Going Green

To be green and environmental is no longer seen as an alternative way of life… images of Tom and Barbara from ‘The Good Life’ spring to mind!

These days it is just about common sense, we all realise the damage that has, and is being done to our planet. More than a quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions are a direct result of the energy we use in our homes. According to the government’s target, all new homes will be carbon neutral by 2016.

An environmentally friendly home is not just one with solar panels stuck all over it or has enormous wind turbines looming large at the bottom of the garden.

Whilst all these technological advances are important, they do not stand alone. Insulation is the one area where we can all cut down on our energy use, and therefore our carbon emissions.

A green home has tremendous benefits, not only to our general wellbeing and quality of life but also to our planet. Composting facilities, allotments, keeping chickens etc are all hugely beneficial and contribute to a home’s sustainability.

Recently, more developers are incorporating green initiatives into their new builds. There are a few that even go that extra distance to be even more ecologically friendly.

A ‘proper’ eco house is not just about the actual build, but also the environment surrounding the property, the eco build and surrounding area are treated as one.

House builders should be able to supply the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating for individual homes; the range is between 1(bad)-100 (good). They base this on annual energy costs.

The introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate, gives a clearer view of a new home’s energy performance.

Sustainable homes are also rated, voluntarily, at present. Their score is calculated by the standard of various factors from design, construction, materials used to how energy efficient and environmental the actual site is. The real cost of running these homes is also far less than a traditionally built home which has obvious benefits. It’s all about reducing your carbon footprint.

Up until recently, it has been very difficult to ascertain exactly how energy efficient an older property is. The Home Information Pack has made this far simpler, they give a rating system of A-G, A being the most efficient with low energy bills, a G rating being inefficient and having higher fuel bills. If a low rating is given on a property, they will provide information on upgrading and becoming more energy efficient.

They may advise to upgrade loft and cavity wall insulation, use low energy bulbs or even installing individual thermostatic radiator valves or new heating programmers.

It is by far more environmentally friendly to upgrade an existing property, than to knock it down, we can all make small changes, for example just turning down the thermostat a degree or two, can go some way to a more eco way of living.

What to look for in Buying Green

Check for high levels of insulation

Request details of home’s energy saving credentials

Look at the type of glazing

Enquire as to costing of heating bills

All white goods should be ‘energy saving recommended’

A bright house with plenty of daylight means a saving on energy bills

Feel for draughts

Good local amenities and public transport will mean less use of the car.

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