With the rising energy costs, firmer climate commitments and a wave of new technology that is finally accessible. Eco-friendly homes now matter more than ever. Here are some ways on how you can make your new home eco-friendly.
Improve Energy Efficiency and Reduce Waste
If a home is leaking heat, it is leaking money and carbon too. So, the most effective starting point is by improving energy efficiency and reduce waste.
After insulation, consider upgrading your lighting to LEDs, choose efficient appliances when replacements are due and cut standby power where possible. It is also worth checking the home’s EPC recommendations as a practical roadmap, because they prioritise improvements that tend to move the needle on bills and emissions.
Harness Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Heating
Once the basics are covered, consider implementing renewable energy sources for your new build home. Solar panels are great for reducing the reliance on a grid and can help smooth out long-term energy costs, especially when paired with battery storage that shifts usage into evenings and peak times.
Low-carbon heating is the next big lever. For example, heat pumps can be highly efficient when a home is well-insulated and correctly sized for the space. Insulation and efficiency upgrades are important to put first and then focus on renewables and heating systems that can perform best in a lower heat-loss home.
Water Conservation and Sustainable Resource Use
Sustainability isn’t only about electricity and heating. Water use also has a hidden footprint from the energy used to heat it to the resources required to treat and transport it. These simple changes can help this by having low-flow showerheads and taps, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient appliances.
For households that are fortunate to have a garden, rainwater harvesting can reduce demand during the summer months. Smart leak detection can also prevent the kind of slow, silent waste that only becomes obvious when a bill arrives looking offended.
Materials, Indoor Environment and Daily Practices
Eco-friendly living should also feel healthy indoors as well as outdoors. By choosing low-VOC paints and finishes can reduce indoor air pollutants, and opting for eco-friendly cleaning products can lower harsh chemical exposure, whilst still keeping the home clean.
Adding greenery to your living space, whether it be through gardening planting or house plants can help to improve well-being, encourage biodiversity and make a home feel more alive. You can also incorporate eco-living habits into your routine by washing at low temperatures, drying clothes naturally when possible and planning meals in advance to help reduce any food wastage.