in turn saves on changes, rework, and wastage down the track.
From the thermal properties of windows and insulation, to reusing materials or specific design considerations, to making the most of your site and the rest of your property – sustainable decisions can influence every part of your build.
Preparation and planning upfront ensures good decisions are made before they become costly and wasteful to change.
We’ve got plenty of ideas to share, to suit all budgets and lifestyles, so be sure to engage with us early to explore your options.
Products
The range of sustainable building products has grown exponentially and keeping up with the latest is part of our job.
When selecting products, we look at all the building materials and how we can future proof your renovation, so it suits you now and into the future. The life cycle of the products being used is also worth considering. Is it recyclable, reusable, or disposable in a safe and clean way?
Keep in mind that sustainable materials aren’t necessarily more expensive if for example they could save you money on heating in the long term. Likewise, recycling skirting and architrave could reduce waste and save dollars in disposal fees.
We are happy to discuss all the options so you can make informed decisions.
Project management
Did you know that construction waste makes up 50% of all waste generated in New Zealand? While much of that is the result of demolition, a significant amount comes from poor project planning and wasted/lost materials onsite.
Waste of all sorts is a big issue and at Lockhart we prioritise material planning and ordering to minimise loss and maximise efficiency. From planning deliveries to streamlining subcontractors, minimising trips on and off site, and using digital communications and documentation where possible, it all helps the wider impact of the work being done.
Good decisions for sustainable outcomes
Lockhart Construction are ethically responsible and take pride in our efforts to minimise construction activities that have an impact on the community, economy and environment. We understand we have a duty of care to respect, support and protect the areas and people in which we operate.
The potential to make good sustainable decisions to reduce the environmental impact of your renovation are wide and varied. We invite you to talk with us about what could be good for you, your budget and your build when it comes to sustainable options.