Sustainable living has never been more in vogue, and thanks to an increased awareness of the way we live, our homes are now big on green credentials too. According to recent research by Comparethemarket, three quarters of potential house buyers now want a home that has measures like solar panels or insulation installed – so what exactly does it mean to have a sustainable home? And how do you know if yours is one?
What is sustainable housing?
Sustainable housing is designed and built using materials, energy, water and waste systems that minimise the impact on the environment and human health. This includes using renewable energy sources, such as solar and heat pumps, to generate electricity and heat.
Most forms of energy generation produce harmful greenhouse gases, which contributes to climate change. By installing solar panels and heat pumps, you can cut back on your greenhouse gas emissions from electricity use by up to 99%.
Energy efficiency measures can also save you money on bills, as you’ll be using less energy to power your home. It’s estimated that in 2015 households in England used an average of 3,300 kWh per year. Energy efficiency measures can help you to reduce your electricity use by up to 60%, depending on how efficient your house is now. You may qualify for financial support towards these types of installations through your energy company or local authority.
Green Home Features – how do you know if your home is truly ‘green?’
If you’re looking for a green home, there are a few key features to look for. Firstly, check for solar panels or other renewable energy sources. Secondly, see if the home has low-emitting materials such as certified wood floors or low-VOC paint. Thirdly, look for energy-efficient features like double-paned windows and insulation. Fourthly, inquire about the water usage of the home – does it have low-flow fixtures?
Finally, see if the home is located in a walkable or bikeable community. If it has all of these features, chances are you’ve found yourself a green home!
Green homes help cut your energy bills, boost your health and even support local economies. Even if you rent and won’t be in one place for long, some green features can improve the quality of your space today.
Solar panels can keep your electricity costs down, and water-saving fixtures help preserve resources – many are approved for rental homes. If you’re looking to buy or rent, inquire about these features early on so you know what to look for as you shop around!
Sustainable Solutions for Your Existing Home
You don’t have to wait to buy or build a new home to enjoy the benefits of sustainability. There are plenty of things you can do to make your existing home more sustainable. From installing solar panels to investing in energy-efficient appliances, there are many ways to shrink your carbon footprint. And, making your home more sustainable can also help you save money on your energy bills.
Make your home more energy efficient. Installing insulation, for example, will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Use energy-efficient appliances. Also, consider installing solar panels. Not only do they make your home more eco-friendly, but they can also help you save money on utility bills.
Make your home more eco-friendly. You can do your bit for the environment by switching to energy-efficient products. For example, when you install solar panels on your roof, you’re helping to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Of course, you don’t need to buy or build a new house to make it sustainable – you can renovate your existing one. Doing so will let you enjoy some of the benefits of living in an eco-friendly house without having to fork out for expensive building work or move somewhere else entirely.
6 Ways To Make Home Improvements Eco-Friendly
- Use solar panels to generate your own electricity – this can save you money on your energy bills and help the environment.
- Install a heat pump to heat and cool your home – this is more efficient than using a traditional boiler and can help reduce your carbon footprint.
- Get a new boiler – newer models are more efficient than older ones, so this can save you money on your energy bills and help the environment.
- Replace windows – this helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Replace double glazing with glass-fibre – glass-fibre is less likely to break than plastic double glazing, which would have harmful chemicals leaching into the air in our homes.
- Consider a heat pump – these will help produce renewable energy and create savings for you too!