Insulation
Insulation is a key component of sustainable building and creating a greener home. Improving the thermal performance of your home will not only help to dramatically reduce your bills, but also your carbon emissions too. There is also now a wide variety of natural, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional insulation materials, which often contain high amounts of problematic chemicals and additives. Sheeps wool, cotton, cork and recycled plastic are all excellent insulators and are renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable too.
Water conservation
Installing systems to help you conserve water is an easy way to reduce your consumption and cut down energy usage. Rainwater harvesting systems can be used for watering your garden, washing the car and even for toilets, saving gallons of water. Low-flow taps and shower heads, plus water efficient appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, can also help you save water without even realising.
New homes are far better insulated than ever before, and with hot water production being the dominant load, this demands a system specially designed to match this requirement.
Renewable energy
Our over reliance on fossil fuels is having a major impact on our environment, and switching over to renewable sources is something we should all be investing in. Solar panels, biomass boilers and heat pumps allow you to generate your own energy in a cost effective way, reducing your reliance on conventional sources. Although these technologies can be more expensive, they will pay for themselves over time with the energy savings made.
Smart technology
Making your home a smart home can reduce your home's energy consumption without you having to do a thing. These technologies are now becoming increasingly affordable and effortless to install. Smart thermostats can regulate the temperature in your home and adjust this based on your daily routine, turning the heat off whilst you're at work and back on before you're due home. Similarly, smart lighting can turn off lights you've forgotten you left on or be programmed to your routine.
Energy Star appliances
An Energy Star label on an appliance means it's been rated as energy efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). These products can help you save energy without having to sacrifice features or functionality.
Reclaimed wood
Using reclaimed timber within your build helps to preserve our forests and prevent over-forestation. Reclaimed wood has many advantages and a wonderfully unique character, with no two pieces ever the same. Wood reclaimed from old buildings and furniture is often from more mature trees, making it stronger, more durable and less prone to warping than newer, virgin wood.
Natural lighting and ventilation
One of the biggest things to consider when planning an eco-friendly self build is making the most of natural light and ventilation within your new home. Creating a house which takes advantage of these natural resources makes for a healthier and more efficient indoor environment.
