3 Products for a More Eco-Responsible Renovation
Do you want to create more environmentally friendly construction or renovation projects? At La Tuilerie, we are committed to promoting eco-responsible practices. We’d like to share with you several of our products that align with this approach. To assist you and contribute to eco-friendly renovations, we provide details about the products, suppliers, and manufacturers with a sustainable approach for an environmentally conscious renovation project.
1. Durable Ceramics for Eco-Friendly Renovations
There are few ceramic manufacturers in Canada, which is why we import our ceramic tiles directly from European manufacturers, who guarantee optimal quality (something that is less often the case with flooring from China or India). When properly maintained, ceramic and porcelain tiles can last for several decades in your home, making them a long-term solution! This highlights the importance of opting for the most timeless design possible. For instance, people often remodel their bathrooms or basements to update the style, not because the tiles are broken.
In 2024, over 80% of our ceramic tiles come from Europe (48% from Italy, 36% from Spain, 14% from China, 1.5% from the USA, and 1% from Brazil). Manufactured in Spain and Italy, these tiles meet the highest recycling and environmental protection standards. Some of them also meet the requirements for LEED®* certification.
2. Hardwood Floors for Eco-Friendly Construction
Timeless, durable, and classic: hardwood floors are a reliable choice.
Why?
- When properly maintained, hardwood floors can last for several decades.
- Hardwood floors (not made of plastic or hydrocarbons like vinyl or LVT) are biodegradable and recyclable.
- This natural material can also naturally increase the value of your property.
Additionally, certain types of flooring, such as floating floors, are easy to install.
Our most eco-friendly hardwood floor suppliers are Quebec-based brands. Let us introduce them to you!
Preverco
Preverco is deeply committed to an eco-responsible approach.
- Their hardwood floors are entirely made in Canada, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint. They fully reuse wood residues from their production process, from sawdust to waste materials.
- All their wood comes from Canada and North America, and they comply with the Lacey Act, a key U.S. law on wildlife and forest conservation.
- They are GREENGUARD Gold certified.
For more information, visit their Environment page.
Dubeau
Dubeau Flooring has adopted an exemplary eco-responsible approach.
Through full vertical integration, the company has implemented a zero-waste policy and rigorous practices to preserve the richness of our forests:
- Managers of their own forests and manufacturing plants
- 100% renewable resources
- Environmental management certifications, such as FloorScore®, and alignment with international standards like the Lacey Act and LEED credits, demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
To learn more, visit the Environment page on their website.
Permabois
Permabois offers oiled hardwood floors that breathe, are easy to maintain, and can be easily repaired. This company works with European leaders in the production of natural vegetable oils, adhesives, and cleaning products with a low environmental impact.
- Permabois works with entirely natural vegetable oils that do not produce chemical emissions (neither during initial application, nor after installation, nor in the future—no deterioration of air quality).
Visit the site to learn more about Permabois’s commitment to natural oils.
Plancher Times
Plancher Times is an engineered wood manufacturing plant specializing in wood transformation and finishing.
- The company was founded in 2015 in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, by Linda Gelly.
- Plancher Times works with both local raw wood and imported materials. Their UV finishes comply with Canadian standards and have low VOC levels.
Alexandra/Mirage
Proudly Quebecois! Located in Lévis (Quebec), Alexandra produces oiled and pre-finished hardwood floors. The manufacturer was recently acquired by MIRAGE, a company based in Saint-Georges (Quebec).
To Summarize
Hardwood flooring is a durable option (when properly maintained, it can last 100 to 150 years in your home). To ensure a responsible approach, here are three criteria to follow:
- Choose a local species (Canadian or North American), especially from a supplier that guarantees sustainable and environmentally friendly forest management.
- Select a varnished or oiled floor with eco-friendly products.
- Opt for flooring that can be repaired.
To help you choose your hardwood floor, read our buying guide.
3. Radiant Flooring to Support Your Energy-Efficient Renovation
Radiant flooring itself is not made from environmentally friendly materials. However, it is an eco-energy choice that offers many advantages. This heating system, especially when it is your primary heating system, can help reduce your energy consumption (Hydro-Québec) by up to 15%. The ambient temperature can be lowered by 2 to 3 degrees without any loss of comfort. Additionally, you can set your heating schedule thanks to its thermostat.
If you’re interested, read our dedicated guide to radiant flooring.
5 Tips for Greener Renovations
Eco-friendly renovation is about selecting the right products, but that’s not all! To wrap up, here are 5 tips to help you reduce your ecological footprint with simple actions:
- 🏠 Depending on your project (flip, rental, first home purchase, etc.), choose durable and as timeless products as possible.
- ✨ Minimalist style is the most environmentally friendly choice.
- 🌳 Prioritize natural materials such as wood, clay, glass, etc.
- 💪 Learn to do things yourself. La Tuilerie collaborates with Les affutées, who recycle our end-of-line products (for which we no longer have enough stock to sell) and use them in their workshops.
- 💸 Lastly, find out if you’re eligible for assistance programs.
In 2024, various programs are available in Quebec to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Here are the main renovation subsidies:
- Rénoclimat: This program helps improve the thermal insulation of exposed floors, especially those located above unheated spaces.
- Chauffez Vert: If you’re considering installing radiant flooring, check your eligibility for this program. Its goal is to replace heating systems powered by fossil fuels with more eco-friendly options, powered by electricity or other renewable energy sources (La référence en habitation – in French).
- RénoRégion: This program is aimed at low-income homeowners in rural areas, covering up to 95% of the cost of necessary work to fix major defects. The minimum cost of the work must be $3,500, and the property’s value must not exceed $150,000 (Quebec – in French).
Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria. For more details, visit the official websites.
To engage in an eco-friendly approach, think long-term! Choose products suited to YOUR project, aim for minimalism (less is more), and buy the most eco-friendly products possible. If you have any questions, our team of experts is here to listen and provide personalized advice based on your project.