Written by
Mark O'Brien
With the government keen to encourage more ‘eco-towns’ and developments of eco-homes, it is time that many Britons began to assess the advantages of living in one of these more energy-efficient properties. Here’s a list of 10 reasons why the environmentally-conscious householder should consider moving to an eco-home:
- Lower Bills. Possibly the greatest advantage of all to eco-homes is the drastic cut in water and energy bills, due to high levels of energy-efficiency, both in the appliances and the fitting of energy-efficienct or renewable energy systems such as underfloor heating and no-tank water heaters.
- Be part of the environmental solution. With housing in the UK responsible for 16 per cent of the total CO2 emissions, eco-homes represent a clean break with the polluting ways of the past, and a great legacy for all of our children’s future.
- Healthy building materials. Eco-homes are made from materials with as low an environmental impact and as few harmful chemicals as possible, enhancing the health of you and your family.
- Strong, low maintenance building materials. An eco-home’s building materials are usually more durable than other properties, thus requiring less upkeep. Some other fittings, such as bamboo floors, are also easier to clean than fitted carpets.
- Low-waste production. Many eco-homes are modular, built in facilities which practice waste recycling and mean that less waste is left where the homes are built. With recycled materials used in construction as well, eco-homes keep waste to an absolute minimum.
- Local materials. The amount of air miles used to transport building materials is a significant factor in a home’s ?carbon footprint.? Eco-homes use locally produced materials as much as possible in order to keep this footprint as small as possible.
- Preservation of the surrounding area. Eco-homes try to work with the environment around them in order to minimise the building’s impact on wildlife and the water supply. Methods include native landscaping, which cuts out the need for additional water sources from outside the area.
- Water recycling. Eco-homes make the most of your water, this means they use so-called ‘grey water’ from washing and baths in toilet cisterns and irrigation. This cuts down on bills and helps the environment.
- Long-lasting homes. In the long-term, an eco-home is built to last and will be sustainable for many generations to come. This long-life is fantastic both as a property legacy for your family and for its market value.
- Hefty resale value. Because eco-homes are designed to be both economical and long-lasting, their market value is significantly enhanced.
Make your home eco-friendly today with Terra Therma’s underfloor heating services.
