Building or retrofitting our homes to be greener is something we’re all becoming increasingly conscious of. From the ‘fabric first’ approach of creating a highly insulated and airtight building, to building using natural materials and installing renewable technology to provide heat and power, there are many ways to construct and run a more sustainable home.
Over the years the number of case studies we’ve featured where renewable technology has been a big part of the overall design and build (or design and renovation) of a home has grown. Interest breeds investment and renewables like heat pumps and solar panels are becoming a far more achievable option for many more homeowners than before. Various government grant programmes have helped, too, with the upcoming Boiler Upgrade Scheme (that will replace the Renewable Heat Incentive grant) going some way to incentivize homeowners to think ‘green’.
However, with so many buzzwords, initiatives and headline-grabbing stats about renewables it can be difficult to know how to make the right choice for your home, whether you’re self-building or renovating. Before breaking down the renewable options available, there are some key factors to bear in mind…
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Denne historien er fra April 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life
