In the world of construction and property development, the term ‘sustainability’ has become extremely common. Everyone involved in building things aspires toward structures that last for centuries, and which don’t impose a cost on the natural world.
In most cases, this ambition is shared by would-be buyers, which makes sustainability good for business, too.
Why create more sustainable buildings?
Sustainability and efficiency tend to be a key selling point in property. This is so for several reasons.
Firstly and most obviously, more energy-efficient homes tend to be cheaper to run. A buyer might be willing to spend an extra ten thousand pounds upfront if it means saving an additional twenty thousand points over the next two decades.
Secondly, sustainable properties are less likely to fall on the wrong side of environmental regulations. Here, we mean both existing regulations, and those that might be brought in by an incoming government.
Finally, we should consider that new homeowners might warm toward a perceived environmental benefit. If a home can be marketed as eco-friendly, then it will probably fetch a higher price.
Using insulation
The easiest way to improve the energy efficiency of a property is to install insulation. This will help the fabric of the building to retain heat more effectively. The insulation might be installed into the cavity walls, or into the loft space. The latter measure is the more accessible one: the work can be carried out by a committed DIYer.
Sourcing materials
The materials you use to create your property should be sustainable. This means that they should retain heat capably, and that they should have been obtained through the right methods.
Certain kinds of timber, like bamboo and pine, tend to grow very quickly. Look for CLS timber that’s been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Avoid hardwoods like mahogany and oak, unless you’re dealing with small decorative elements.
Renewable energy
In many cases, homeowners can generate energy directly on the property itself, with the help of solar panels. Photovoltaic panels have declined in price considerably over the last few years, and they’re efficient enough to be used in the UK throughout the year.
If you can install a battery at home, you can store the energy, and even out the peaks and troughs you get from intermittent sunshine.
Recycled materials and recycling
The environmental cost of chopping down trees, smashing up rocks, and shipping the resulting materials, can represent a sizeable chunk of a given property’s lifetime carbon emissions. You can drive down these costs through the use of recycled materials.
Insulation and non-visible structural elements might all qualify. Certain metals, like aluminium, can be recycled endlessly – but when making the decision, you should be aware that recycling is itself an energy-intensive activity.