Few people can have failed to have noticed the publicity given to the battle against climate change in recent years. But what is not always made clear is the role green home improvement projects can play in helping the environment.
Cars and air travel have taken the brunt of the criticism, but government estimates suggest that around 27 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are generated by domestic properties. The need for householders to act to reduce their properties’ carbon footprints and change their lifestyle is clear.
Some people have already taken steps to reduce their home’s CO2 emissions, but many more have still to take action to help the environment.
Remember, transforming your property into a green home does not have to be a selfless act. It will also help to cut your energy bills and give the property a better Energy Performance Certificate, helping to push up its value.
What green home improvements are popular?
A study by Halifax found that in the 12 months to the end of May 2023, 56 per cent of homeowners had carried out some form of improvement project to their property, spending an average of £6,362 each.
Few of the people mentioned going green as their main motivation for undertaking work, but many of the popular projects can combine environmentally-friendly features with style and practicality.
For example, 19 per cent of householders had upgraded their bathrooms. There are a host of measures you can take in the bathroom to reduce water usage and as a result, cut CO2 emissions.
Water-efficient showerheads, dual flush toilets and flow tap aerators look no different to traditional products, but will help to reduce your water and energy bills. A good plumber or bathroom specialist will be able to recommend some effective products suitable for your home.
Among the other popular projects were installing double glazing and new boilers. These are some of the greenest home improvements anyone can make.
Choosing energy-efficient windows with low-emissivity glass and a good British Fenestration Rating Council rating will reduce an average property’s CO2 emissions by 650kg and its energy bills by £130 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
An experienced heating engineer will help you to choose the right boiler for your home. In many cases this will be a high-efficiency condensing boiler, which could cut your annual heating bill by as much as £235 and CO2 emissions by up to 1,100kg.
What other green home improvements should you consider?
Some of the most effective green home improvements you can make are ones that are relatively inexpensive and have no cosmetic value.
If you want to go green, the obvious starting point is insulation. According to the EST, installing loft insulation will reduce an average domestic property’s energy bills by £140 a year and cut annual CO2 emissions by 730kg.
It is also worth looking at the benefits of cavity wall insulation and a hot water cylinder jacket, while you will find that switching to energy-saving lightbulbs and A-rated domestic appliances helps to improve your carbon footprint.
One of the more ambitious steps you can take is to generate some of your own energy from renewable sources. Home solar water heating systems are becoming more common and domestic wind turbines, ground source air pumps and hydroelectricity systems are now available.
These are all highly-specialised products and you should consult expert tradesmen before beginning work, as planning and building regulations are likely to be an issue. Should you get the go ahead to fit one of these energy generation systems, you will see an immediate reduction in your CO2 emissions and it will eventually pay for itself in the form of smaller energy bills.
Take inspiration from eco homes
A number of builders have begun to think about the environment, leading to the development of the eco house, built with environmentally-friendly materials and featuring a host of energy-saving ideas.
New eco homes developments are springing up around the country and while you may not want to move, it is worth taking a trip to a show home in order to get some inspiration.
Features such as state-of-the-art heating controls, underfloor heating, solar panels and organic gardens may give you some ideas about how to make your own property greener.
How can Rated People help with your green home improvements?
Using Rated People is a straightforward way to find the right tradesmen for your green home improvements.
Simply register with the site and post details of your project free of charge, and Rated People will introduce you to up to three local tradesmen interested in supplying a quote.
You will also be able to view the site’s ratings, which are compiled from information supplied by people who have used the tradesmen, to help decide which of them is the most reliable and competent for the job you need completing.
Leave a Reply