Green living is no longer just a buzzword. It is a lifestyle choice that many Australians are making in the face of increasing climate issues. Acting mindfully and consciously treading lighter on the planet benefits the environment and ourselves, and it all starts in the home.

Today in the B&C Home Journal, we uncover how designing an efficient, sustainable bathroom renovation is a win-win situation.

Choosing water and energy-efficient fittings and fixtures reduces your home's environmental footprint and the cost of running your household. Selecting natural materials, minimising chemicals, and designing spaces to harness natural light and ventilation results in healthier air quality and increased well-being.

What’s good for the planet is also good for us.

Please enjoy our list of the key elements for a sustainable bathroom renovation.

 

Robert Fonti

Director, Balnei & Colina

 

Bathroom Renovation Lower North Shore Sydney | Balnei & Colina

TOP TIPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE BATHROOM RENOVATION

Water-efficient fixtures

The right bathroom fixtures can minimise water consumption and waste water, reducing water and energy bills. When less energy is needed to heat water, it also means a reduction of CO2 emissions.

Look out for low-flow taps and showerheads that work by mixing air into the water flow, giving the feel and impression of full water flow even though the water volume is significantly reduced. Dual flush toilets, with the ‘half flush’ option, are also an effective way to reduce your home’s water usage.

When researching fixtures, look out for the WELS rating. The Australian Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme indicates how water-efficient a product is.

FACT: By using more water-efficient products, Australians could save $2 billion by 2030, an average saving of $175 per household each year, according to energy.gov.au.

 

Image Credit: Cranberry Designs

 

Bathroom Renovation Sydney | Balnei & Colina

Natural lighting and ventilation

Incorporate windows or skylights in the bathroom design to maximise natural daylight and reduce the reliance on artificial lighting.

Effective ventilation is achieved with the correct placement of windows and extractor fans. This is crucial to maintain optimal air quality, prevent moisture build-up, and eliminate nasty mould and bacteria growth.

 

Image Credit: Simon Whitbread Photography

 

Bathroom Renovation Gladesville Sydney | Balnei & Colina

Energy-efficient lighting

A well-designed bathroom lighting plan will optimise the illumination for the different activities in the space in an energy-efficient way. Dimmer switches, smart lighting, and motion sensor lighting allow you to adjust the brightness and intensity of your lighting as needed, saving energy and putting less strain on your globes. Always choose energy-efficient LED and CFL bulbs, as they consume less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs.

FACT: Although CFLs and LEDs can be more expensive to purchase, they will save you money in the long term because they use up to 80% less energy to produce the same light level as a traditional globe. Source: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

 

Image Credit: Faucet Stromnen Australia

 

Bathroom Renovation Zetland Sydney | Balnei & Colina

Environmentally friendly materials

Choose sustainable materials such as bamboo or reclaimed wood for flooring, recycled glass, ceramic or porcelain tiles, natural stone benchtops, and low-VOC paints to reduce indoor air pollution. Investing in high-quality materials and the correct installation and upkeep ensures the longevity of these surfaces.

 

Image Credit: Jase Sullivan Design

 

Bathroom Renovation Sydney | Balnei & Colina

Greywater system

To reduce water usage, consider installing a greywater recycling system to reuse water from sinks, showers, and baths for toilet flushing or garden irrigation.

 

Image Credit: Anson Smart Photography

 

Bathroom Renovation Lilyfield Sydney | Balnei & Colina

Cleaning products

Keep your bathroom sparkling fresh with environmentally friendly cleaning products that are gentle, non-toxic, and effective at reducing grime and germs. Look out for Australian brands that incorporate sustainable ingredients and recyclable packaging. Popular brands include Koala Eco, Bondi Wash and Enviroclean. Every little bit helps when it comes to preserving our planet and increasing our well-being!

 

Image Credit: Prue Ruscoe Photography

 

Kitchen & Bathroom Renovation Bondi Beach Sydney | Balnei & Colina

Expert installation

While a DIY bathroom renovation project may seem like a great way to save money, the cost and stress of fixing mistakes and the flow-on of issues will counter those initial savings. Consider problems like water leakages due to poor plumbing or sealing, insufficient insulation, or electrical works that run inefficiently - or even worse, are a fire risk. The outcomes could be disastrous!

When you work with the bathroom renovation professionals at Balnei & Colina, you are assured that your bathroom installation is completed to the highest standard and will continue to function efficiently into the future.

Keen to get your sustainable bathroom renovation started today? The Sydney-based Balnei & Colina bathroom renovation experts are here to help!

Book a bathroom design consultation on 1300 450 320, send us your project details via this contact form, or book a call to discuss your bathroom project. You can also email us direct via info@balneiandcolina.com.au.

Visit us at balneiandcolina.com.au and connect via Facebook or Instagram to keep up with the latest bathroom design trends.

 

Image Credit: Cricket Saleh Photography

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Image Credit: Simon Whitebread Photography