You might think that a luxurious bathroom, by its very nature, cannot be designed in an eco-friendly way. Nowadays, however, there are more and more solutions for saving energy and reducing carbon footprints, which mean that even the most luxurious of bathroom designs can be environmentally conscious and effective at lowering your energy bills.
Below are some top tips for creating your very own eco friendly haven in your bathroom:
Fixtures that are water efficient
Here are some common examples of water saving fixtures:
- Low flow showerheads
These use a lot less water than traditional showerheads; look for models that have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less.
- Low flow toilets
These can save you literally gallons upon gallons of water every year; find a model with a maximum flush rate of 1.28 gallons or less.
- Faucet aerators
These simple devices minimize water flowing from a faucet by mixing air in; look for aerators with flow rates of 1.5 gallons per minute or less.
You should also take care to fix leaks as soon as they occur, as these can waste a lot of water if left unrepaired.
Lighting that is energy efficient
Here are some common examples of energy saving lighting:
- LED bulbs
Using as much as 90% less energy that regular bulbs, these also last a lot longer and are available in a wide array of styles and colors.
- Motion sensors
These can be installed to automatically turn lights on and off.
- Dimmer switches
By adjusting how bright your lights are, you can not only save energy, but also enjoy a more relaxing experience in your bathroom.
- Natural lighting
Where possible, natural lighting in a bathroom is a great idea for reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Materials that are eco-friendly
If you can use materials that are sustainable for the countertops and flooring in your bathroom, so much the better, and here are some tips for doing exactly that:
- Natural materials
Look for materials such as cork, bamboo or reclaimed wood, all of which are renewable and biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than plastic or vinyl, for example.
- Recycled materials
Choosing such materials as porcelain and glass that have been recycled for countertops and flooring, is a great way to make an eco-friendly choice.
- Certifications
It’s important to check that materials you choose have been certified by appropriate organizations before buying.
- Durability
The longer a material will last, the less often you’ll need to replace it.
- Local materials
Materials sourced locally is another step towards reducing the impact on the environment from transportation, while supporting the local economy.
You can also integrate plants and other natural elements into your luxury bathroom, which will enhance the eco-friendly aesthetic and aid relaxation when using the space.
It’s worth remembering that not only do eco-friendly features in a bathroom help you do your bit for the environment and reduce your carbon footprint, but they automatically increase the value of your home, too. By reducing the amount of water and energy you consume when using your luxurious newly-renovated bathroom, you can help create a space that is healthier and more sustainable, and which will prove extremely appealing to future potential buyers.