4 min readWith home prices rising, it’s no surprise that more Americans are opting to refresh the homes they’re already in. In a 2026 survey of 2,000 homeowners conducted by Talker Research, 43 percent of respondents had completed renovations on their home within the past year, and 32 percent had plans to renovate in 2026.
But with those renovations comes something that most of us likely don’t think about—our impact on the planet. Construction waste is no joke. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that in 2018, a whopping 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris were generated in the United States alone.
Architecture and environmental expert Alice Min Soo Chun, the inventor and founder of Solight Design, says this amount of construction waste is equivalent to building and discarding almost 90 Hoover Dams. Below, we’re diving into the environmental impact of upgrading your home—plus how you can minimize your carbon footprint without sacrificing style.
New Built vs. Renovation: Which is Better?
If you’re considering building a home from scratch, apart from the cost savings, renovating itself is actually more eco-friendly. “Being mindful of a carbon footprint begins with understanding that the most sustainable home is often the one that already exists,” says Carol Kurth, Architect FAIA, ASID of Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors. “Renovation offers an opportunity to work with what is there—preserving structure, materials, and landscape—rather than starting over.”
Jennifer Jones, Principal Designer at sustainability-focused Niche Interiors, says that reducing your renovation’s carbon footprint does go beyond what it can do for the environment—it can benefit your project’s timeline, too.
“Sourcing materials closer to the job site reduces transit time, potential delays, and unforeseen tariffs,” Jones says.
While keeping sustainability in mind throughout a renovation might seem like added pressure, especially if you’re particularly eco-minded, remember that it doesn’t have to be “perfect.” It just has to make a difference, even in a small way.
“I always remind myself that sustainability isn’t about getting everything ‘right.’ It’s about paying attention,” Min Soo Chun says. “Even one mindful decision—saving a material, choosing something that lasts, avoiding unnecessary waste—has a ripple effect.”
Salvage What You Can
Min Soo Chun says that before you tear anything out, you should pause and ask yourself: “Can this be saved?” She adds that some of the best design moments come from working with the existing details and bones of a building.
And when you work with those existing details, Kurth says that, in particular, things like paneling, millwork, and even furnishings can be readily transformed through refinishing, paint, or thoughtful lighting rather than removal.
Also, you don’t necessarily have to keep items to salvage them—you can give them away so they continue to serve a purpose. For instance, Jones says that you can donate working appliances, cabinets, and fixtures instead of sending them to the landfill.
Opt for Timeless Trends
Kurth suggests designing for longevity, not trends, when keeping sustainability at the forefront. She says, “Whether classic or modern, spaces that are thoughtfully proportioned and materially grounded remain relevant over time, reducing the need for future renovation cycles.”
Protect Mature Trees
If you’re building out into more of your property, Kurth emphasizes the importance of protecting any existing mature trees and working with the site, not against it.
“Preserving mature trees not only supports the environment, but also enhances natural shade, reduces cooling loads, and anchors the home within its landscape,” she says.
Be Thoughtful with Product Choices
First, Jones says that it’s key to ask where every product is made in order to reduce transportation distances. “This applies to almost every material in your home renovation, with the countertops, tile, cabinets, and flooring taking center stage,” she says. “If you are deciding between hardwood coming from Pennsylvania or from Vietnam, that decision just got much easier.” Min Soo Chun also emphasizes the importance of quality, saying, “Choose fewer, better things. Restraint often creates a more timeless space.”
Include Eco-Friendly Materials
Min Soo Chun recommends talking to your contractor early about sustainability, and this includes choosing eco-friendly materials. Jones says that this can include FSC-certified wood floors and cabinets, which have been sustainably harvested from responsibly managed forests. Instead of jumping on the Italian marble bandwagon, look for stone slabs mined from American quarries such as Vermont or Colorado.
And finally, Jones says, “Use American hardwoods in your renovation project as much as possible to reduce the carbon footprint. If there is an exotic wood you love, consider asking your contractor about similar, local wood species that could provide the same look.”
Consider Demolition a Last Resort
“Demolition is always the last resort,” Jones says. “All of the materials and appliances go to the landfill, adding to our ever-growing waste problem in this country. After demolishing a home, every single construction material needs to be manufactured, putting more stress on resources and adding to greenhouse gas emissions. Whenever possible, try to salvage what you have by modifying, painting, refinishing, or adding on.”
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Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
