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We are experienced working with green-remodeling principles and are always interested in gaining additional expertise. We may need to reconsider some of our standard practices and understand such changes are important to you.

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Know where your trash is going. Remodeling invariably involves demolition, as well as disposing of plumbing fixtures and appliances. Here in the Charleston area we have centers where old sinks, tubs and other fixtures can be donated for re-use. In any event, we make sure debris is handled responsibly.

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Reuse, where possible. Maybe those dated kitchen cabinets can be painted and re-installed in your basement laundry room, or existing framing lumber can be cleaned and cut to fit your new project's dimensions. Re-using existing products is almost always more resource-efficient than buying newly manufactured replacements. Avoid products made from nonrenewable resources and those that require a lot of energy to produce. Examples include asphalt roofing, vinyl or aluminum windows and siding, fiberglass insulation, energy-wasting recessed lighting, petroleum-base solid-surfacing countertops, formaldehyde-rich sheathing material, and tropical hardwoods that are not FSC-certified.

Invest in insulation. It may be among the least glamorous of building materials, but insulation is critical to maximizing your home's energy efficiency and can also help cut costs for your heating and air-conditioning equipment. With a well-insulated home, you can choose lower-capacity heating and cooling equipment, and, of course, your eventual heating and cooling bills will be lower, as well. Consider Icynene insulation when remodeling.

Look for the star – the Energy Star – when choosing appliances. Check the yellow efficiency labels on any appliances you're considering and opt for the most efficient model you can afford. Not only will you be helping the environment, you'll also be cutting your future energy bills.

Right-size your air-conditioning purchase. It's tempting to buy a super-sized central air-conditioning system, but that decision could create mold problems down the line. Oversized A/C equipment can end up cooling a space before it has lowered interior humidity levels, encouraging condensation once the thermostat trips off. Buying a system that's sized to your needs – and improved insulating efficiency – will help maintain optimum air quality within your home.

Understand the tradeoffs when selecting building materials and finishes. For example, bamboo flooring is a highly renewable resource, but must be shipped thousands of miles from plantations in Asia. Sustainably harvested domestic hardwood may take longer to grow, but it may only have to travel a hundred miles from the mill to your front door. Certification by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council can help ensure raw materials were harvested responsibly.