CHOOSING BETWEEN ENERGY EFFICIENCY OR WATER SAVINGS FOR GREEN BUILDING POINTS?
I totally get where you’re coming from—insulation is rarely glamorous, but it’s such a game changer. I’ve worked on a few remodels where clients wanted every new water-saving gadget, but half the time, they ended up collecting dust. Meanwhile, simple energy upgrades like better windows or sealing drafts made a noticeable difference in comfort and bills. Sometimes it’s not about the latest thing, just what actually works for the space and climate.
CHOOSING BETWEEN ENERGY EFFICIENCY OR WATER SAVINGS FOR GREEN BUILDING POINTS?
You nailed it—sometimes the tried-and-true stuff like insulation or draft sealing ends up being way more impactful than the flashy tech. I totally get the appeal of all the new water-saving devices, but I’ve actually seen similar situations where people install fancy low-flow fixtures or smart irrigation, and then don’t really use them (or even disable them because they’re annoying). Meanwhile, you seal up a few gaps or swap out old windows, and suddenly the house just feels better—quieter, more comfortable, and the utility bills drop.
I’d say it’s worth stepping back and looking at the house as a whole system. Energy efficiency upgrades tend to have a more direct effect on comfort and long-term costs, especially in places with extreme temps. But if you’re in an area with water restrictions or droughts, water savings might tip the scales. Sometimes it’s not either/or...it’s about what makes sense for your space and how people actually live day-to-day. There’s definitely no one-size-fits-all answer, but your point about what actually gets used is spot on.
CHOOSING BETWEEN ENERGY EFFICIENCY OR WATER SAVINGS FOR GREEN BUILDING POINTS?
I’ve wrestled with this on a few projects, and honestly, the “whole system” idea is where I usually land too. Here’s how I break it down: First, I look at what’s actually driving costs and discomfort for the people using the space. In colder climates, tightening up the envelope—insulation, windows, air sealing—almost always gives you more bang for your buck, both in comfort and savings. I once worked on a mid-century house where just sealing up the crawlspace and adding attic insulation made it feel like a totally new home.
But, there are spots—think southwest or places with real water scarcity—where water-saving measures can be a game-changer. That said, if folks end up bypassing those low-flow showerheads because they hate them, it’s kind of wasted effort. I’d say start by talking to whoever’s actually going to live or work there. What do they care about? What habits are they willing to change? Sometimes the simplest tweaks end up sticking the most... and those are the ones that last.
CHOOSING BETWEEN ENERGY EFFICIENCY OR WATER SAVINGS FOR GREEN BUILDING POINTS?
I get where you’re coming from. When we renovated our place, we focused on insulation first, and the difference in winter was huge. Tried those low-flow faucets too, but honestly, my family just found them annoying and swapped them out. Sometimes comfort wins over savings, even if it’s not the “greenest” choice.
Sometimes comfort wins over savings, even if it’s not the “greenest” choice.
Totally get this. When we built our place, I went all-in on radiant floor heating—energy efficient but also super comfy. Tried low-flow showers once... let’s just say, never again. For me, luxury and efficiency can mix, but not at the cost of daily comfort.