Where?The Challenge - Greening the Box
The need to build sustainably is becoming ever more important. Change in building techniques and technologies are offering tremendous opportunities for change and house builders and self-builders are, as always, at the sharp end of these changes. Government targets are obliging house builders to build zero carbon emission homes within six years…definitely a step in the right direction.
But what about the 20 million or so homes that we already have? Many are draughty, poorly insulated and heated by ancient, energy guzzling boilers.
it can be done – it must be done
The government has pledged that it will reduce CO2 emissions to at least 80% of the 1990 levels within the next 40 years, but with the current low rate of new building the bulk of the savings will have to come from existing industrial and commercial buildings as well as housing. It is essential that when extending and improving our homes we seek out the best products and technologies to provide a sustainable lifestyle. There are many things we can do with the existing housing stock to improve their sustainability. Upgraded insulation, a new boiler, under floor heating, alternative heating solutions, photovoltaics, double or triple glazing, smaller windows in the shade, bigger windows in the sun will all have an impact on the eco credentials of an older property.
