Sustainability has been a buzzword for some time now and, as the world works together toward environmental goals. Many people are actively choosing sustainable homes when making a move. Buying a sustainable home will not only help to save our planet’s resources but will also save you cash in the long run- something we’re all thinking about right now.

A property solicitor in London, Manchester or Bristol can help you complete on the perfect eco home that meets your needs for a sustainable home in the heart of the UK. But first, you need to know what to look for!

In this article, we’ll take you through the five eco-friendly features that you should be looking out for when shopping for your new home.

What Are Eco-Friendly Home Features?

Eco friendly features are devices within a property which help to save on energy and water usage, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of a home. These devices range from simple and inexpensive features to those which are more complex and require more of an up-front financial investment to put in place.

Here are 5 sustainable features to consider for a property:

1.      Solar Panels

You’ll no doubt have already seen these in properties in your area but, if not, solar panels are panels which replace your regular roof tiles and, which harness the power of the sun and turn it into electricity for your home.

Buying a home which has these panels in place can save you a considerable amount of money on your electricity bills – and its a bonus that the previous owner has already gone to the trouble (and expense) to have these fitted as they can be pricey.

If you are unable to find a home which already has solar panels fitted, you may want to consider fitting these yourself int he future – in which case, you’ll need to check out the rules and regulations for the area, as well s the details for the property, to ensure that the property is suitable for solar panels.

2.      Reduced Water Features

The average person uses around 152 litres of water every day – much of which is wasted, thereby depleting the planet’s resources for no good reason. For this reason, it’s a really good idea to look for water saving features in a potential new home, such as:

• Restricted flow shower heads and taps
• Dual flush toilets
• A-rated appliances including washing machines and dishwashers

These features can make a significant water saving and save you money at the same time.

3.      Increased Natural Light

Lots of natural light can make a home feel more welcoming and it can also help you to cut down on your energy use. Rooms which have plenty of natural light tend to be brighter and warmer, meaning that you use less electricity on your lighting and heating.

When viewing a prospective new property, be sure to visit during daylight hours so that you are able to gauge just how much light is coming into the home naturally. While viewing, don’t forget to check the condition of window and door frames as frames which are in a state of disrepair will tend to let heat escape from the building, thus pushing up your energy usage.

When thinking about lighting and heating, you’ll also be looking out for properties which have smart meters and thermostats fitted. These devices can help you to save a considerable amount of energy by allowing you to only heat the house when necessary – i.e while you’re actually there.

4.      Insulation

Proper, comprehensive insulation is essential for keeping heat in your home and therefore saving on energy. Don’t be shy about asking for details on the property’s insulation, for example, when it was fitted or updated, as well as asking if the windows and doors are insulated.

If the property has a loft, you’ll want to check that this is adequately insulated as a high amount of heat from a property is lost through its roof.

5.      Charging Points

As the trend toward electric and hybrid cars continues, many of us will almost certainly be considering switching to one of these vehicles in the future. Looking for a new property which already has the necessary cabling needed for electric vehicle fast charging points can give you a head start on living in an eco-friendly home if you may be considering such a vehicle switch in the future.

Making Eco-Friendly Changes to Your Property…

Living in a more sustainable home is all about making changes to your lifestyle which, in turn, make significant improvements in both energy saving and cost. With the world’s 2030 sustainable goals just eight short years away, it’s up to us all to do our bit for our planet.

By changing the way in which we live, work and travel, we can help to reduce our energy use at the same time as keeping our bills as low as possible during the current cost of living crisis.

When shopping around for a new home, your estate agent should be able to fill you in on the eco-friendly features which are included within a property, giving you a heads up before you arrange a viewing.

The post 5 Eco-Friendly Features to Look For in Sustainable Homes appeared first on Green Building Insider.

One of those challenges is making sure that the buildings can be properly secured without harming the environment. Fortunately, there are some good ways to accomplish this. You can use great locks and digital security systems to reduce your carbon footprint.

Keep reading to learn more.

Making Your Eco-Friendly Building More Secure Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Living in or maintaining a sustainable lifestyle in a green building could be overwhelming. There are many things to consider–your water and energy consumption, waste reduction, and materials recycling, among other lifestyle adjustments.

This past year, sustainability has risen in popularity primarily due to public anxieties surrounding climate change. The crises created by the pandemic helped many people realize how vulnerable our world is, which made them even more concerned about other issues like global warming. Many companies have decided to market home living accessories that will supposedly aid in living a sustainable lifestyle.

Some trends may be harmless but building management should prioritize the essentials first before anything else. One of these is security, particularly for lockers and storage units.

There are a lot of security strategies for building managers, but some of them are not particularly good for the environment. For example, traditional video surveillance systems are not very good for the environment, because they tend to use a lot more energy. They also rely on disposable video tapes, which don’t last as long and require the production of new plastics to be replaced. Therefore, more eco-friendly businesses are investing in video surveillance systems that use digital technology, which has a lower carbon footprint and doesn’t waste as many natural resources. A study published in Springer titled Can burglary prevention be low-carbon and effective? Investigating the environmental performance of burglary prevention measures highlighted this.

Having the proper security systems in place ensures your personal safety and the protection of your belongings. Though not all modern security systems are as environmentally friendly as we’d like, in its most basic form–the lock–is mostly accessible and less carbon-costly.

Common Types of Locker Locks

The lock is not a new invention. It has been around for over four millennia, with its first iterations used in ancient Egypt. Since then, it has evolved into the home security essential we know today.

Its structure has changed little and requires minimum to no external power to run 24/7. Most locks do not need electricity to protect your belongings and continue to work as long as their main mechanisms stay intact.

Below are the most common lock types you can find in lockers and establishments worldwide. You will find that most of them are relatively good for the environment, since they last a long time and don’t require new materials to replace and don’t need to sue energy to continue offering protection.

Latch Locks / Padlock Provisions

By themselves, latch locks provide little protection. They are simply a way to keep locker doors closed. But, when paired with a strong locker and a heavy-duty padlock, your locker can enjoy some proper protection.

Padlocks are portable, affordable, and come in many varieties. It’s also easy to use–pretty much everyone already knows how to use a padlock.

However, many burglars have devised ways to pick or destroy these locks due to their simplicity. The effectiveness of a latch lock padlock also depends on the durability of the locker itself. Lockers made from thinner wood or flimsy plastic would not fare well if anyone tries to pry off the latch lock.

Aside from theft, padlock keys are also easy to lose. If you manage several lockers, you need a proper key management system to ensure that no key gets misplaced or stolen.

Dead Bolts/Deadlocks

A deadbolt is a lock with a bar that can only open when engaged by a key. It is often set in a single-cylinder mechanism, which one can only access on one side.

Many consider deadbolts, also known as deadlocks, as one of today’s most secure locks available. They are sturdy and tough to open, which delays any attempted burglaries and deter them from further attempting a break-in.

However, despite the strength of deadlocks, they aren’t impenetrable. Like padlocks, people could quickly lose their keys. Deadlocks are also vulnerable to lock bumping, a method similar to lock picking.

Coin Locks

Coin deposit and coin return lock systems dispense keys to clients once they drop a specified amount into the coin slot, usually a dollar or two. These are commonly used in locker rooms accessible to the public.

Aside from providing temporary, accessible storage to the general public, coin locks also offer an additional source of income to the building managers. The locking mechanism also reduces the staffing required to hand out and manage keys.

However, this system does have its drawbacks. Much like other key-based locking mechanisms, people could lose their keys and end up not being able to return them.

Some users could also get a key and use the locker for an indefinite period, which prevents the owners from getting additional earnings from new people.

Mechanical Combination Locks

Mechanical combination locks function like traditional padlocks, with one significant difference. Instead of using a separate key to open the lock, a combination lock relies on a predetermined passcode.

The main advantage of combination locks is that there is no key you can lose. However, you must remember your passcode at all times. Forgetting the code will render the combination lock useless.

When managing a green facility with several lockers, it could be challenging to track and remember all codes for every combination lock in the building.

Digital Locks

Digital locks are another great keyless option. Like a combination lock, it relies on a programmed code that users could input via a keypad to open their locker. These locks offer great opportunities for customizability when it comes to lock functions.

Depending on the digital lock’s model, you could program yours to stay locked or unlocked at particular times, giving you complete accessibility control.

They use batteries, which could power your locks for a significant amount of time. However, you will need to monitor the battery power to prevent lockouts or break-ins due to a faulty lock.

Compared to non-electronic locks, digital locks require power and incur additional costs. They are also significantly more expensive and less green than their older counterparts.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are comparable to digital locks, with additional features and more advanced technology. They often use smart or radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to lock and unlock doors and lockers.

These lock systems do not use traditional keys. Instead, people would instantly use special cards or tags to open locked spaces. They are user-friendly and convenient for key holders and managers alike. One could program dozens of locks and keys at once, making this system ideal for more extensive facilities.

Another advantage of connected locks is the user and maintenance data they provide – as well as the increased level of security. Networked locks come in two forms:

• Wired – Which provides less flexibility, but also less waste
• Wireless – More Flexibility and easier maintenance

Due to the wide variety of customization options available, this lock system also requires the most energy. It needs a constant power supply to stay functional and might experience failure during power outages.

Invest In Green Security Systems

There is nothing inherently wrong with powered lock systems, so long as they are necessary and well-monitored. If possible, go with the greenest option that doesn’t compromise the security of your building.

Different locker facilities require various levels of security. As a green building manager or advocate, it’s crucial to balance your security needs alongside your commitment to greener practices.

The post Eco-Friendly Building Managers Discover Benefits of Great Locker Locks appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Choosing a home that is eco-friendly is very important. However, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. It is not just about aesthetics or saving nature. There are also some important functional benefits that will pay off all the investment. And that is important, too! It just wouldn’t make sense for a typical homeowner to spend hundreds of dollars for nothing!

There are a lot of eco-friendly amenities and features that need to be supported, which include things like green roofs and solar panels. One is a tiny garden on the roof filled with soil, plants, and everything else to grow them. The latter replaces the roofing tiles but provides a decent amount of energy savings on the side. Choosing between these two can be like choosing between oranges and apples. Ultimately, the best one always depends on who wants it and why.

You need to understand the benefits of both green roofs and solar panels before choosing the right one for you.

The Benefits of Green Roofs

Green roofs are layered gardens that can be decorated like a real one. They are, in fact, real gardens that need the same maintenance. As with other gardens, there are a lot of ways to make them eco-friendlier.

Depending on the plants grown, green roofs can be either low or high maintenance. The plants will need some regular cutting and pruning, keeping them from looking like wild grasses. Their value is largely measured in their aesthetics: beautiful gardens look nice, so beautiful green roofs should look just as nice.

On the utility side, green roofs provide great insulation during both summer and winter. The plants can absorb the sun’s heat more efficiently than ordinary roofing can ever do. And the soil prevents the warm sunlight from passing through and heating up the interior. It also serves to block the heat from escaping during the colder months. But while this does not replace a good heater, it does help save electricity from interior heating.

Now with all of these on the line, green roofs can be made for a far cheaper initial cost compared to solar panels. On average, a square foot of green roofing will start as low as $10. The price range increases based on how deep the soil needs to be, among other needs. Meanwhile, a solar panel installation will depend on the wattage they produce. 

Depending on where you are, a 10k-watt system can cost somewhere between $13K to $30K. Green roofs also last longer than solar panels. Unlike solar panels that start to lose efficiency after a decade and a half, green roofs can last longer than 40 years if the roofing materials underneath are well-protected from ultraviolet light.

Benefits of Solar Panels

On the other hand, solar panels offer a different kind of benefit compared to green roofs. While they do get more expensive due to the initial cost, solar panels have a better ROI. For instance, the average homeowner can get back their money’s worth in energy savings in over a decade and a half. In contrast, green roofs take up to 27 years before they can get to 100% ROI. The global market for solar panels is projected to be worth over $176 billion by 2027.

And when they do break down, solar panels can be much easier to replace, as well. A single panel can be removed just like a piece of roofing tile and changed with a working one in its place. The panels are attached to each other in series, making it easy to put the next one in there. They are, in a way, made to be a modular set.

Further, solar panels can be scaled based on electrical power. While a few panels and a battery can bring light to a bulb running for days, having plenty of powerful panels can run refrigerators or even electric car chargers! The best systems can even decrease the Tesla charging time of your personal electric vehicle (EV) with all of their power.

How About Both?

While both can have different benefits and drawbacks, you could also put them together to maximize the upsides. A biosolar green roof is one with both greenery and solar panels. The panels are angled so sunlight can enter underneath where plants could grow. 

When used right, a biosolar green roof can help save energy while keeping the sun and cold from affecting the temperature inside. This second effect further saves more energy, making it far more efficient than just having solar panels on the roof. However, this does come with a bigger initial cost. This kind of roof will need as much money as installing a regular green roof, plus whatever is needed for installing a basic solar panel roofing system.

In the end, choosing a good eco-friendly roof depends on the budget, maintenance, and the expected benefits. Green roofs may be cheaper, but solar panels can get back the initial cost much faster. They also have different looks which homeowners may prefer over the other.

The post Choosing Between Green Roofs And Solar Panels for Your Green Home appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Most of the emphasis on green buildings centers around their construction. However, there are important maintenance guidelines that must be taken into consideration as well. If you manage a green building, one of the most important things that you need to do is make sure that the HVAC systems are eco-friendly. You can’t do this without finding the right parts first.

Eco-Friendly HVAC Projects Require Finding the Right Parts

HVAC systems have a great impact on the quality of our life. This system is a crucial investment that requires proper planning to choose and buy the right one suitable for your needs. It is important to be comfortable all year round.

Unfortunately, HVAC systems are not without their downsides. One of the biggest issues associated with HVAC systems is their carbon footprint.

HVAC systems account for around 40% of all energy consumed in commercial buildings. They obviously play a large role in contributing to the climate crisis. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have an HVAC system that operates as efficiently as possible to minimize the impact on the climate.

When you choose your system, there are significant factors to consider to get the right HVAC supplies. Finding your HVAC supplies is not a straightforward purchase, especially if you are trying to lower your carbon footprint; however, you will make an informed decision with the guidelines below.

Consider the following when purchasing your HVAC Supplies for an Eco-Friendly Building

There are a lot of things that eco-friendly building managers need to do when they are installing or maintaining an HVAC system. They must make sure that it is regularly tested for air leaks that could cause energy efficiency ratings to go down.

However, it is equally important to make sure that the system uses the right parts. This can help make sure that the system operates efficiently. It will also reduce maintenance needs, which is also going to help the environment. Reducing maintenance needs will lower the number of parts that you use, which also preserves natural resources and lowers the carbon footprint by not requiring technicians to travel regularly.

Usage

This is one of the vital factors when looking for HVAC supplies, how you’re going to use them. It is important to find a system compatible with your lifestyle, the nature of work, commitment to environmental sustainability and other factors. For example, you can choose a temperature controller when working an area that needs particular temperatures for operations.  Keeping it at the right temperature can help reduce energy use and lower your carbon footprint.

Speed Control

Find the one fitted with easy-to-use speed control when buying your HVAC supply. This is vital for the equipment to match the operational requirements. Ease of use is important. The best option is to choose an HVAC system that is easy to use and operate. Find a system that doesn’t require in-depth skills or technical expertise to manage it. This is the best way to save the time and money you require to find a specialist.

Safety

The reliability and safety of your system are crucial. These are some vital things to consider when looking for your HVAC supplies. First, ensure that your HVAC supply can operate without causing any bodily harm or affecting the surrounding. The best HVAC equipment supplier fit their supplies with safety standards. Ensure that you read the labeling before buying. 

Frequency of use

Before buying this device, it is essential to consider how you intend to use it. The more you’re going to use your system, the more it will be prone to wear and tear; therefore, find the time to choose the right one that can operate for long hours without stalling or overheating.  

When sourcing for your HVAC parts, you can overcome this challenge by finding a supplier that caters to professionals. HVAC equipment supply is a very competitive market. As a result, it is becoming increasingly hard to find the best HVAC equipment, supplier.  There are different places you can source and buy your HVAC supplies, including your local hardware shops, online stores, national home repair chains, etc. 

On the other hand, new and better products are entering the market regularly. Therefore, consider those that add value for the industry experts when choosing your HVAC supplier. Therefore, you should start by determining the retailer who offers the most value; this is the key to finding the right HVAC supplies and parts. 

If you are a building manager or an HVAC professional, you must source high-quality HVAC parts. In addition, you are responsible for making sure that you buy the supplies at a cost-effective rate. Finally, all HVAC professionals must satisfy their clients. To achieve this, you must do extensive research and consider the above guidelines.

Finding the Right HVAC Parts is Important for Green Buildings

Green buildings need to have the right HVAC parts in order save the planet by minimizing your carbon footprint. You will be able to make sure that your building operates more efficiently and uses less energy by equipping it with the right parts. This is one the most important steps to run an eco-friendly business.

The post Choosing the Right Parts for Eco-Friendly HVAC Projects appeared first on Green Building Insider.

One of the ways that people can lower their carbon footprint is by living in a log cabin. Log cabins are made from sustainable materials and can be well insulated if they are designed properly. However, you still need to know how to keep them warm in the winter, which might including making it better insulated or even adding an extension.

Eco-Friendly Tips for Keeping Your Log Cabin Warm in the Winter

As winter approaches, active life in residential log cabins stop and move to cities. However, to return to a cozy and tidy environment when the weather warms up again, it is necessary to do important homework and set protective measures before the cold season hits.

Today we chat with Maestro Cabins expert about winter preparations for residential log cabin, who remind us that this is not limited to locking the door and turning off the electricity. You don’t even always need to turn on the heat to stay warm. To avoid inconveniences, it is necessary to take care of both the infrastructure of the residential log cabin itself and security solutions.

Challenges are caused by increased rainfall.

Although we close the doors of the residential log cabin in the hope of returning here only when the weather warms up, it is a good idea to visit here much more often because winter weather conditions can cause many unpleasant surprises, according to experts at Maestro Cabins.

Preparations for the cold season should start only after the leaves fall. They often accumulate in water drainage gutters and downpipes and clog them. Then in the rain, water penetrates through the structures and damages the wooden walls, and the metal parts of a residential log cabin start to rust. ­– says Maestro Cabins expert.

The expert reminds us that after more heavy winter precipitation from the roof without removing the snow, it can damage the roof edge, downpipes and gutters. So, when the rain falls, it’s time to plan a weekend trip to the residential log cabin to sort all the matters.

Upon arrival to inspect the log cabin, it is advisable to light the stove for a while or turn on the electric heater. Moisture accumulating in unheated residential log cabins can damage both the walls and the floor of the house and the items left here. Heating will also improve air circulation in the attic, which will prevent ice from forming on the roof.

Assess the infrastructure of the residential log cabin as well.

Expert warns that the most significant property damage can be caused by dangers that are difficult to see with the naked eye. When leaving the residential log cabin for an extended period, keep in mind that frozen pipeline water can cause considerable damage to your property. If the premises are not heated continuously, turn on the water and, if possible, do not leave it in various containers to prevent it from exploding in the event of ice formation.

The electrical installation of residential log cabins, which often dates back more than a decade, also poses a risk to the property. This can cause a short circuit and even fire. You need to keep this in mind while trying to keep your cabin warm.

At low temperatures, the wire insulation breaks, and moisture causes sparks and short circuits. The risk is even greater if the electrical installation is not renewed for a long time. Therefore, it is advisable to turn off the electricity every time you leave the residential log cabin, and if you do not visit it for a long time, it is simply necessary to do so.

Unnecessary items or clothes that we tend to store in cabins also increase the chances of fire. A spark that accidentally falls on extremely flammable objects will ignite the fire very quickly. Expert reminds those old items should not be stored near electrical inlets or sockets and other infrastructure units.

A tidy environment also deters thieves

Following the above tips will keep many of the items left in the garden shed safe for winter season while you’re not visiting your residential log cabin. However, when preparing a cabin for the winter, it is essential to assess the risks caused by natural conditions. Residential log cabin left without residents is not protected from burglary.

Thieves are more likely to choose more abandoned cabins where their hosts are unlikely to be found present. Thus, maintaining a tidy environment can reduce the risk of theft. It is also important not to leave expensive items on windowsills or other areas of the room visible through the windows. Make sure garden equipment, bicycles and other property remain locked in the garage or storage room.

Before leaving a residential log cabin for the winter, carefully inspect the locks of all buildings and assess their wear. Maestro Cabins expert also advises to have the door and lock keys with you, instead of hiding them in the yard, under the door mat or in the mailbox, as this is the usual activity people take.

Exchange contacts with your neighbors nearby as they will report the theft or notice suspicious people spinning around your residential log cabin. If no neighbor lives near the remote cabin, you can arrange an alarm. Today, it is easy to install a video surveillance system that transmits data to your smartphone in real-time. Unwanted visitors are also deterred by movement-responsive yard lighting.

Find Eco-Friendly Ways to Keep Your Log Cabin Warm in the Winter

Are you trying to live an eco-friendly lifestyle? You can create sustainable houses, which might include a log cabin. This could be your dream home! However, you have to know how to stay warm as it gets colder. You need to follow the tips listed above.

The post Preparing Eco-Friendly Log Cabins for The Winter appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Unfortunately, green homeowners also have to deal with some of the frustrating challenges that plague all homeowners. This includes dealing with home improvements.

Resolving Home Improvement Challenges as an Eco-Friendly Homeowner

Home renovation is far from easy, but people generally indulge in the arduous process happily. They want to raise the standard of their lives and make their homes more luxurious. Many people feel that their furniture starts wearing down or windows or doors breaking apart; thus, they update their abodes.

You may be more reluctant to do this as an environmentally responsible homeowner. These types of improvements leave a large carbon footprint and use natural resources that damage the environment when extracted. However, even eco-friendly homeowners have to eventually engage in home improvement projects.

Although they understand that remodeling means hard work and turning the house upside down, the thought of having a more stylish home makes them do the laborious work. People indulge in home improvement projects with hopes of having an upgraded space adorned with modern facilities. Sometimes their ideas do not turn out great. They regret spending money and doing the laborious work of home renovation.

Home improvement projects are all about creativity, especially if you are trying to minimize your carbon footprint in the process. While there is no wrong and right in the creative process, some home improvement ideas can turn out a nightmare. Some people might rush up the process and go for inexpensive and low-quality products resulting in an unfunctional yet unstylish home. Experts suggest that people must have a plan before starting a home improvement project. Planning and preparation minimize the chances of committing renovation mistakes.

Many people want to learn about home improvement nightmares to avoid them. Below we are listing some home improvement nightmares for green homeowners and how you can stay away from them.

1. Hire Experts for Key Roles

Many people feel the temptation of saving money and think of indulging in activities by themselves. Since many DIY videos are available on the internet, people get an idea that installing flooring, painting walls, or carpenter stuff is a piece of cake. The results are generally not satisfying, and they often have to get the process redone. Several hire amateurs for essential tasks; thus, they receive low-quality work. The secret is to get experts on board. People can make their tasks easy by roping in a reputed home renovation company.  People residing in Atlanta or nearby cities are fortunate as they can contact Networx leads for their renovation. Networx has earned a reputation for exceeding clients’ expectations by providing them with exemplary services.

2. Inspects Walls

Before tearing the wall down, you must examine all the walls closely. Sometimes walls have underlying sealing issues, and they can, later on, ruin the whole renovation. People must indulge in the scrutinizing process of the walls and examine the bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, and porch walls meticulously to see if there are any hidden problems.  They can get the wall treatments, paints, and wallpapers of texture started once they have catered to all the walls concealed issues.

3. Practice Open Communication

Miscommunication leads to disasters. Contractors, plumbers, carpenters, or other professionals working in the house cannot read your mind. It would be best if people were explicit while telling them exactly what they want from them. Practicing open communication and monitoring the process throughout ensures that the professionals and people are on the same page. Once the procedure is over, they do not shock the results as they exactly receive what they have communicated.

You need to also communicate your sustainability goals, such as trying to save energy.

4. Invest in Quality

Another grave mistake people can make while renovating is to purchase cheap, low-quality products. Purchasing substandard material may save some money during the renovation; it can become a nightmare when the paint starts wearing down, cabinets fall off, or shelves or hooks come out. People must invest in quality as homes are generally people’s most significant investment. The high-quality material ensures an ROI as they last for a long time.

5. Measure Correctly

People need to have various measurements while updating their homes. Whether it is for kitchen cabinets, floating shelves on living rooms walls, or installing closets, they must ensure that they take measurements multiple times to ensure accuracy. A slight negligence in measures can completely ruin the work as their cabinets, doors, or shelves become useless if they do not fit appropriately. Furthermore, they might not be functional due to the wrong measurements.

6. Monitor Expense

Renovation can be a cumbersome and tiring process. People often have to invest money constantly, and they fail to keep track of expenses. Once the home improvement project is over, checking account balances may throw them off. To keep everything in budget, people must monitor the expenditure on the go. They must jot down the cost of every product, fees of every service and accumulate it regularly.

7. Focus on Functioning

Who does not like stylish homes? We all do, but people must not forget that functionality is the primary purpose while renovating homes. They must opt for the things that are functional for the long run. Sliding doors may appear trendy, but if your kids are playing with them repeatedly, they might come off. Similarly, sleek handles and knobs appear minimal and chic. Still, if they are pointed and tearing things apart, they may not be an ideal choice. People need to realize that they focus on functioning while going for home improvement and consider style and trends. Something that might appear stylish and classy in magazines may not be functional for your homes.

8. Have Appropriate Lighting

People often opt for warm hues of lights in their entire house to create an ambiance. They must not forget that homes are not for short-term living and they have to indulge in reading, typing and other essential tasks that need proper well-lit rooms. Having appropriate lighting is the key to setting a stylish and functional home, as lighting establishes the house’s mood.

9. Concentrate on Details

Focusing on prominent aspects and ignoring minute details can turn into a nightmare afterward. People must understand that the home remodeling processes are done once in several years. They need to be vigilant while going about them. They must concentrate on details while installing cabinets, purchasing floorings, or setting up the furniture. People need to keep their functionality in their minds and focus on details to prevent them from turning into nightmares.

Follow the Right Home Improvement Steps as an Eco-Friendly Homeowner

Home improvement are mentally draining for green homeowners, and the process tires them. People have to turn the house topsy turvy to give it a new look. Not taking care of the details, reviewing before hiring a plumber, contractor, carpenter, or other professionals, or setting a low budget can turn the home improvement into nightmares. Remodeling homes is not a process that people often do. They must be careful while planning, establishing a budget, and having realistic expectations.

Furthermore, they must be ready to experience some setbacks during the process. It is doubtful that everything goes as per the planning. Proper research before getting people on board, inspections of the entire house, and monitoring the process throughout minimizing the chances of home improvement turn out like a nightmare, and people get their dream homes.

The post Avoiding Home Improvement Nightmares as an Eco-Friendly Homeowner appeared first on Green Building Insider.

A lot of people want to build their own green homes. However, that might not be an option for everyone. If someone wants to live in an environmentally friendly building, then their only option might be to rent.

This creates a great opportunity for eco-friendly landlords. Unfortunately, there are a lot of challenges that you are going to face as someone that owns an eco-friendly building.

Becoming an eco-friendly landlord of a property can be a great, reliable investment but it also comes with a number of legal responsibilities to your tenants and local authority. In this series of articles, we will go through the key responsibilities, what each of them involve, how frequently they are required and a guide to what you should expect to pay.

The first item on the checklist to discuss is the Gas Safety Certificate. You may be running an eco-friendly building, but your tenants will still use gas for heating. You need to make sure you have the right certificate.

I’ve heard the term before, but what actually is it?

The Gas Safety Certificate, also known as just the Gas Safety or CP12, is the routine health and safety inspection of the fuel burning appliances within a property. The inspection is designed to assess whether the appliances are consuming fuel according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and are safe for the occupants to use. Whether you are building a green home or buying an existing one, you need to make sure that you get this certificate.

You are required by law to provide a copy of the certificate to each of the tenants before they move into the property. Landlords who choose to let their property through an estate agent should provide their agent with the certificate. For those who let privately, issuing the certificate is the responsibility of the landlord.

Whilst you are legally obliged to commission a Gas Certificate for your eco-friendly rental properties, it is worth noting that there is no legal responsibility to have one for your own home (although we would recommend that you do for both peace of mind and your own health and safety).

Should you decide to sell your property, you are currently not required to undertake the inspection (however, it is quite common to have this requested during the legal process).

How long is it valid for?

The Gas Safety Certificate is valid for one year only so make sure you set yourself a reminder! As previously mentioned, a copy must be issued to your tenants/agents before new tenants can move in. If your current certificate expires whilst you have tenants in place, you have a 28-day period in order to issue the new certificate. It is recommended that you keep all of your previous certificates however, the previous two years is the minimum requirement.

Who can carry out the testing?

All gas safety inspections must be carried out by an engineer who is actively registered with the Gas Safe Register. The Gas Safe Register is the only regulatory body for gas safety certificate inspections having replaced CORGI.

You should always check the heating engineer’s Gas Safe ID card to check they are qualified to carry out the testing before you allow them to start work.

Many plumbers are registered with the Gas Safe Register but this is not always the case and it is your responsibility to carry out the relevant ID checks.

How long does the test take?

Typically, the inspection will take around 30-45 minutes. This can vary depending on the number of appliances to be inspected and whether or not the engineer uncovers any issues during the testing.

What needs to be tested?

The Gas Safety Certificate testing consists of a thorough inspection of all fuel burning appliances, any chimneys and flues, as well as the connection, infrastructure and ventilation of the system. Typical examples of appliances are gas fired boilers, gas hobs/cookers and gas fireplaces.

It should be noted that every appliance that is connected to a fuel source has to be tested, regardless of whether or not you use the appliance.

Can my property fail the inspection?

Yes. A faulty or malfunctioning gas supply can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks or even explosions. As a result, just simply having the testing done is not enough, the engineer must issue a valid pass certificate before any tenants can occupy the property. These potential safety issues are another reason why you should also have a gas safety certificate inspection carried out in your own home in addition to any rental properties.

What are the consequences for not having the certificate?

Given the potential safety issues previously discussed, breaches of regulations are taken seriously. Landlords who fail to produce a certificate upon request can face either a substantial fine of up to 6,000, imprisonment or both. Your insurance cover could be invalidated due to non-compliance and in the event of loss of life, guilty parties could be charged with manslaughter.

Where is the best place to book my gas inspection?

If you are in need of a Gas Safety Certificate then just get in touch with the team at MyConstructor. They have a nationwide network of fully qualified and experienced gas safe engineers. See customer reviews, check live availability and get fixed price quotes before you book – you can even book online 24/7 – click here now to find the best prices in your local area.

Having a Gas Safety Certificate is Important for Eco-Friendly Landlords

Eco-friendly landlords need to make sure that they are on the right side of the law. This means that it is important to have all of the right certificates. Even though you have an environmentally friendly building, your tenants will still need to use some heat. You need a gas safety certificate if they plan to use gas heating systems.

The post The Eco-Friendly Landlord’s Guide to Gas Safety Certificates appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Knowing as much about sustainability will really give you an edge as a sustainable building professional. One way that you can educate yourself more is by learning about sustainability in general by following the right podcasts.

Sustainable Podcasts Can Be Great for People in the Green Building Profession

With the climate crisis threatening our survival, sustainable living is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. We need to become better and smarter when it comes to green living. How can we learn more about sustainable living when we have little time? The answer can be found in green living and sustainability podcasts.

These podcasts cover everything from simple eco-living tips to discussions about major advances in sustainability. Easy to listen to while commuting or while doing work in the office, these top ten sustainability podcasts are sure to inspire you towards a greener lifestyle.

1. The Minimalists

Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus host this widely popular podcast. The duo broadcasts one of the highest-ranking podcasts on all of iTunes, The Minimalists Podcast. Listeners can enjoy episodes covering how minimalism can fit into all aspects of their life with a little commitment and relative ease.

2. Sustainababble

This podcast is what happens when well-researched topics in sustainability meets improv comedy. “Ol and Dave,” tackle current environmental news, all while making it easily accessible in a conversational tone and friendly British accent. ‘They look at the real sustainability issues without all the PR spin, making Sustainababble a must listen’ says Nancy Schmitt, a writer at Assignment Help.

3. Drilled

If you are interested in the oppositions arguments, the climate denialism movement, then this podcast is for you. The story is told in the style of extremely popular gritty true crime podcasts. Drilled is an intense show, but it’s also a gripping listen that’s well worth it.

You can learn a lot from this podcast if you want to learn about sustainable building or other environmental topics.

4. Sustainability Defined

If you are new to the subject of sustainability, then this podcast has you covered. Each episode explores one part of sustainability through an educational lens. Sustainability Defined is worth a listen to fill any gaps of knowledge you might have.

5. The Green Divas

The Green Divas, a weekly radio show, approaches green issues in a humorous, low-stress way. Hosted by Megan McWilliams, the podcast covers current events, interviews, green living tips, and environmental concerns, as well as social justice and health and how it impacts sustainability and the environment.

6. Good + Social

The Good + Social Podcast explores the stories behind innovators, entrepreneurs, and activists who are changing their industries for better. Look behind the scenes at the creative ways these interviewees are turning the traditional system on its head.  If you are looking to create your own social impact business or just learn about others, this podcast is a good choice.

7. Brown Girl Green

Brown Girl Green addresses the intersections of media, diversity, and environmentalism. Through interviews with leaders and advocates, the conversations focus on inclusion and climate crisis solutions. Listeners can learn about using their personal finance for environmentally conscious spending to cultivating joy in an overwhelming world.

8. Conscious Chatter

Conscious Chatter is a podcast committed to discussing sustainable fashion and the global garment supply chain. Hosted by Kestrel Jenkins, a long-time advocate for sustainability ‘Conscious Chatter is about cultivating conversation and asking tough questions, such as: Where are my clothes made? What are they made of? And most importantly, who made them?’ explains Mark Milican, an expert at Bigassignments. Listeners can expect to hear from experts in the industry, including Marci Zaroff, Javier Goyeneche, and Christy Dawn, among others.

9. A Sustainable Mind

Marjorie Alexander noticed that she was often the only young woman of color talking about the environment. As a response to this, Alexander started A Sustainable Mind as a master’s thesis project. The podcast, which Alexander hosts and produces, has weekly interviews. The discussions cover a wide range of topics such as microplastics, bamboo, eco-friendly event planning and sustainable intimacy products.

10. GREEN Organic garden podcast

The GREEN Organic Garden Podcast teaches earth friendly techniques by interviewing organic gardeners. They share their tips and tricks to simplify the process of growing your own delicious healthy food. Whether you want to have a small bed in your backyard or a full-grown farming operation, this podcast will help you reach your gardening goals.

These are some of the best sustainability podcasts that are worth a listen. Each offers a listener a fresh perspective on how to stay green, offering tips, tricks and up-to-date research in the field of sustainability and green living.

The post Ten Most Thought-Provoking Podcasts for Eco-Friendly Contractors appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Consumers everywhere value eco-friendly products and services more than ever, and government initiatives encourage them. Once a niche segment, green real estate could dominate the market in the near future.

The real estate industry is ripe for change when it comes to sustainability. Buildings account for 39% of total energy consumption in the United States. Eco-friendly technologies are also more affordable than ever, so green building is no longer inaccessible.

From sustainable building materials to renewable energy, green building is shaking up the real estate market. Here’s a closer look at how it will change the face of the industry.

Lower Lifetime Ownership Costs

One of the most impactful changes this green trend will have on real estate is declining ownership costs. Not long ago, sustainability was prohibitively expensive, but things have changed. Wind and solar power are now cheaper than fossil fuels in most of the world.

Buildings with built-in solar panels or wind turbines will provide residents with more affordable energy. These features may make some properties more expensive upfront, but lifetime ownership costs will be lower. This affordability will attract new homeowners, leading to more sales and making housing more accessible.

Green building materials can further lower costs by making buildings more energy-efficient. Traditional fiberglass insulation allows 30% of heat and air conditioning to leak out, but foam insulation is far more efficient. These materials keep more air in, lowering heating and cooling costs and making homes even more affordable.

More Independence

Another advantage of built-in renewable energy generation (such as geothermal energy) is that it gives property owners more independence. Solar panels and wind turbines allow residents to get some or all their power from the environment, not utility companies. In addition to the savings this entails, it gives building owners freedom from the power company.

A recent survey shows that just 33% of American consumers trust their utility companies to offer fair rates and services. That means two-thirds of Americans feel suspicious over whether these organizations have their best interest at heart. Green real estate prevents them from supporting businesses they don’t trust.

When building owners don’t have to rely on utility companies, they can avoid contracts and other limits. Residents will have more flexibility, which is especially important in commercial buildings since businesses likely have higher ambitions than average homeowners. Utility companies limit expansion, but renewables remove those limits.

Higher Diversity of Materials

Most traditional buildings stick to just a few materials like concrete, wood, brick and steel. The sustainable real estate movement opens up a world of new green building materials that buyers can choose from. Many of these also come with benefits that go beyond eco-friendliness.

Some waxes, for example, have natural hydrophobic properties, making walls and ceilings more resistant to water damage. Similarly, wool insulation is naturally flame-resistant and offers similar if not higher thermal properties to traditional insulation. Many sustainable building materials are synthetic, too, so new options emerge all the time.

High-tech materials are a blossoming and promising part of the industry. For example, smart glass changes its thermal properties based on heating and cooling trends in the building. With such an abundance of different materials, green homes can appeal to far more market segments, meeting a diverse public’s diverse needs.

Stronger Emphasis on Green Certifications

Green certifications will become more valuable to consumers. Real estate agents can pursue these benchmarks to make their properties more appealing to potential buyers. Before long, these certifications will be so vital they’ll be less of a competitive edge and more of a necessity.

People want sustainability, even if they have to pay more for it. More than 50% of Gen Z consumers, who will make up an increasingly high percentage of homebuyers, will pay more for sustainable goods.

Green certifications let real estate agents prove to prospective buyers that they’d be purchasing a sustainable home. The rising demand for sustainability will likely also lead to greenwashing and false promises too, making these certifications more valuable. As these trends continue, far more buildings will pursue these benchmarks to meet market demands.

New Construction Opportunities

As the green real estate market continues to soar, construction companies will have an abundance of new opportunities. While homeowners can retrofit existing buildings with sustainable technologies and materials, an entirely green home typically requires a whole new structure. Rising demand for green houses will give construction firms plenty of potential projects.

The U.S. housing market is already worth $33 trillion, and the demand for green homes will push it further. Since retrofitting can only go so far, real estate agents will have to turn to making and selling new buildings. The green revolution could lead to a considerable uptick in demand for construction as a result.

Demand for new construction projects will shift. Construction firms that embrace green building techniques and sustainable certifications will be far more valuable in the coming years. As the real estate market becomes greener, so too will construction.

Green Real Estate Is the Future

Not long ago, sustainable real estate was an expensive and niche market segment, but it’s becoming the norm. Environmental issues are more prominent than ever, driving consumers to demand sustainability in all areas of their lives. This trend shows no signs of slowing, either, so it will transform industries going forward.

Green real estate helps the industry become more eco-friendly and makes it more profitable. Sustainability is changing the face of the sector, making it more appealing to young consumers. When construction and real estate go green, everyone involved benefits, and this mutual growth is driving change in the industry.

The post How Green Buildings Will Change Real Estate Expectations appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Green buildings cover a range of sustainable needs. For the environment, public health and the economy, these innovations steer the world in the right direction. With issues like the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic co-occurring, the world needs strong progress. The way forward is clear — green buildings combine the best elements of eco-friendliness and sustainability.

Climate Change

Climate change is an all-encompassing force. Scientists have put timelines on when the world needs to take action to reverse the effects that include increased temperatures, more sporadic and unpredictable weather, habitat destruction and increasingly unlivable conditions. Buildings can help curb these effects when they become greener.

In the United States alone, buildings account for over 40% of energy consumption. This energy commonly comes from plants that burn fossil fuels for electricity. With such high levels of power consumption, buildings must radically change to have a better impact on the environment — locally and around the globe.

Luckily, renewable energy is becoming more widely available and inexpensive. For new and old buildings, using renewable sources like solar and wind energy will drastically reduce that 40% of energy consumption. With it, emissions will decrease as well. Specifically, carbon dioxide is one of the main culprits of climate change. It hurts the ozone layer and worsens air quality. All around, numerous environments and individuals see the detriments of climate change.

Another exciting source of reliable, clean energy comes from smart grids. These grids often work with solar power and use batteries to provide backup or additional energy for all residents on the grid. With these clean resources, buildings can quickly become greener.

Resource Conservation

Energy is a big topic, so it’s important to examine it on all levels for sustainable development. Climate change is a global threat that trickles down to every individual’s consumption of resources. For instance, using too much water or leaving the lights on more than necessary is wasteful. Instead, greener solutions help residential and commercial buildings reduce waste.

Smart technology like motion-detecting lights and sinks can save a significant amount of energy and money. Replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs will also be a sustainable long-term investment. Both of these acts are easy to do with new builds or retrofits for older buildings.

Further, HVAC systems can make a huge difference. Insulating windows and doors is an essential first step. During construction, architects and contractors should use natural lighting to decrease reliance on electricity for lighting, heating and cooling. Then, HVAC systems can run on renewable energy and work alongside the natural elements.

However, the issues run deeper. While renewables and sustainable tech can retrofit older buildings, new structures should adhere to using more sustainable materials. For example, mixing cement gives off carbon dioxide and requires a lot of water. Sustainable alternatives to cement are now on the rise and are critical for green building initiatives.

Public Health

The harm the environment faces from building emissions and energy consumption is not the sole detriment. Public health also sees significant harm from this pollution and waste. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses hurt human health and can effectively cause premature deaths in the worst regions.

Inside the buildings, having more greenery and natural air will help people’s health. The air quality will improve and become more breathable. Making sustainable changes in the surrounding area will also help the community be healthier. Since urbanization is on the rise — and most buildings reside in cities — a focus on community health is essential.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the link between the climate crisis and public health. Pollution can make certain areas unlivable. For the people who can’t leave, their health is at risk. A Harvard study further connected higher levels of air pollution to an increased death rate from the pandemic.

Sustainability has always been a public health issue. With this renewed awareness through the pandemic, though, sustainable development is more necessary than ever. Green buildings benefit people both inside and out with the right renewable changes. Though the pandemic brought new light to the issue, these efforts and changes must continue long after this public health issue has gone away.

Job Creation and Innovation

Public health isn’t the only area the pandemic has disrupted. The economy and job outlook have taken a big hit. Unemployment soared at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and is slowly decreasing from the 14.8% record high due to waves and spikes of COVID-19. The ripples of this disruption will likely stick around for years.

With new construction and retrofits comes new jobs and opportunities. By pushing forward with renewable energy, smart technology and green building design, the economy can open up and help reduce that large peak of unemployment.

While unemployment drops, innovation will increase. Smart cities represent the future. They provide new, technological ways to improve the community and residential life. Two key parts of smart cities are public health and sustainability. With a movement toward green buildings, cities can reach that innovative potential of becoming fully smart cities.

Singapore is a common example of a place where progress happens. It plans to make 80% of its buildings green through 2030, which will drastically reduce emissions and environmental harm. These feats speak to what’s possible for the future. Green buildings can lead the world to this point with the right funding and focus.

The Sustainable Way Forward

Sustainability is not an isolated topic. It spans from public health to the economy and back to the environment. The road ahead has several obstacles, but with the right focus on all aspects of sustainability, a better future is possible.

The times are changing. With them, new ideas come to light. Green buildings are now a core element for creating a better world. The next step is getting individuals, cities and countries to recognize the power green buildings hold.

The post Green Buildings Are Crucial to the Future of Sustainable Development appeared first on Green Building Insider.