Sustainable house ideas

Sustainability has become a buzzword in the last few years, and understandably so. According to the UK Green Building Council, the construction industry contributes to 10% of the carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. With the Climate Change Act of 2008 legally binding target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, many projects are being looked at in a different light. Projects are becoming less about the aesthetic and more about creative solutions to create a sustainable build.
So how can you make a sustainable home or project? Here are three main areas you can consider:
– Materials
– Water and Heating
– Foundation

Eco-friendly Materials

Choosing eco-friendly materials is one of the most important considerations when planning your construction. The ‘Fabric First’ method of building design has become more popular and means maximising the properties of the materials you use. This aims to minimise energy consumption by maximising airtightness, optimising natural ventilation, and using thermal mass from the building mass itself.

So when looking at materials, think not only about using reclaimed and recycled materials, but also those that will reduce carbon emissions by optimising thermal performance. Some of the most eco-friendly construction materials are:
● Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the most popular materials on the market. Inexpensive, light and strong it has been used for centuries as a building material and is having a resurgence in the UK.
● Cork
Cork is a great water-resistant, fire-resistant material that naturally grows as the bark of the cork oak.
● Hempcrete
By mixing the inner hemp fibres of a hemp plant and lime, you can get a concrete-like substance that is a natural alternative.

 

Water and Heating

We all know that gas and electricity are one of the main challenges when it comes to creating a sustainable project. Central heating is undergoing a change and many great low energy solutions are coming onto the market providing an alternative. Ground and air source heat pumps may require an initial investment, but work out as great value if you look at the long view. There are constantly new technologies coming onto the market so if you do your research you will find something appropriate. Recycling wastewater is another great simple way to create a more sustainable environment in your home. Investing in a greywater system can take your wastewater and reuse it for washing machines or toilets. Also in areas of high rainfall, a reserve tank can be set up to collect water for use later in the garden.

Foundations

When it comes to building a house, such as a timber-framed or SIP panel house, Stop Digging ground screws are a very eco-friendly alternative to the traditional concrete foundation. As you don’t have to dig, it means minimal disruption to the area and also is much more environmentally friendly. An equivalent concrete support gives off 50% more carbon dioxide than a ground screw does, and with the wide range of sizes and lengths, Stop Digging ground screws can be used for a variety of structures. Creating a sustainable home or building project might require some research and investment, but will result in a long-lasting build that will complement the environment around it.

If you would like to talk to us about how ground screws can help you with your project please contact us at: sales@stopdigging.co.uk / 020 3970 3979