What are the key features of a sustainable home?
Zoe Strong
Explorer & Adventurer October 11
A sustainable home is not only kinder to the planet, it could also be more gentle on the wallet (by being more energy efficient) and boost your mental health significantly. Regardless of whether you are renovating, extending or developing a new build from scratch, the ideas below will help make your home more sustainable:
1) Consider the overall design of the home for optimum efficiency including the materials, components, position of doors and windows, and orientation.
2) Consider upgrading the insulation by adding either cavity wall, solid wall insulation and/or loft insulation.
3) Where appropriate, opt to replace single glazing with double or triple glazing windows to reduce heat loss and outside noise.
4) Consider using renewable energy sources such as biomass boilers, solar panels, ground source heat pumps etc.
5) Choose electric, gas, and biofuel log burning stove alternatives.
6) Collect rainwater to water your garden. Even better, consider investing in a rainwater harvesting system for washing etc.
7) As much as possible, reuse and recycle existing building materials such as bricks or old furniture items such as tables.
8) Choose paints that contain low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) as they are less damaging to health than regular paints.
9) Where possible, buy used or preloved kitchens including worktops and appliances.
10) Shop local to reduce emissions from transportation.
#sustainability #sustainablehome #ecohome #greenliving
Read the full article in the link below:
Making our homes more sustainable is an increasing concern for many of us, not only to do our bit for the environment but also to lower household bills and make our homes more comfortable to live in. Follow these top 10 tips to help you on your way to a more sustainable home.
You can see some great examples of eco homes for inspiration in the link below:
