Quick and Simple Sustainable Home Updates You Can Do Today

At CABN, we know that building a new house is a big commitment - you're looking at a fair amount of site preparations, after land acquisition, to get ready for a build. Not all of our clients are ready for that step yet... but that doesn't mean that sustainability is out of reach. 

It doesn’t have to involve big renovations or major expenses. Sometimes, the smallest changes can have a significant impact on your home's efficiency and your environmental footprint. We've got a few ideas on simple, eco-friendly updates that can be done in your current living space, borrowing from key elements of CABN construction. 

Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows

At CABN, our cross laminated timber panels fit together so well that drafts are non-existent, maintaining the energy efficiency throughout the home. One way to mimic that in your space is to seal drafts around doors and windows, as drafty doors and windows can lead to wasted energy as your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

An easy and affordable fix is to seal gaps with weather stripping or caulk. Focus on windows, doors, and any other areas where air might be leaking. This update can help improve your home's energy efficiency and make your living space more comfortable, all in just a few hours. 

Add Insulating Window Treatments

We love triple paned, glazed windows with higher than average energy efficiency ratings for CABNs – we import European windows to achieve a standard unseen in the North American market. However, replacing windows in your existing house may be costly - you can boost insulation into your current home with insulated curtains or blinds.

These window treatments help keep heat out during the summer and trap warmth inside during the winter, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. You can easily find insulating window treatments that suit your home’s style, and installing them is a simple task that can be completed in an afternoon.

Replace Air Filters

The HVAC system in a house is critical, providing comfort throughout the year. Our team has chosen the top quality options to ensure the most energy efficient set up, utilizing heat pumps, energy recovery ventilators, and a split duct system. Paired with the strucutral design of the home, CABNs use 20% the energy of a traditional home, only needing HVAC systems a fraction of the time. 

If you're looking at options in your current home, regularly replacing your air filters is a small task that can have a big impact on both your home's energy efficiency and air quality. Dirty air filters make your HVAC system work harder, which increases energy use. Swapping them out every few months takes just a few minutes and ensures that your system runs efficiently while keeping the air in your home cleaner. It's also worthwhile to investigate if there are grants or subsidies in your region to support a transition to heat pumps or other high efficiency systems - you may be eligible for a retrofit in your current home!

Start a Compost Bin

CABN has roots in composting... our CEO and Founder, Jackson Wyatt, started his first company with a compostable compost bin! Greenlid was a successful company that went on to produce and sell compostable home goods around the world. 

If you have a small outdoor space, starting a compost bin is an excellent way to repurpose food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden or plants. All you need is a container and some basic knowledge of composting (like balancing green and brown materials). In just a few hours, you can set up a system that turns waste into a valuable resource.

Unplug Unused Electronics

In every CABN, there is a smart home management system, as well as a smart electrical panel - these advances in technology allow for a clear idea of energy expenditure. You can even see energy dips when you're not home, a great way to see if the AC has been left on or a window left open. However, you can manage energy usage with a simple step - unplugging unused electronics. 

Even when turned off, many devices continue to draw power—this is known as “phantom” or “standby” energy. Unplugging items like chargers, coffee makers, and entertainment systems when they’re not being used can help reduce your energy consumption with minimal effort. 

An Accessible Transition to Sustainable Living

These quick, manageable updates can help make your home more sustainable without requiring extensive resources or time. By taking just a few hours to make small changes, you’re contributing to a healthier planet while creating a more efficient, eco-friendly living space. Sustainable living is all about progress, not perfection—start small, and enjoy the journey toward a greener home, and your eventual CABN!