Going green need not equate to bankruptcy. But this small selection of sustainable home features shows that acting in an environmentally friendly way can be good for both your green credentials and the wallet.
- Solar Panels
6-10 years return of initial investment from lowered electricity bills and government incentives. Contemporary panels can be used on even cloudy British days to generate power and pass excess back onto the grid. Average savings: £400-600 annually.
- Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are able to learn from your behaviour and will even adjust heating schedules for you. Smart thermostats typically slash heating bills by 10-15% because they only heat rooms when required and do so at the optimum time. Cost of installation – about £200 but you save over £150 a year so they are worthy investments. For Sustainable Architects, visit https://www.quattrodesign.co.uk/architectural-services/sustainable-architecture-design/
- High-Performance Insulation
In turn, this provides a great energy saving because the insulation of walls and floors in general is very good. Government grants often cover large chunks of initial expenses, though exact upfront costs vary. Homes with good insulation keep heat for longer periods, and this can translate to heating bills which are decreased by 40%, saving people hundreds every year.
- LED Lighting Systems
Energy efficient: these LED bulbs use 75-percent less energy compared to the traditional incandescent bulb, and last around twenty-five times longer. They cost more up front, but you don’t have to keep replacing them and use a fraction of the power. One light saves a typical family £35-40 yearly.
- Rainwater Harvesting
Basic designs capture rainwater for landscape watering and toilet use. £2,000-4,000 to install; 5-10 year pay back: lower water bills (£200 – £300 per annum initially) and reduced reliance on mains supply.
