Making some small changes to your home to make it more sustainable can positively impact the planet. And as well as doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint, making your home more sustainable could also save you money. If you are updating your home, it makes sense to add some eco-friendly solutions to your plans. Here we will look at the top ten ways you can make your home more sustainable:
Insulate
One of the key ways you can be eco-friendly at home is by using as little energy as possible. Insulating your loft, roof, and walls are a great way to do this. Good and well-fitted insulation holds in heat, which means you will use less energy-burning fuels to heat your home. Loft and cavity wall insulation will save you money as well as being more energy-efficient too!
Install high-quality windows and doors
If you are considering replacing any windows or doors in your home, it pays to choose the most energy-efficient option available within your budget. Over 10% of a home’s energy is lost through poorly insulated windows and doors. For maximum energy saving, windows should ideally be triple glazed, with multi-point locking and silicone compression seals to eliminate cool drafts. Energy-efficient windows are available in a wide variety of styles and designs. Even if your windows are of an original classic design, we can now produce windows to match the style of your home. As well as keeping the heat in and cold out, energy-efficient windows can reduce the impact of outside noise.
Install Some Solar Panels
Install solar panels, and you can use the power generated to heat water and provide electricity to your home. There are financial benefits too. Any power generated you don’t use can be sold back to the grid, and you will receive a financial incentive.
Install a Ventilation System
If you are revamping your home, consider installing a ventilation system, ideally one which includes heat recovery. This will provide your home with ample fresh air, warmed by the air extracted from bathrooms and kitchens. All this and without any draughts from the windows being open over the winter months.
Reclaim and reuse building materials
Removing construction materials from the waste stream and reusing them for your home projects is great for the environment. When buildings are demolished, they are often done so carefully so the building materials can be sold.
Buy a used kitchen
If you are installing a kitchen, consider purchasing cabinets that are either ex-display or pre-owned. Often top branded kitchens can be bought for a fraction of the price by savvy home renovators. As well as the cost-saving benefits, you’ll also know that your kitchen build saves approximately 9 tonnes of carbon if you are a family of four. That’s the equivalent of being carbon neutral for 18 months.
No need to mow the lawn
Rewilding is a big garden trend right now. When you sit back and let your grass grow wild, you’ll help pollinating insects such as bees thrive. So instead of keeping your lawn uniform and perfectly trimmed, sit back and watch the beauty that unfolds.
Decorate with eco-friendly finishes
If you are redecorating your home, you will likely be using an abundance of paint. Luckily eco-friendly versions are widely available, planet-friendly wood varnishes, waxes and other finishing materials.
Ditch the plastic
There is an abundance of ways to reduce plastic waste in your home. Carry a water bottle, use beeswax wraps for your sandwiches instead of cling film. Remember your shopping bags when you go shopping and consider buying your produce from a package-free supermarket or delivery service.
Furnish your home with preloved items
Buy some unique pieces of furniture from your local second-hand furniture shop or via an online marketplace. Pre-loved furniture can add character and charm to your home as well as substantially reducing your carbon footprint.
Any home can be made more sustainable by making small changes or smart investments when renovating your home.