BUILDING GREEN

Nearly 50% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) are produced from the energy we use every day. Improving build quality and. making changes to excising properties such as insulation, glazing and installing an energy efficient condensing boiler, can make a real difference to both the environment and your bank balance.

It is up to you to decide just how far you are going to go in this respect and just how many of the many available options you are going to incorporate. What you must make sure of is that what you propose can be accommodated within your budget and that any expenditure has a reasonable pay back time in the form of reduced overheads.

The best results are achieved when your building is designed to give extremely high levels of thermal insulation. With the use of naturally renewable products such as sheep's wool or recycled newspaper products this high level of insulation can be achieved The use of biofuels, solar and wind power are all good practical examples of how science and technology can be used effectively to reduce our own carbon footprint..."

Every characteristic of the property needs to be considered before you start building. What materials you use, do they come from a renewable source? Such as using timber products in place of concrete. It is possible to make your property up to 40% more efficient if these simple steps are followed.

Good landscaping around your property will also help reduce the quantity of CO2 emissions as growing trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into carbohydrates through photosynthesis, releasing the oxygen we breathe. Well-managed landscaping and respectful use of timber contributes to the slowing of Climate Change.