With sustainability becoming ever more important in the property and construction sectors, the demand for eco products and services is increasing fast for new builds. Eco innovation is not just for those with ultra modern homes, however, and we discuss below a number of affordable products and services that could both reduce your carbon footprint and save you money.
Rainwater Harvesting
As charges for water are seemingly forever increasing and the weather in Britain often (some would say constantly) wet, harvesting rainwater can be a very sustainable and effective method for reducing bills.
The basic principles for the majority of all rainwater harvesting systems are the same. The rainwater from the roof flows through the gutters, is filtered and then stored in an underground tank. The water can then be used for non-potable applications like flushing the toilet.
In some systems, a ‘header tank’ can be installed in the roof space of a house so that the system will switch back to mains water in the event of a power failure, which would prevent the motor that powers the pumping system from working.
Smart Meters
By 2020 Smart Meters will be installed throughout the country to remove the issue of overcharging and estimated bills.
The meters, which are available now, will allow you to continuously monitor your energy usage and identify trends of use. This will help cut down on wasted energy and monthly bills.
Smart Meters send accurate readings to the energy companies so that they send accurate bills. The meters currently being rolled out use mobile phone like signals to send readings and information, although is yet to be decided which technology will be used when the mass roll out begins in 2014.
For more information on Smart Meters please see our 10 Questions on Smart Meters Article by clicking here.
Earthwool Insulation
This lightweight and flexible glass mineral wool offers a cheap and sustainable method for providing thermal insulation for pitched roofs at ceiling level. Generally speaking, and as long as access and a reasonable head height is available, installation is a fairly quick and uninvasive process.
Earthwool is free from Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and other substances that are hazardous to the environment, the product is also produced using recycled materials, making it environmentally friendly.
It can be installed in two layers. The first layer would be laid between the joists and the second layer would lay perpendicular to the joists. The current recommended depth stands at 270mm. Grants are still available for installing insulation, so the real cost could be quite reasonable.
If you do not already have an insulated roof space, or you had it done to a different level than is current standard, ensuring you have sufficient insulation can save you money on your heating bills and create a more pleasant internal environment.
If you are looking for a larger project to create a sustainable home, we have a number of articles that should be able to help. These are listed below:
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