Sustainable construction is all the rage and has become a given for many people. The same applies to energy-efficient renovation measures. While most people tend to think of replacing the outdated boiler in the basement when it comes to the latter, the home bathroom shouldn’t be left out either.
An eco-friendly bathroom renovation can be approached on several levels: First, there’s the option of using natural, renewable raw materials that are as durable as possible and, ideally, even reusable. Eco-friendly materials for bathroom walls include lime or clay plaster and tiles. Wood is also sometimes used. Eco-labels indicate whether the respective materials are sustainable or not. Products bearing the IBU seal from the Institute for Construction and the Environment or the FSC seal for sustainable forestry are recommended.
Taking bathtubs as an example, models made of enameled steel have a better environmental footprint than acrylic ones, for instance, because they are more durable and can also be repaired and recycled. The same applies to ceramic.
Ultimately, when it comes to materials, the sustainability factor of transportation also plays a role. The rule of thumb is: Local products are generally better for the environment than those that had to travel halfway around the world—think carbon footprint.
An Eco-Friendly Bathroom Through Water Conservation
In addition to the materials used, the sustainability factor in the bathroom can also be influenced by the specific design of the individual plumbing fixtures. The focus is particularly on measures that promote water conservation. One approach, for example, is an ergonomically designed bathtub that allows for a full bath using a minimal amount of water. Installing a toilet tank with a three-liter flush also makes a significant difference on the path to sustainability—by comparison, older models use up to 14 liters of water per flush. An alternative is a flush volume control system, which allows the flush volume to be adjusted manually.
Water consumption can also be significantly reduced through sink faucets by installing water-saving inserts or flow restrictors in the spout: These ensure that, for example, only six to eight liters per minute flow through the spout instead of 18 liters, thanks to an increased air mixture.
Another step would be a showerhead with a built-in button to pause the water flow while soaping up—saving a few more liters of water. Installing a sensor on the sink that activates the water flow only when someone holds their hands under it can also make a significant difference.
Last but not least, you can also conserve resources in your bathroom by using energy-efficient LED bulbs for bathroom lighting instead of halogen bulbs. After all, to produce the same brightness as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb requires 40 watts, an energy-saving bulb 20 watts, and an LED bulb just eight watts. While the latter has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, traditional incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs last only about 2,000 hours on average.
Costs for Bathroom Renovation
The cost of a sustainable bathroom renovation naturally varies depending on the fixtures and finishes. According to various guides, the average cost for a comprehensive bathroom renovation ranges from about 900 to 3,500 euros per square meter. This means that a bathroom measuring seven square meters would cost approximately 6,500 to 24,000 euros. (Source: wohnglueck.de) However, since environmentally friendly ceramic tiles belong to the lower-priced tile segment, this allows you to combine sustainability with cost-effectiveness. Generally, tile prices range from 20 to 200 euros per square meter. For example, ceramic tiles in abrasion class 2 cost 22 euros per square meter, though labor costs for the contractors must, of course, be added to this. (Source: www.commerzbank.de)
Similar decisions regarding materials must also be made for individual plumbing fixtures. Smaller “gadgets,” such as flow restrictors that allow you to regulate water consumption, are often available for just a few euros. Last but not least, the water- and energy-saving measures you implement will also save you a euro or two.
Ultimately, anyone who cares about a sustainable bathroom should take a look at the environmental footprint of each individual product. After all, the CO2 emissions from the production and transportation of individual items can really skew the overall environmental balance. Reputable manufacturers usually provide independent assessments on this. And don’t worry: An “eco-bathroom” looks no different from a “normal” bathroom.
