The Benefits of Choosing to Consider the Environment in Home Design
Our planet is changing rapidly, and if we are to have any chance of reducing the effects of climate change, we must change the way we live. We spend a lot of time in our homes, especially now that many of us are working from home, so sustainability is becoming an increasingly important priority in the construction and renovation industries.
From smart home technology that helps us control our energy consumption, to eco-friendly furniture and decorations, there are plenty of ways to factor the environment into your home design. But all of these changes cost money – so what are the benefits? We take a look.
Sustainability
Of course, the main benefit of considering the planet in your planning is that you can reduce your carbon footprint. Environmentally friendly products are those that have been carefully created in such a way as to minimize the impact on the environment, such as the use of trees from responsibly managed forests or items created from recycled materials .
You will often find that companies that produce eco-friendly items also have an overall sustainability policy, meaning they take steps to reduce their own carbon footprint through energy management. Look on the company’s website – chances are if they’ve made a sustainability commitment, they’ll have information about it online. You can also look for companies that have official certification, such as B Corp or FSC.
Longevity
Because eco-friendly products are primarily designed to be high-quality pieces, there’s a good chance they’ll last longer in your home than a mass-produced, cheaper alternative. Although they may be more expensive upfront, the savings will add up because you won’t have to replace them multiple times. If your budget is tight, try renovating your home section by section, so you can spread the cost over a longer period.
Buying second-hand can be a great way to cut costs and reduce your impact on the environment, as it saves an item from landfill, as well as the energy costs associated with making a new one. article. Furniture in particular can easily be recycled to suit your tastes, so it’s worth searching the internet before buying something new. If you have something in particular at heart, you may have to wait a little longer for it to show up, but it will be worth it.
Reduced bills
Eco-friendly energy-saving devices can be expensive to install, but they’ll definitely save you money over time. For example, changing your windows to A++ rated windows is estimated at saves you around £115 per year (compared to single glazing), as well as 405 kg of carbon dioxide.
Smart thermostats can let you track your energy use and only use it when you need it. They connect to an app on your phone, which means you can turn your heating on and off with the push of a button, and sensors in the thermostat detect whether you’re home or not. Not only will this lower your bills, but it will also save you from wasting energy, so it’s better for the planet.
Add value to the home
If all of the factors we’ve already listed haven’t sold you on the idea of eco-friendly design, there’s also a possible upside once you decide to leave your home. Long-lasting, high-quality improvements to your home can make it more attractive to potential buyers, because they will know that they can take advantage of the cost savings. With governments around the world also pushing for low emissions targets, you may find that installing green options puts you ahead of the curve, which buyers will also appreciate.
In conclusion
There are plenty of reasons to consider the environment in your home design, whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, save money, or a combination of the two. Remember, going green doesn’t have to happen all at once or cost you dearly – even small steps like choosing to buy used furniture make a positive difference to our planet.