It goes without saying that, for many clients, aesthetics and cost savings will be front of mind during the design process.
However, with environmental sustainability now an increasing priority for many, there is also a much bigger picture to be considered.
When planning a project, it’s always worth keeping in mind the ways in which long-term sustainability and design can work hand in hand. After all, not only can this approach result in overall financial savings, but it will also have a positive impact on the wider eco-system.
It’s important for us to point out that, typically, an eco-friendly build does tend to come with cost implications. However, when considering the longer-term value of a project, this initial investment will always pay dividends – usually because of lower utility bills and the bonus of a reduced carbon footprint.
So, how can your design deliver on style, on long-term cost savings and sustainability too? Here are just a small handful of easy to implement, affordable ways to get you started!
Rainwater Harvesting
In short, rainwater harvesting involves collecting rainwater from a building’s roof and directing it to a holding tank to be stored for use at a later point. Piped back into the building for domestic purposes, this water can be used for everything from toilet flushing and laundry, to fire sprinkler systems, irrigation and more.
Solar Photovoltaic Systems (Solar PV)
Solar PV systems use panels, which are usually roof-mounted, to generate electricity using energy from the sun. This ‘useable’ electricity flows directly into any appliance that you may be using at that time. When the electricity is no longer needed, it either runs back into the national grid or it can be stored within large batteries for use later.
Landscaping
Landscaping is the process of making improvements, or maintaining past improvements, to an outdoor space by adding ornamental features such as trees, plants and shrubs. These living additions provide various environmental benefits including combatting climate change and the reduction of air pollutants and noise.
More broadly, a landscape which is well-designed and preserved delivers various advantages including controlling storm water run-off, which reduces sediment losses and risks of erosion.
Utilising Natural or Recycled Materials
Resourcing local, natural materials not only minimises damage to the environment but as a further incentive, requires minimal industrial processing and transportation.
On the other hand, recycling materials during a build, perhaps by re-using salvaged materials from other constructions, is another great way to improve the environmental credentials of your project.
Air Tightness and Draft Reduction
Unintentional gaps in any building can draw cold air from outside, encouraging the heated air from inside to rise into the void of a cold roof – resulting in heat loss and wasted energy.
As a result, ensuring airtightness with the correct fixtures and fittings will decrease the need for additional heating, saving money for where it’s needed the most.
Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water systems use energy from the sun to pre-heat water. Captured via panels which are usually roof mounted, the amount of hot water generated will vary dependent upon weather conditions.
During warmer periods, solar panels will deliver enough hot water to satisfy the needs of the typical residential property. When the weather turns cooler, this method will need to be supplemented by traditional water heating systems to generate the desired outputs.
Air & Ground Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps use warmth extracted from the air, whereas ground source air pumps use heat from the ground. Powered by electricity, the temperature is then raised through a process of compression, before being transferred to the pump to be utilised for hot water and heating purposes.
Though electricity is needed to complement this process, its usage is vastly reduced.
If you’d like to discuss an upcoming project and the various measures that be put in place to ensure its environmental sustainability, drop us a line on 01924 464342 or email a member of the team at info@martinwalsh.co.uk.