Renewable energy is fast becoming a concern for governments all around the world, especially with environmental activists putting pressure on their local governments to enact large-scale changes. According to the BBC, The Welsh Government aims to have all new homes running on sustainable energy starting from 2025. Not only do these plans work towards the goal of near-zero emissions by 2050, but they’re also aimed at providing better standards of living for Welsh citizens. Up north, plans are currently underway to build a huge wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire that will power over 4.5 million homes.
However, the truth is that we still have a long way to go before many of these government interventions really get started. And with new and existing homes accounting for 20% of greenhouse gases in the UK, homeowners need to be doing their part as well. Here is how you can create your own sustainable home:
COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS
Compare prices from local companies fast & free
Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy
Sustainable Heating System
The simplest way to shift to a sustainable heating system is to upgrade what your home already has. A guide to the ‘10 Ways to Save on Your Heating Bill’ by HomeServe outlines how an old boiler that hasn’t been replaced in decades can be very inefficient in its energy use. If this is the case with your home, upgrading your boiler to an energy efficient model, like a combi-boiler, will reduce the amount of energy used and help you reduce your energy bills.
Energy Efficient Design
If your home is due for a renovation, consider partnering with contractors and engineers to create a more energy-efficient design. You can have your windows upgraded to either double glazing or, if you want to go further, you can update your windows to have smart glass that can adjust the tint of the window to reduce the amount of heat entering and leaving the home. Home Building details how you can also choose natural and recycled materials for the construction of new rooms, and even add eco-friendly features like green walls.
Invest in renewable energy generators
Huge energy farms are what come to mind when people think of renewable energy. The Spruce’s guide to ‘Home Renewable Energy Options’ at home, notes that there are generators you can install to power your home via wind turbines or geothermal energy. Solar shingles can be used in the place of solar panels at almost a third of the price. While these generators may require a bit of investment up front, those who have the resources should consider making the switch in order to kick-start their road to making their home energy efficiency.
If you are already buying in bulk, shifting away from single-use plastic, and using reusable hygiene products, the next step is to consider your home’s energy output. The current movement towards sustainable and zero-waste living provides the perfect opportunity for homeowners to move towards larger-scale changes. Homeowners can, in fact, start reducing their energy footprint right now. The goal is to make small, incremental changes until you have a truly energy-efficient home.
Article specially written for renewableenergyhub.co.uk
By Alyson James
Image credit: Unsplash
AUTHOR BIO: Alyson James is a tech junkie who has recently gotten into sustainable living. Her main goals for this year are to lower her family's energy consumption, cut her sugar intake, clean out her wardrobe, and (fingers crossed) be able to do a hand-stand.