When a home extension is built in a sustainable way it can offer a number of benefits. These include reducing the carbon footprint, increased value, and less waste.
The advantage of a sustainable home is that it helps preserve and enhance the natural ecosystems in which we live. This helps reduce the impact of floods, wildfires, and other environmental disasters.
1. Reduced Carbon Footprint
If you are planning to build an extension to your home, it is important to understand the impact this will have on the environment. There are two elements that make up an extension’s carbon footprint; embodied energy, which arises during the manufacture of any materials used in its construction and operational energy, which refers to the heating, cooling and power requirements of an extension.
One of the best ways to minimise the impact of an extension is to use sustainable building materials. There are many options available for this, from eco-materials that are derived from recycled products to traditional materials that were used in the past that have been designed with sustainability in mind.
The most well known of these are SIPs (structural insulated panels) and CLT (cross-laminated timber). These have low embodied carbon, as do many other modern building solutions.
2. Increased Value
One of the most significant benefits of a sustainable home extension is the added value it can add to your property. This is especially true if you’re planning to sell your home in the future.
Generally speaking, eco friendly homes are priced slightly higher than their non-green counterparts, however the cost of going green can be offset by a large payoff in your bank balance in the long run.
There are many ways you can go the green route when designing or building your extension, and the best way to decide on which method is right for you is to consult with a specialist. These specialists can give you advice on the latest and greatest technologies, products and designs, as well as offering suggestions for the most sustainable and energy efficient options. They will also be able to recommend the most effective methods to incorporate into your new addition. This could include the most effective use of space, the most cost-efficient materials to use, the best way to maximise your heat retention and much more!
3. Less Waste
A sustainable home extension not only saves you money in the short term, it also saves you the planet in the long run. There are many new and exciting technologies, products, and techniques out there that can help you create a more eco-friendly home extension.
The most obvious example is reducing waste in any construction or renovation project. The best way to do this is to use recycled and reclaimed materials wherever possible.
Using recycled materials can reduce the cost of building your new extension while still delivering on the quality you need and deserve. For example, countertops and wallboards made from reclaimed wood or glass can be much cheaper than their virgin counterparts. Other ways to reduce waste include installing energy efficient lighting, such as LED lights, or installing a rainwater collection system for the bathroom or kitchen. If you’re thinking of integrating some of these technologies into your next construction or renovation project, get in touch with our Eco & Sustainability Gurus for a little advice and a tailored plan of action.
4. Energy Savings
Choosing sustainable home renovation and extension options will not only have an impact on the environment during construction, but also over the lifetime of the house. Using renewable technologies like solar panels or wind turbines, ground source or air source heat pumps and biomass boilers will all have a positive effect on energy usage and efficiency.
Insulating your external walls is another big factor in making a sustainable extension as it will reduce the amount of heating you use. This can significantly reduce the cost of your energy bills and will help to keep the temperature in your house more consistent throughout the year.
The type of materials used will also have an influence on the overall sustainability of the build. Using natural materials such as wool or hemp insulation will help to reduce the amount of carbon emissions created during the process.
The type of water that will be utilised by the home and garden is another important area to consider for a sustainable extension. Whether it comes from the mains supply or a well, borehole or spring on site, water management should be considered at every stage of the project.