A study from Payless Power found that 75% of people said they do their best to live an environmentally-conscious lifestyle. You can see why outdoor features that support green living are becoming more common. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Louvered Pergolas Matter for Sustainable Homes

Arbor.eco writes that 72% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. You can see how this makes louvered pergolas an easy choice for buyers who want both beauty and function in their outdoor spaces. It is also proof that people are not just talking about green living—they are ready to spend money to make it happen.

A report from Construction Briefing.com writes that 73% of contractors are going green. You can see how builders are adding more eco-friendly features to meet this growing demand. There are now more projects that include louvered pergolas, and these structures are quickly becoming a favorite for modern outdoor areas. You can see why they are catching the attention of both builders and homeowners.

It is possible to design louvered pergolas in ways that reduce the need for air conditioning. We will probably cover this in one of our articles on green building trends. You can adjust the louvers to block direct sunlight during the hottest hours, which keeps nearby rooms cooler. There are also designs that let you collect rainwater for garden use, and that can cut down on water waste. You can use recycled or sustainable materials to make them even better for the environment.

You can choose from aluminum, wood, or composite materials when building a louvered pergola. It is easy to find wood from certified sustainable forests or aluminum made from recycled sources. There are finishes that avoid harmful chemicals, which makes the structure safer for both people and nature. You can match these materials to the style of the home while still meeting eco-friendly goals.

In the contemporary world of landscape design, both functionality and beauty are, increasingly, given consideration. One of the most intelligent and useful outdoor space structures is the louvered pergola. The louvered pergola is characterized by its ability to be flexible when it comes to changing weather conditions, offering comfort during any part of the day. The louvered system is the embodiment of technological advancement mixed with elegance – it adds beauty to your business or office building, garden, patio, or terrace. 

LOUSOL, the outdoor solutions pioneer, offers sophisticated louvered pergolas marrying fashion, reliability and smart automation. 

Definition and Components 

A louvered pergola is a roof pergola constructed of spinning aluminum slats (louvers). The slats are manually or electrically adjustable and change their angle of slope to control the entry of light, shade, and breeze. Open to let you enjoy the sun, and closed to protect from rain via the drainage system included. 

Principal elements of a louvered pergola: 

1. Slats (louvers) are turning aluminum plates around their axis. 

2. Frame is a strong aluminum framework that bears the whole structure. 

3. Control system can be manual (mechanical) or automatic (motor-driven). 

4. Drainage system ensures drainage of rainwater when the slats are closed. 

5. Other possibilities can be LED lighting, wind protection curtains, heaters, sensor systems (wind, rain, sun). 

These components constitute a multifunctional space that easily adapts to weather and to the desires of the user. 

Manual vs. Motorized Louvers 

Another essential aspect of a louvered pergola is the facility to determine how the slats adjust: 

Manual control: 

1. Operated by a mechanical handle or a crank handle. 

2. Priced lower and simpler in design. 

3. Suitable for small private terraces or balconies, where automation is not indispensably required. 

4. The disadvantage is that it requires physical labor and is not very convenient for frequent use. 

Automatic (motorized) control: 

1. It is done using an electric drive, which can be controlled with a remote control, wall panel or even a smartphone. 

2. Smart house potential. 

3. Additional sensors (sun, wind, rain) automatically open and close the slats depending on the conditions. 

4. Ideal for large terraces, restaurants, hotels, and home comforts lovers. 

So, motorized systems provide maximum convenience and safety, especially in changing climates. 

Use Cases and Benefits 

Louvered pergolas can be implemented in various spaces – domestic and commercial. Its applications are: 

1. Private terraces – with a view to developing a cozy area for relaxation, outdoor entertaining or family gatherings. 

2. Pool areas – protection from direct sunlight and at the same time airing of the space. 

3. Restaurants and cafes – expansion of the seating area, customers’ comfort regardless of the weather, the appearance of the facility improves. 

4. Hotels and recreation resorts – an attractive addition to the view, participation in the creation of a luxury impression. 

Principal benefits: 

1. Light and shadow control – adjustment of the intensity of lighting throughout the day. 

2. Weather protection – closed slats and drainage system allow the space to be used even in rain. 

3. Low maintenance – aluminum does not rust, easy to clean. 

4. Modularity – ability to expand the building size or add other functions (lighting, heating, curtains). 

5. Modern look – subtle design suitable for any architectural style, from classic to minimalist. 

A louvered pergola is not just a beautiful architectural feature, but a clever one for a comfortable outdoor stay. It combines flexibility, function, durability and beauty. Choose to control it manually or automatically, and you can tailor the pergola to your needs and budget. 

LOUSOL offers an individual solution for each client: from design to installation, taking into account all the nuances of the room and your needs. Thanks to high-quality materials, cutting-edge technologies and professional service, louvered pergolas by LOUSOL will become a real decoration of your house or business premises. 

Don’t wait until tomorrow for the comfort you can provide today – ring LOUSOL, and your outdoor space will be resplendent with new vistas. 

There are people who love louvered pergolas because they make it possible to enjoy outdoor spaces all year round. You can host friends, relax with family, or grow plants that need filtered sunlight. It is a way to spend more time outside while still having protection from harsh weather. You can see why more buyers now see these pergolas as a must-have feature.

It is also true that louvered pergolas can add value to a property. You can show potential buyers an outdoor feature that looks good, is useful, and supports green living. There are both manual and motorized options, giving homeowners control over light and shade. You can find styles that fit many different home designs, making them a flexible choice for builders.

The post Louvered Pergolas: A Smart Choice for Eco-Friendly Builders appeared first on Green Building Insider.

In 2024 a lot of people have genuine concerns about the environment. This has resulted in something known as the Attenborough effect, where more people are aiming to reduce the usage of single-use plastics, as well as trying to curb their carbon emissions.

This goes far beyond simply not driving a car, however, and more people than ever are looking to make their homes as green as possible. A study by the Sustainable Living Association found that over 65% of millennials try to purchase the most eco-friendly homes they can. Even older homebuyers are trying to purchase more sustainable properties.

Over the past 5 years, more technologies have emerged to make this possible and affordable. So, if you are eager to minimize your home’s impact on the planet and make it more energy efficient, this article seeks to guide you through 5 ways you can make this a reality in 2025.

1.     Solar Panels

Starting with an obvious solution, the first thing to look into is solar panels.These are not only good for the environment, but they are suitable for the value of your home, as more and more people are seeing them as desirable when it comes to purchasing a property.

It is not a good idea to try to install these yourselves, as they can be a bit tricky, so aim to look for a Tucson solar company to do this for you. As well as this, the panels will save you money on your energy bill long term as well.

2.     Upgrade The Windows

When your home has single-ply windows, you may be surprised to learn that you will be losing quite a lot of heat through them in the colder months, thereby adding to your home’s carbon emissions. So, it is worth having a bit of a home makeover relating to your home’s windows, and aim to have either double or triple-glazed windows fitted.

Once again, this will minimize your home’s energy bills and will ensure that the rooms in your home stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

3.     Invest In New Insulation

Quality insulation is very important if you want to make your home eco-friendly. The Department of Energy reports that you can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20% and total energy costs by 10% by using the right insulation.

Is the insulation in your attic looking a bit poor? If so, it may be time to have some new insulation fitted. This can be done by yourself, but be sure to take care when handling it and ensure that you are wearing the appropriate equipment, such as a mask, as insulation dust in your lungs is not something that you want!

Much like the windows, refreshed insulation will prevent heat from escaping from your home and will allow you to lower your energy bill.

4.     Get a Smart Meter

It is also worth looking into having a smart meter fitted, as this will allow you to pre-program the timer on the meter for when there is no one at home and when there is someone in the house. That way, your home will only be heated when you or another family member are at home, lowering costs and ensuring that no energy is wasted.

5.     Make The Home Smart

In a similar vein, it can be worth investing in a smart home. This will allow you to have a timer set on all of the devices in your home, from the heating to the lights, and, at the same time, will offer a bit of added security on top of reducing your home’s CO2.

The post 5 Great Ways You Can Make Your Home Greener in 2025 appeared first on Green Building Insider.

But what are some of the benefits of living in an eco-friendly home? You may be more likely to purchase one or renovate it to be greener if you appreciate the advantages it offers.

Why Should You Live in an Eco-Friendly Home?

Living a green lifestyle involves making choices that preserve and conserve the earth’s natural habitats and resources. Living green implies minimizing the consumption of items that pollute the environment or need to consume natural resources. It also means wasting less and finding cleaner solutions to your daily wants and needs.

You can live a green lifestyle by reducing fossil fuel usage, using public transport or carpooling as often as possible, planting trees, reducing waste, making repairs and upcycling new things, avoiding single-use plastic usage, harvesting rainwater, and more. Green living can be rewarding for human health and the environment.

One of the most important things to do if you want to live a green lifestyle is make sure your home is eco-friendly. Here are five benefits of living in a green home.

1.     Reduces energy consumption

Living in a green home helps promote energy efficiency, which helps avoid unnecessary pollution and increased energy bills. Investing in Energy Star appliances and sealing and insulating your home to minimize heating and cooling costs while enhancing comfort helps reduce energy consumption. Switching to clean energy resources such as Chariot Energy can help lower energy consumption and bills. This type of energy is created using renewable power sources, which emit negligible to no air emissions. Also, opting for solar power instead of electricity offsets your electricity bills and electricity use.

2.     Results in a healthier life

When you live in a green home, you’ll end up living a healthier lifestyle. You will avoid chemical additives, fertilizers, and plastic packaging to encourage the consumption of more organic food. This results in less dangerous ingredients in your diet and body with more food low in fats, carbs, and sugar. Growing your own garden saves you money and ensures you eat better. Producing foods with environmentally friendly fertilizers is an excellent way to eat healthier meals. This helps avoid lifestyle diseases that could lead to high hospital bills.

3.     Lowers your carbon footprint

Living in a green home also reduces your carbon footprint. An eco-friendly home audit can help you determine if you’re living a green lifestyle. Consider your energy consumption, waste production, and purchases when performing this audit. Sustainable changes and upgrades can help your home’s waste and carbon footprint.

Planting a sustainable garden, installing ceiling fans and energy-efficient windows, powering down and unplugging electronics when not in use, swapping old appliances for energy-efficient ones, renovating in an eco-friendly manner, and installing low-plumbing fixtures can all help lower your carbon footprint. Using green products made with recycled materials minimizes your carbon footprint and the amount of waste going to landfills.

4.     Earns you a tax cut

Leveraging solar power instead of burning fossil fuels to generate electricity minimizes pollution, reduces the cost of powering your property, and lowers individual carbon footprint. Solar panels have become affordable over time. Consider installing them. Doing so saves you from utilizing electricity that harms the environment and gets you a tax cut in the form of federal solar energy tax credit. Based on your state, you may get incentives such as sales tax rebates and other programs designed to reduce the cost of embracing solar.

5.     Increases your home’s value

Making your home eco-friendly is an excellent way to increase its value. Installing solar panels and water-saving showers and toilets creates a perk and saves money for new buyers when it’s time to sell.

Endnote

Green living can be quite rewarding for the environment and human health. Consider living a green lifestyle to leverage these benefits.

The post 5 Benefits of Living in an Eco-Friendly Home in 2023 appeared first on Green Building Insider.

However, having an energy efficient home can save you a lot of money in the long run, which is important if you’re working with a budget. The Department of Energy reports that you can cut your energy bills by 25% and save $2,200 every year. So if you’re interested in making your home more energy efficient and you’re wondering how you can do it, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading to learn more.

Heating & Cooling

One of the most important things you can do to have an energy-efficient and eco-friendly home is to make sure your heating and cooling systems are working properly. In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher to save on cooling costs, and in the winter, set it to 68 degrees or lower to save on heating costs.

You can also save money by using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home. One study shows that you can cut your energy bills by 8% a year with a smart thermostat.

Windows & Doors

If your home windows and doors are old and inefficient, they can account for a large percentage of your home’s energy loss.

Home improvements, like replacing old doors and windows with new, energy-efficient models, can help to seal in heat in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer. Learn more here on how energy-efficient windows and doors can help you on your road to an environmentally friendly home.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Inefficient lighting can be a huge drain on your home’s energy usage. LED lighting is a great option for an energy-efficient home. LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This will make your home more appealing to eco-friendly buyers if you plan to sell it.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are also a good choice for energy efficiency. CFLs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

When shopping for energy-efficient lighting, look for the ENERGY STAR label to be sure you are choosing the most efficient option.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Many people don’t realize how much energy their appliances use on a daily basis. If you have energy-efficient appliances, they will use less energy and help you save money on your utility bills.

There are a few things to look for when trying to find energy-efficient appliances. The first is the ENERGY STAR label. This label means that the appliance meets certain standards for energy efficiency.

Another thing to look for is capacity. A larger capacity appliance will use more energy than a smaller one. Finally, check the power usage. A higher-wattage appliance will use more energy than a lower-wattage one.

Home Insulation

There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient, but one of the most important is to make sure it is well insulated. Insulation helps to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool in during the summer, which can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.

There are many different types of insulation available, so you should talk to a professional to find out which is best for your home.

Start Your Journey to an Energy Efficient Home Today!

You can have an energy efficient home by making energy efficiency upgrades, using renewable energy sources, and making smart choices about your energy use. With some effort, homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills.

Looking for more info on homeownership? Check out our other articles for more helpful tips and tricks.

The post What Steps Can You Take to Have a More Energy Efficient Home? appeared first on Green Building Insider.

However, sustainability obviously shouldn’t end with owning and managing green buildings or living in a green home. You have to find other ways to lower your carbon footprint as well. We will cover some of the ideas to consider in this article.

Ways to Be Eco-Friendlier

Whether you’re an environmentalist or not, the truth is that there are plenty of eco-friendly choices that can benefit you. Not only can they improve your quality of life, but many of them can save you money as well. While you may not have thought about them, these are some of the best eco-friendly choices to make when you want more money in your pocket. We will cover both building and non-building related ideas.

Building Related Ways to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

There are a number of ways that you can change your home to be eco-friendlier. Some ideas are listed below.

Upgrade Home Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important eco-friendly features of any home. Data from the EPA shows that you can reduce energy costs by 15% by adding insulation to your attic and basement alone.

When you upgrade your home insulation, you’ll also be upgrading its energy efficiency. This can mean keeping your home cool during summer and warm during winter, which will help reduce the amount of money that you spend on utilities. Insulation is a big part of how we keep our homes comfortable, but it has other benefits besides those related to temperature control.

Insulating helps reduce noise pollution in our living spaces by preventing sound waves from traveling through walls and ceilings easily. It can also help keep dust and pollen out which improves air quality, especially for those with breathing problems. Search for insulation contractors near me to find someone who can help improve your home insulation.

Automate Your Thermostat

The most obvious way to save money by using an eco-friendly thermostat is to set the temperature at a level that suits you and your family. This can be anything from 68 degrees while you’re sleeping, to 75 degrees when the whole family is awake and home. This is one of the reasons why many people are choosing smart thermostats for their homes as well.

Install an Energy-Efficient Showerhead

If you’re looking to save water while showering, installing an energy-efficient showerhead is a great way to start. They spit out fewer gallons of water but still have good water pressure. It should also have a flow restrictor, which limits the amount of water flowing through the device and helps prevent damage from high pressure.

Non-Building Related Ways to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Since this blog is obviously focused on green buildings, we wanted to start off talking about ways to change your home to be eco-friendlier. However, there are some other ways that you can lower your carbon footprint. These ideas are detailed below.

Buy a Used Car

One of the most overlooked ways to save money on a car is by buying a used one. A new car loses value immediately, and over time is not a good asset. Buying used can help you not only save cash, but it means that fewer new cars need to be made. This helps the environment, and the price tag helps your wallet. Sometimes you can even find good hybrid cars that are pre-owned at a great price. While buying from a dealership is one option, another option is finding an individual seller who owns a great used car they want to sell privately rather than having it go through channels and come with inflated prices from commissions on both ends of the transaction.

Eat Out Less

Eating at home is a great way to save money, but it’s also good for the environment. Cooking at home means less packaging and fewer restaurant visits, which all help reduce waste. If you eat out a lot, consider cutting back on that habit. It might be tempting to grab food from a nearby eatery when you’re tired or busy, but this can add up quickly—plus restaurants are often less efficient with their energy use than homes are. You’ll help the environment and save big money in your wallet.

Air Dry Your Clothes

There are a lot of reasons to air dry your clothes. It saves energy, money, and time. But did you know it also helps the environment? Drying your laundry in an electric or gas dryer uses a lot of energy—so much so that it’s considered one of the most expensive household expenses. And with today’s high cost of living, every little bit counts. So why not save some cash by letting Mother Nature do her thing? Even if you don’t have a yard, you can set up racks to dry your clothes in your living room.

The average person spends $1,000 per year on electricity for their clothes dryer. If you hang-dry just half of your laundry, then over the course of a year you could save up to $500 on electricity costs. Not only does this help keep your monthly power bill down; but when those savings are compounded over years and decades, they add up quickly.

Use Public Transportation More Often

Using public transportation is a great way to save money on gas, car maintenance, and the time spent driving. It also helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions and decreasing traffic congestion. Even taking the bus one day a week can make a big difference.

Lower Your Carbon Footprint Both by Crating an Eco-Friendly Home and Living More Sustainably

There are a lot of environmental benefits of using green building practices. However, it is also important to follow other sustainable living tips to reduce your carbon footprint. The guidelines listed above can help immensely.

The post Sustainable Living Shouldn’t End with Owning a Green Home appeared first on Green Building Insider.

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.

A great many of us are committed to doing our bit for the environment, this often means having made changes to our homes to make them more efficient and sustainable to run. Making these changes can be costly and often takes a couple of years to see your return on money.

One of the ways that you can help the planet is by living in an eco-friendly home. Some research shows that you can lower your energy bills up to 30% a year by having a green home. Of course, you will also help the planet at the same time.

For these reasons, eco-adjusted homes are often left to family members beyond a person’s life just so they can also see the benefits of the changes made. They might want to invest in eco-friendly features to make their home greener. But does this involve a huge cost?

Some seek inheritance tax planning advice before setting out wishes involving their property officially, such as in a Will. There are some steps to take before making it official however, here are some useful inheritance planning tips for your property…

What is an Eco-Friendly Property?

An eco-friendly home is one which has either been built with sustainability in mind or has had eco-friendly features fitted such as solar panels, water saving features and other energy saving devices. These properties help to protect our planet’s resources whilst also saving us money.

Inheritance Planning Tips

We all work hard for the things that we have and, as such, it’s important to ensure that all of our assets, including eco-friendly properties, go to the right people after we die.

In this section, we’ll take you through some tips for inheritance planning for your eco-friendly property to make sure that your wishes and intentions are carried out after your days.

Write a Will and Testament

A Will is a document which details who should get what when you die. It’s incredibly important that you make a Will and have a copy of this held with a solicitor as, without a Will, your loved ones may find themselves going through a lengthy and stressful probate process.

Without a Will, your assets will usually be shared between your spouse and any children (not to include step-children) even if those children have not been part of your life. If you do not have any living family, your assets will become the property of the Crown.

Be Aware of Inheritance Tax

If your combined assets are valued at over £325,000, your spouse, children or other beneficiaries will be subject to inheritance tax. This is worked out as follows:

• Below the threshold of £325,000, your beneficiaries should not have to pay inheritance tax
• If your assets are valued above £325,000, inheritance tax on anything above that value will be payable at a rate of 40%.

While these are the general rules, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the amount of inheritance tax to be paid such as:

• Spending your money while you are alive to stay close to the threshold
• Investing in stocks and shares which are exempt from inheritance tax (a good financial advisor will be able to help you to navigate this).

Inheritance tax will usually be handled by a probate solicitor after your death and is generally automatically deducted before your estate is distributed as per the instructions in your will.

Dividing Your Property Fairly

If you own a property with a spouse and you are both named on the deeds, your spouse will automatically inherit the property, If, however, you do not have a spouse, you can leave this to one or more people in your will – i.e. to be shared between two or more of your children.

In this case, the property will usually be sold so that the beneficiaries may share the proceeds. As with all other assets, you need to state clearly in your Will what who gets what proportion of the property, as this can help to avoid arguments and possible legal action.

Requesting the Upkeep of Your Eco Home

If you have spent time, effort and money on ensuring that your property is more sustainable than before, there’s a good chance that you will want it to stay that way. In this case, you will want to think carefully about who should inherit the property when you die.

If you are leaving the property to your children, you might want to add a codicil to your Will stating that the eco-friendly features of your property must be maintained and added to as technology advances.

If you do not have a spouse or living children, you may want to think about leaving your eco-friendly property to an environmental charity who may be able to use it to carry out good causes.

Plan ahead with your property and assets…

Whatever kind of assets you are leaving in your will, it’s always a good idea to speak to your beneficiaries while you are alive as this will give you a chance to explain your decisions as well as making sure that your intentions are clear.

Inheritance planning is something which most of us tend to put off as it’s never pleasant to think about our demise. However, by comprehensively planning as early as possible, you can ensure that your intended beneficiaries will be able to make the most of their inheritance and that your wishes in regard to your hard-earned assets will be carried out to the letter.

If you find the idea of inheritance planning a little daunting – and many do – a good solicitor will be able to help you to put a will together and to make sense of the legal jargon and all of the rules and regulations involved in the complex world of inheritance tax.

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a lawyer/solicitor if you’re seeking advice on inheritance tax and Will writing. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

The post Inheritance Planning Tips for your Eco-Friendly Property appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? This is because it is!

There are many great benefits of eco-friendly homes. But now, you are probably wondering what are those home features that eco-friendly buyers will love. Don’t worry – that is why we are here. That is, we are here to tell you about 5 green home amenities that will attract even the most eco-friendly buyers. Thus, if this is something that you want to find out, keep on reading. 

1. Eco-Friendly Building Materials

If you are somebody who is building a home that you plan on selling later on, you must include eco-friendly building materials in the process. These materials are what will increase the value of your home, make it sell faster, and attract buyers who will be ready to do anything for your green piece of construction. 

First, try to pair up with an eco-friendly construction company or just a contractor who has had experience building eco-friendly homes. These people will advise you on all the green technologies changing the construction industry today. Or, these people can help you choose the best eco-friendly materials for your home such as cotton insulation or rammed earth bricks, for example. 

Also, if you want your home to reach the highest levels of sustainability and be as eco-friendly as possible, then you should use recycled, salvaged, and reclaimed materials when building. You should acquire reclaimed wood, recycled steel, salvaged concrete and other sustainable materials. 

2. Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating systems are something all buyers want. Eco-friendly buyers love them because they lower energy usage. Another benefit is that ‘regular’ buyers love them because they are considered a luxury. 

Namely, in order to install this kind of floor heating, you will have to remove all your tiles and floorboards, add water tubes or electric coils, connect them to your power source, and then put everything back. So, it goes without saying that doing this will require you to take everything out of your home until the floor heating installers get the job done.

But don’t let that scare you – you will just need to put your items in the storage and move someplace else for a week or two. Furthermore, if you need help with all of that, seek advice from Homegrown Moving – these experts can tell you how to move quickly and safely anytime and anywhere. 

3. Solar Panels

What can be more eco-friendly than solar panels? Nothing really! Solar panels have forever been a synonym for sustainable homes. In the past, only the rich and the most eco-conscious consumers were willing to invest in them, but today, almost anybody can. 

Solar panels are, without a doubt, one of the home features that eco-friendly home buyers will love! All of them! What can be bad about adding eco-friendly solar panels to your home? They help us preserve energy, and this in turn means that they will lower our energy bills. Of course, because they help us save our beloved planet! Thus, if you have time, energy, and money for just one ‘green’ home feature, let it be this one! 

Nowadays, there are many types of solar panels you can go for. And, there are many places you can put them beside your roof too! In order to choose the best ones for your home, talk to experts. Get well-informed before you invest in this kind of project. 

4. Energy-Efficient Lighting

Another easy and green project you do to make your home more desirable among eco-friendly buyers is to have energy-efficient lighting. Doing that is as simple as replacing all of your light bulbs with LED ones. 

However, you don’t have to stop at LED light bulbs – there are many other ways you can include energy-efficient lighting in your home. For instance, you can install lighting fixtures that save energy as well, you can add motion sensors both inside and outside of your home (which will, of course, turn on the lights only when necessary), you can install smart lighting, or you can simply add bigger windows! 

If you don’t have these kinds of things in the area you live in, don’t worry, you can order them online. Nowadays, there are many international companies that specialize in creating eco-friendly products and shipping them across the world. These will not only ship you whatever green product you need but also do it using eco-friendly packaging! 

Moreover, speaking of eco-friendly packaging, did you know that you can use the same when moving out of your home? Or, when helping the new owners move in? Well, yes, yes you can! Sustainable solutions are available even when moving! So, ask the moving company you and your new buyers have hired about them. 

5. Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Many home sellers think that a well-looking lawn is what will attract buyers. That may be true, but only to some extent. Namely, when people see all the grass, their first thought is usually the amount of time they will need to water and mow it and to just keep it well-maintained. 

Moreover, when eco-friendly buyers see the lawn, their first thought it usually the amount of water they will have to waste on it. Thus, if these are the kind of buyers you want to attract, we avoid switching to synthetic grass – it is more eco-friendly and less ‘needy’. Or just avoid grass – use native plants that can survive on the rainwater only. Trust us, this is one of those eco-friendly home features everybody will check when buying a home. 

As you have seen, there are many home features that eco-friendly homebuyers will love as well as features that will help you sell your home quicker and for more bucks. So, talk to experts (contractors or real estate agents) and see what eco-friendly features will work best for your home and location. But we’re absolutely sure that you can’t go wrong with the ones we already mentioned.

The post 5 Home Features That Eco-Friendly Homebuyers Will Love appeared first on Green Building Insider.

We wanted to share some insights on living in a garden log cabin, which is an eco-friendly option to consider. There are around 550,000 log homes in the United States, which is partly due to the fact that they are eco-friendly. You can find out more below.

Garden Log Cabins Can Be Environmentally Friendly Structures

Wooden garden houses, log cabins, garden pods, and many similar outbuildings are made partially or completely from timber. These naturally constructed structures exude warmth, coziness, and earthiness through their aspects.

But the real question is – are these wooden structures environmentally friendly? This is a great question that a lot of homeowners ask. The good news is that Garden Log Cabins are an environmentally-friendly way to live closer to nature. You may want to consider building one if you want an eco-friendly home.

Our modern lifestyles have made it difficult for us to be connected to nature and truly enjoy our beautiful planet. Fortunately, more people want to live green lifestyles. One poll found that 85% of consumers consider their environmental impact when making purchases. This includes purchasing new homes.

The humdrum of everyday life, our crowded cities, pollution, and unhealthy lifestyles have a negative impact on our health and the health of our environment. Garden cabins are a great way to escape the buzzing city life and to move a step closer to nature. A wooden garden cabin offers some peace and comfort and provides a fresh new perspective on what life has to offer.

Garden Log Cabins are made from natural materials

The most important benefit of Garden Log Cabins is the fact that these outbuildings are made from natural materials. If you plan on investing in a garden cabin, make sure you choose one that doesn’t contain synthetics such as chemicals, plastic, and other hazardous materials that are typically found in most modern homes and apartments and that will harm the environment long-term. You can find a wide range of garden cabins on the market and many of them are made of high-quality wooden logs, harvested from sustainable forests. If you plan on building your own garden cabin, make sure you select wood that hasn’t been attacked by insects or worms. A garden cabin made of high-quality, healthy wood will last longer, it will provide better insulation, and it will preserve the quality of the air by filtering it naturally.

As mentioned above, wood is a great natural insulator that can reduce the need for heating and cooling, thus reducing your costs. The air quality in a wooden cabin is superior to the air in other types of buildings and it prevents you from developing different pulmonary issues. Maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity in a wooden garden cabin is easier than in a different type of building, and this will also contribute to your quality of life. By maintaining a balanced temperature year-round, a wooden garden cabin is not just an eco-friendly home but also an ideal one.

Garden Log Cabins come with many environmental advantages

The materials used to build garden log cabins have many benefits making these outbuildings very energy-efficient. Wood can reduce the need for electrical heating and cooling, thus, reducing the energy consumption and the carbon footprint significantly. As we become more aware of our impact on the environment, it is only natural to wish to make more efforts toward lowering our carbon footprint and having a more positive impact on our environment. In this situation, garden cabins are the best option and it is safe to say that these versatile structures are modern solutions to a modern problem.

In a wooden garden cabin, we get to enjoy natural lighting more

Garden cabins that are modern and high-quality are built in a way that allows as much natural sunlight to enter the cabin as possible. Garden Log Cabins and garden pods have large windows that allow more light to enter to room. And, since oftentimes, these cabins are placed in nature, there aren’t a lot of buildings around that might block the light. More natural light will also reduce the need for artificial light, thus lowering the power consumption and the electricity bill.

They allow us to live in healthy surroundings

As mentioned above, a wooden cabin can be placed in nature, in open spaces, in backyards, and gardens. You can use a garden cabin as gardening shed, and start growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables. By growing your own food or simply filling your garden with beautiful flowers, you will enjoy nature more and lend a helping hand to the ecosystem. Gardens are very important, especially in large cities, as they help maintain the local flora and fauna healthy. If you use your garden space wisely, you can attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and you can produce healthy food that is free of artificial preservatives and chemicals.

A garden log cabin is versatile

If you are considering investing in a garden cabin for a certain purpose, you might worry that sometimes in the future you might change your mind. This is not an issue because Garden Log Cabins can have many different uses and you will always find a great way to use them. Many people invest in garden cabins because they need more storage space. Indeed, garden cabins make perfect storage sheds where all gardening tools, sports equipment, and other things that don’t really fit in the main house can be kept. By keeping your belongings in a garden cabin, you ensure that they won’t be damaged by weather and extreme temperatures. Not having to replace your garden furniture every year, or your tools will also reduce your carbon footprint. If, however, you don’t really need extra storage space, you can always use your garden cabin for something fun such as a hobby room, a game room, a home gym, or a garden bar.

Garden Log Cabins Can Be Eco-Friendly Options for Homeowners

As you can see, Garden Log Cabins come with many benefits and can improve our lifestyles in many different ways. By being more connected with nature and living in homes made of natural materials obtained from sustainable sources, we can save money while also helping the environment. A wooden garden cabin is comfortable, cosy, and eco-friendly, but also affordable and versatile. It is a modern solution to modern problems, making it a great investment in this day and age.

The post Is a Garden Log Cabin an Eco-Friendly Option for a Home? appeared first on Green Building Insider.

So, if you’re keen to buy an eco-friendly home, what features should you be looking for?

1. Loft and Wall Insulation

Insulating a property is one of the most efficient ways to minimise wasted energy and reduce costs. When viewing a property, remember to ask if the walls and loft are insulated and check if eco-friendly materials were used in the process.

2. Eco-Friendly Materials

Ask the vendor what materials have been used for flooring and other home improvements. You may be able to tell by looking in some instances. Sustainable home materials include bamboo, straw bales, cob, sheep’s wool, reclaimed wood and recycled steel.

3. Solar Panels

Solar panels save energy and money and reduce your home’s carbon emissions. Photovoltaic solar panels capture and store energy from the sun, which can then be used to power electrical devices in the home. Solar thermal panels can be used to heat water, thus reducing central-heating costs.

4. Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Any garden design that reduces the amount of water required to keep it thriving will boost a property’s eco-rating. Look for synthetic grass or wood chips. A lush lawn may look gorgeous, but it will require frequent watering during the summer. The use of recycled materials, such as tin baths for planters, indicates that the homeowner has landscaped their garden with the environment in mind. Also, look out for hedges which house wildlife and green or “living” rooves.

5. Energy-Efficient Lighting

LED lights last much longer than standard bulbs, and they are around 75% more energy efficient. When used in conjunction with a smart lighting system and motion sensors, you can control energy usage to avoid waste. In addition to eco-friendly lighting technology, look for large windows, skylights and anything that allows natural light into the home, as this will reduce the need to consume energy.

6. Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is much more energy-efficient than radiators, and it circulates cleaner air without the moisture levels produced by radiators. This reduces the risk of damp and its damaging effects while keeping the air in your home healthier. Choose from water or electric underfloor heating. Both can be powered by renewable energy, which is much kinder to the environment than fossil fuels.

7. Low-Flow Toilets

Low-flow toilets use much less water than older models, which typically use up to seven gallons of water per flush. Government standards for low-flow toilets stipulate that they use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. If you’re eager to conserve every drop of water, opt for a high-efficiency model that uses just 1.28 gallons of water with each flush.

8. Smart Thermostats

The average person in the UK produces 6.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, and approximately a third comes from heating. A smart thermostat — one that allows a homeowner to control their heating remotely via a mobile device — could reduce your carbon footprint by between 0.3 and 0.7 tonnes of CO2 every year.

9. A Good EPC Rating

Every homeowner must obtain a valid Electrical Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing their property. The EPC shows potential buyers how much energy the property uses, how many CO2 emissions it produces and how much it costs to run the property. A property will be graded from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient. If you have a house to sell before you can buy a more eco-friendly home, a good EPC rating on your current home can help you sell a house fast.

10. Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances help you save water and money, reduce your carbon footprint and enhance your quality of life.

When choosing appliances, look out for the energy label. This tells you how much energy an appliance uses and can help you find the most energy-efficient appliance for your needs.

If you’re eager to buy a home with strong eco-credentials, ensure the essentials are in place. Of course, you can put your own stamp on a property, but walking straight into a “green” house is a dream come true!

The post 10 Eco-Friendly Home Features to Check for When Buying a House appeared first on Green Building Insider.