Sustainability In Our Work, For Our Families, Our Future, Our Communities and Our Planet.
At Costo Construction Corp., we take sustainability seriously. We are avid outdoor enthusiasts so we’ve adopted policies and procedures that facilitate and deliver on sustainability goals. Being in construction makes anytime we spend in nature highly valued. We’re committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of our operations. We recognize the importance of preserving the environment for future generations and always aim to integrate environmental considerations into our business practices.
Our sustainability policy is designed to guide our business and our employees in making responsible decisions that contribute to the protection of the environment. To ensure that sustainability practices are followed and rewarded, we have implemented several initiatives within our business. First, we prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials and products in our renovation and construction projects. This includes sourcing sustainable building materials, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, and incorporating renewable energy solutions whenever possible. Additionally, we actively promote waste reduction and recycling on our job sites, aiming to minimize construction waste and divert materials from landfills. We actively up-cycle materials whenever we can, look for opportunities to donate, restore, modify and salvage materials for re-use.
Our team members are encouraged to adopt our sustainability work practices, such as reducing energy consumption, conserving water, and minimizing emissions during transportation. Our own fleet of vehicles is now 60% fully electric. Furthermore, we invest in ongoing training and education for our team members to raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainability in the construction industry. We recognize and reward our team members who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, whether through innovative ideas for reducing environmental impact, exemplary waste management efforts, or initiatives that promote energy efficiency. By fostering a culture of sustainability within our company, we aim to ensure that our business operations align with our environmental policy and contribute to a more sustainable future for our communities and the planet.
Why Remodeling is a Preferred Sustainability Practice Over Building New: A Focus on Sustainable Construction
In today’s construction industry, sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a fundamental principle guiding responsible development and environmental stewardship. Among the various strategies to achieve sustainability goals, remodeling existing structures stands out as a highly effective and environmentally conscious practice. At Costo Construction, we are deeply committed to sustainability and believe that remodeling, retrofitting, and renewing existing properties offer unmatched potential for meeting environmental objectives while delivering economic and community benefits.
The Power of Remodeling for Sustainability
Remodeling enhances sustainability by significantly reducing material waste and landfill impact. According to the EPA, construction and demolition debris make up nearly 600 million tons of waste each year in the United States, much of which can be diverted through renovation and reuse. Remodeling existing buildings avoids the environmental toll of demolishing structures and extracting new raw materials, such as timber, concrete, and steel. This approach aligns perfectly with sustainability goals by conserving natural resources and minimizing carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation.
In addition, remodeling supports land conservation and prevents urban sprawl. By revitalizing and upgrading existing structures within developed areas, communities can promote sustainable land use, reduce habitat destruction, and improve urban density. This is crucial for achieving broader sustainability targets, especially in densely populated regions where land availability is limited.
Energy Efficiency and Climate Goals
Sustainable remodeling offers tremendous opportunities to enhance energy efficiency—one of the key pillars of sustainability. Upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and modernizing HVAC systems are common retrofit projects that significantly lower operational energy consumption. At Costo Construction, we have seen firsthand how remodeling can help clients meet their sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs.
Furthermore, integrating renewable energy solutions like solar panels and adopting sustainable building materials during remodeling projects aligns with climate action initiatives. These upgrades contribute to long-term sustainability by lowering a building’s carbon footprint and supporting national and global climate commitments.
Preserving Heritage and Cultural Sustainability
Another vital aspect of sustainability through remodeling is the preservation of historic and culturally significant buildings. Adaptive reuse allows communities to maintain architectural heritage while transforming old structures into functional, modern spaces. This sustainable practice not only conserves embodied energy—the total energy used in producing and maintaining a building—but also enhances community identity and resilience.
Costo Construction’s Commitment to Sustainability
At Costo Construction, sustainability is embedded in our core values. We have seen numerous examples where remodeling and retrofitting existing properties have achieved substantial sustainability benefits—reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering energy consumption. Our team’s expertise in sustainable construction methods, green building practices, and innovative retrofit techniques has enabled us to help clients meet their environmental goals effectively.
While remodeling remains a primary focus, we recognize the emerging potential of building new with sustainable building methods, advanced materials, and cutting-edge technologies. We are excited about the future of sustainable construction, where new builds incorporate energy-efficient design, renewable materials, and smart building systems from the ground up.
The Advantages of Remodeling for Sustainability
Remodeling offers a range of benefits for sustainability, including:
Reducing Material Waste and Landfill Impact:** Renovation minimizes demolition waste, conserving natural resources.
Supporting Land Conservation:** Upgrading existing structures within urban areas prevents sprawl and habitat destruction.
Lowering Energy Consumption:** Retrofit projects improve energy efficiency, helping meet climate goals.
Preserving Cultural Heritage:** Adaptive reuse maintains architectural character and reduces embodied energy.
Boosting Community Revitalization:** Remodeling projects stimulate local economies and foster sustainable urban growth.
Promoting Circular Economy Principles:** Reusing materials and upgrading structures extend their lifespan and reduce resource demand.
Innovative Sustainable Building Practices
While remodeling is a highly sustainable practice, Costo Construction is also interested in the future of sustainable building. We are actively exploring sustainable building methods and materials, including mass timber, offsite modular construction, and renewable energy integration in new projects. Our goal is to combine the best of remodeling and new construction to maximize sustainability outcomes.
Why Choose Costo Construction?
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our work and our approach. We continually seek ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and incorporate environmentally friendly practices into every project. We believe that remodeling and retrofitting existing properties are some of the most effective ways to achieve sustainability goals, reduce environmental impact, and create resilient communities.
We invite clients and industry partners to contact us to learn more about our sustainable construction practices. Whether you’re interested in remodeling, retrofitting, or building new with sustainable methods, Costo Construction is dedicated to helping you reach your sustainability objectives while delivering high-quality, durable, and environmentally responsible results.
Conclusion
Remodeling is an essential component of sustainable construction. It offers numerous environmental, economic, and cultural benefits—reducing waste, conserving resources, lowering energy consumption, and preserving community heritage. At Costo Construction, we have seen the transformative potential of sustainable remodeling firsthand and are committed to advancing these practices. As emerging sustainable building materials and technologies become more accessible, we look forward to integrating them into both remodels and new builds, creating a future where sustainability is at the heart of every project.
Link to a Costo Construction Article: https://costoconstruction.com/uncategorized/the-sustainable-workspace/
Check this great article out by the USGBC: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/iconic-green-buildings-olympic-house