Introduction
The circular economy is a production and consumption model that aims to extend the life cycle of products, reducing waste to a minimum and reusing resources as much as possible. In the context of habitat management, the circular economy offers considerable advantages, both for the environment and for the wallet. While it’s not possible to use the same techniques as owners of large properties, that doesn’t mean you can’t take certain actions in your own home.
This article will guide readers through the everyday gestures and renovation work that will enable them to manage their apartment or house in a circular economy.
Everyday actions for a circular-economy home
While not everyone is in a position to know the exact composition of their home, or to carry out renovation work, there are nonetheless many things they can do on a daily basis to save money and improve their indoor air.
Waste reduction
Waste reduction is one of the pillars of the circular economy. Here are a few simple gestures to adopt:
- Selective sort ing: organize waste sorting to facilitate recycling. Use sorting garbage cans to separate recyclables, compostables and non-recyclables.
- Composting: transform kitchen and garden waste into compost to enrich the soil. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and creates a natural soil improver for the garden.
- Reuse and recycling: repair and recycle objects instead of throwing them away. Encourage second-hand purchases and upcycling. For example, transform glass jars into storage containers or decorations.
- Lending or donating: rather than buying or throwing away, turn to your neighbors to borrow items you have little use for.
Of course, the best way to reduce waste is not to produce any at all. Choosing bulk products in reusable containers remains the ultimate goal.
Optimizing water consumption
Water is a precious resource, and it’s important to use it efficiently:
- Water-saving devices: install faucet aerators, low-flow showers and dual-flush toilets to reduce water consumption without compromising comfort.
- Rainwater harvesting: use systems to collect and reuse rainwater for watering plants and cleaning. This reduces drinking water consumption.
- Reduce daily water consumption: adopt water-saving habits, such as not leaving the water running while brushing your teeth, and repair leaks promptly.
Energy savings
Energy consumption can be optimized with a few adjustments:
- Use LED bulbs: replace conventional bulbs with LED bulbs, which consume less energy and last longer.
- Unplug unused appliances: avoid standby energy consumption by unplugging unused appliances.
- Energy-saving equipment: choose appliances with a good energy rating. Class A++ appliances are the most economical.
Responsible purchasing and sustainability
Purchasing choices have a direct impact on the environment:
- Sustainable products: choose products made from recycled or recyclable materials and those with a long lifespan. And don’t forget to turn to 2nd hand.
- Local and ethical purchasing: supporting local producers and responsible businesses. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods.
- Reduce single-use products: use reusable alternatives for disposable items, such as cloth bags, water bottles and reusable food containers.
With these everyday gestures, we can already improve our comfort and health. For renovation work, there are other options.
Circular economy work and renovations
Whatever the reason for the work, there are a few things you can do to manage your property in a circular economy (whether you’re a landlord or a resident). In fact, it’s become such an important issue that someturnkey rental investment companies provide experts to support their customers in this process.
Choosing sustainable materials
When renovating, it’s essential to choose sustainable and traceable materials (although this isn’t always easy). There are 2 ways to make things a little clearer.
- Choose certified or labeled materials: Opt for sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood, recycled concrete and eco-friendly paints. Certifications and labels such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood guarantee sustainable forest management. Recycled concrete uses recycled aggregates and reduces the extraction of new resources. Eco-friendly paints contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are less harmful to health and the environment. To be sure you’re choosing the best possible label, opting for Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® products guarantees a level of excellence in terms of the circular economy.
- Select products from Upcyclea’s Circular Passport Library: The Circular Passport Library is a free resource that provides access to information on thousands of products, allowing you to compare them. Circular passports enable products to be compared according to 5 criteria (non-toxicity, circularity, energy & carbon, water management and social).
Choice of fastening method
It’s all too often forgotten, but the key to managing a space in the circular economy lies largely in its demountability and the fastening methods chosen.
- Reversible fastening methods: while it’s easier to glue elements (frames, carpeting, parquet…), this often results in breakage during removal. On the other hand, by choosing reversible fastening methods, we ensure that the product or material (and its environment) remain in the best possible condition.
- Planning removal from the outset: it’s crucial to plan deconstruction right from the design stage. Opting for reversible fastening methods facilitates disassembly and future reuse of materials, reducing waste and damage.
Energy efficiency and renovation
Improving the energy efficiency of your home is a crucial step:
- Thermal and acoustic insulation: improve your home’s insulation to reduce energy loss and improve comfort. Use environmentally-friendly insulation materials such as wood wool or hemp.
- Efficient heating and cooling systems: install energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps and solar heaters.
- Use of renewable energies: install solar panels or domestic wind turbines to produce renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Construction site waste management
Construction site waste management is also an important aspect of the circular economy:
- Sorting and recycling construction waste: set up sorting systems on site to separate recyclable materials from waste. Use specific containers for different types of materials (metal, wood, plaster, etc.).
- Reuse of materials: reuse demolition materials in new works wherever possible. For example, bricks and tiles can often be salvaged and reused.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to circular management of a house or apartment. By incorporating simple everyday gestures and choosing sustainable materials for renovation work, residents contribute to reducing waste and preserving natural resources. The circular economy is not only good for the environment, it also saves money in the long term and improves living comfort.
