Hello! This is Episode 428. This is Way #28 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re continuing through Section Six: Choosing Materials, Fixtures and Finishes.

In this section, I’m covering specific criteria for choosing materials and products for your home. We’ve talked about choosing for longevity and durability in Episode 426, and choosing for a low carbon footprint in Episode 427.

Way #28 is: Choose for Low VOCs and Natural or Low-Tox Ingredients.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/428]

Given how much time we spend in our homes, the quality of our indoor air becomes super impactful on how our home feels. 

There’s also the increasing susceptibility people can have to toxins, as well as personal values that drive them to make low tox choices in other areas of their lives.

So, it makes sense that this can be a selection criteria in making sustainable choices with the materials, products, fixtures and finishes for your home.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/428.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/428

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

Hello! This is Episode 428. This is Way #28 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we&rsquo;re continuing through Section Six: Choosing Materials, Fixtures and Finishes.
In this section, I&rsquo;m covering specific criteria for choosing materials and products for your home. We&rsquo;ve talked about choosing for longevity and durability in Episode 426, and choosing for a low carbon footprint in Episode 427.
Way #28 is: Choose for Low VOCs and Natural or Low-Tox Ingredients.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/428">www.undercoverarchitect.com/428</a>]
Given how much time we spend in our homes, the quality of our indoor air becomes super impactful on how our home feels.&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s also the increasing susceptibility people can have to toxins, as well as personal values that drive them to make low tox choices in other areas of their lives.
So, it makes sense that this can be a selection criteria in making sustainable choices with the materials, products, fixtures and finishes for your home.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/428">www.undercoverarchitect.com/428</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/428">www.undercoverarchitect.com/428</a>
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it right when designing, building and renovating your home. Undercover Architect is all about giving you access to the industry knowledge and insights you need to avoid the mistakes and dramas that can cost you thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s about levelling the playing field, so that the world of renovating and building doesn’t seem so mysterious, and you can be the active driver in your project, navigating it with know-how and confidence.

Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, HOME Method. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.

Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com

If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it right when designing, building and renovating your home. Undercover Architect is all about giving you access to the industry knowledge and insights you need to avoid the mistakes and dramas that can cost you thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s about levelling the playing field, so that the world of renovating and building doesn’t seem so mysterious, and you can be the active driver in your project, navigating it with know-how and confidence.
Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a>. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.
Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/">www.undercoverarchitect.com</a>

Your secret ally when designing, renovating or building your family home.

Get It Right with Undercover Architect

This season is all about helping you create a home that performs well, costs less to run, and feels genuinely great to live in. Across the 44 episodes, whatever stage your project is at, you'll build practical knowledge about sustainability that you can apply directly to your new build or renovation. Whether you're feeling curious, confused, or overwhelmed about what a sustainable home actually means, you'll learn what matters most, why it matters, and how to make it happen in your project.

This season is all about helping you create a home that performs well, costs less to run, and feels genuinely great to live in. Across the 44 episodes, whatever stage your project is at, you'll build practical knowledge about sustainability that you can apply directly to your new build or renovation. Whether you're feeling curious, confused, or overwhelmed about what a sustainable home actually means, you'll learn what matters most, why it matters, and how to make it happen in your project.

44 Ways to Create a Sustainable Home | Podcast Season 15 | Undercover Architect

If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it right when designing, building and renovating your home.

Undercover Architect is all about giving you access to the industry knowledge and insights you need to avoid the mistakes and dramas that can cost you thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s about levelling the playing field, so that the world of renovating and building doesn’t seem so mysterious, and you can be the active driver in your project, navigating it with know-how and confidence.

Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, HOME Method. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.

Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com

If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it right when designing, building and renovating your home.
Undercover Architect is all about giving you access to the industry knowledge and insights you need to avoid the mistakes and dramas that can cost you thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s about levelling the playing field, so that the world of renovating and building doesn’t seem so mysterious, and you can be the active driver in your project, navigating it with know-how and confidence.
Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, HOME Method. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.
Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com

44 Ways #28: Choose for Low VOCs and Natural or Low-Tox Ingredients

Hello! This is Episode 427. This is Way #27 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re continuing through Section Six: Choosing Materials, Fixtures and Finishes.

In this section, I’m covering specific criteria for choosing the products, materials, fixtures and finishes for your future home. Last episode, in Episode 426, Way #26, I talked about choosing for longevity and durability, and the five financial costs of any material decision.

Way #27 is: Choose for Low Carbon Footprint.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/427]

Selecting your interior and exterior products and materials with this in mind can be one key way to improve the sustainability of your home, especially in the impact that lower embodied carbon can have over the lifetime of your home overall.

Calculating the embodied carbon of buildings has been occurring in other parts of the industry for some time now, especially in public and commercial projects. And now, I’m seeing this be considered in residential projects as well.

You (or your team) can now do formal carbon calculations that take into account the life cycle of any products and materials you’re using in your home. This measures the carbon used in material and product sourcing, manufacture and production, transport, installation and end of life as well.

As you can imagine, this can get quite involved, so it’s great to see carbon calculators making this simpler for homeowners, and manufacturers and suppliers discussing the carbon content of their products. From low carbon products such as timber, through to innovations in high carbon products like concrete to reduce its carbon content, you have lots of options.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/427.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/427

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

Hello! This is Episode 427. This is Way #27 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we&rsquo;re continuing through Section Six: Choosing Materials, Fixtures and Finishes.
In this section, I&rsquo;m covering specific criteria for choosing the products, materials, fixtures and finishes for your future home. Last episode, in Episode 426, Way #26, I talked about choosing for longevity and durability, and the five financial costs of any material decision.
Way #27 is: Choose for Low Carbon Footprint.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/427">www.undercoverarchitect.com/427</a>]
Selecting your interior and exterior products and materials with this in mind can be one key way to improve the sustainability of your home, especially in the impact that lower embodied carbon can have over the lifetime of your home overall.
Calculating the embodied carbon of buildings has been occurring in other parts of the industry for some time now, especially in public and commercial projects. And now, I&rsquo;m seeing this be considered in residential projects as well.
You (or your team) can now do formal carbon calculations that take into account the life cycle of any products and materials you&rsquo;re using in your home. This measures the carbon used in material and product sourcing, manufacture and production, transport, installation and end of life as well.
As you can imagine, this can get quite involved, so it&rsquo;s great to see carbon calculators making this simpler for homeowners, and manufacturers and suppliers discussing the carbon content of their products. From low carbon products such as timber, through to innovations in high carbon products like concrete to reduce its carbon content, you have lots of options.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/427">www.undercoverarchitect.com/427</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/427">www.undercoverarchitect.com/427</a>
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

44 Ways #27: Choose for Low Carbon Footprint

Hello! This is Episode 426. This is Way #26 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re beginning Section Six: Choosing Materials, Fixtures and Finishes.

Way #26 is: Choose for Longevity and Durability.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/426]

The last couple of sections have been detail-heavy and chunkier episodes, especially as I’ve talked about the building envelope, because it’s where a lot of the technical decisions in your home happen.

Section 6 takes us back to our shorter, punchier episodes. 

In each, I’ll be covering one specific criteria for choosing materials and products for both the interior and exterior of your future home.

This will give you a roadmap for thinking about your sustainable choices when making material, product, fixture and finish selections for your renovation or new build.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/426.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/426

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

Hello! This is Episode 426. This is Way #26 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we&rsquo;re beginning Section Six: Choosing Materials, Fixtures and Finishes.
Way #26 is: Choose for Longevity and Durability.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/426">www.undercoverarchitect.com/426</a>]
The last couple of sections have been detail-heavy and chunkier episodes, especially as I&rsquo;ve talked about the building envelope, because it&rsquo;s where a lot of the technical decisions in your home happen.
Section 6 takes us back to our shorter, punchier episodes.&nbsp;
In each, I&rsquo;ll be covering one specific criteria for choosing materials and products for both the interior and exterior of your future home.
This will give you a roadmap for thinking about your sustainable choices when making material, product, fixture and finish selections for your renovation or new build.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/426">www.undercoverarchitect.com/426</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/426">www.undercoverarchitect.com/426</a>
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

44 Ways #26: Choose for Longevity and Durability

Hello! This is Episode 425. This is Way #25 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and it’s the last episode in Section Five: The Building Envelope.

Over this section we’ve worked through airtightness, windows, building wraps, and insulation. In this episode, we discuss something that can elevate the performance of your building envelope very simply.

Way #25 is: Include Eaves and Window Hoods in Your Finished Home.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/425]

This episode pulls together two concepts: the information about designing for the orientation of your site that I shared back in Way #1, Episode 401, our first episode of the ‘44 Ways’ series, and the discussions we’ve been having in this section about the building envelope.

Because once you understand how the sun moves across your site, the next question is about how your building envelope is designed to provide the protection you need from the elements on your site.

And that’s what eaves, hoods and awnings can provide.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/425.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/425

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

Hello! This is Episode 425. This is Way #25 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and it&rsquo;s the last episode in Section Five: The Building Envelope.
Over this section we&rsquo;ve worked through airtightness, windows, building wraps, and insulation. In this episode, we discuss something that can elevate the performance of your building envelope very simply.
Way #25 is: Include Eaves and Window Hoods in Your Finished Home.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/425">www.undercoverarchitect.com/425</a>]
This episode pulls together two concepts: the information about designing for the orientation of your site that I shared back in Way #1, Episode 401, our first episode of the &lsquo;44 Ways&rsquo; series, and the discussions we&rsquo;ve been having in this section about the building envelope.
Because once you understand how the sun moves across your site, the next question is about how your building envelope is designed to provide the protection you need from the elements on your site.
And that&rsquo;s what eaves, hoods and awnings can provide.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/425">www.undercoverarchitect.com/425</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/425">www.undercoverarchitect.com/425</a>
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

44 Ways #28: Choose for Low VOCs and Natural or Low-Tox Ingredients

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