Which materials to choose?
Many materials used in our homes have environmentally
harmful production methods. Choosing your materials carefully can have a major impact on how environmentally-friendly your improvements are.
Where possible, try to find materials that are independently certified as being harmless to the environment, and natural products, such as cork and grass-based floor coverings.
You can buy a whole range of recycled materials including
bricks, roof tiles, slates or crushed concrete. You might also be able to reuse materials from your own home. Local salvage yards or demolition sites can be a source of ready materials. Check with the Architectural Salvage Index on 01488 203221 and also the Salvo Network (external website) to ensure that salvage has been obtained ethically.
Consider using local materials from local suppliers. ‘Local’ has been defined by the National Association of Farmer’s Markets as an area within 50 miles of a major urban centre. However, sometimes it’s better to buy materials from further afield if they are better for the environment in other ways. Ask suppliers whether they will take back any unused or waste materials.
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) (external website) has published a Green Guide to Housing Specification. The guide assesses the environmental impact of common wall, roof, floor and other construction materials, giving them a rating from A (good) to C (poor).
For further information about green alternatives to common building products, such as metals and aggregates, visit Green Spec (external website).
Windows
Timber windows and doors are better for the environment than other options, according to WWF (external website). Their research into the relative merits of wooden and u-PVC windows (called Window Of Opportunity) is available from their website.
Conservatories
Conservatories work best if they are on the southerly aspect of buildings and are free from over-shading by trees and other structures.
Provide high and low level opening vents and blinds to help reduce excessive summer and afternoon heat.
Conservatories should be separate from the main building. Walls, windows and doors facing into the conservatory should be insulated to the same standards as any other external part of your home.
Conservatories should not be heated (other than background heat to prevent frost).
Where to get tools
Decorating a home can be costly. It may be better to borrow tools from friends, neighbours and family or to hire tools and equipment instead of buying them. By hiring equipment you will reduce the impact on the environment. Yellow Pages (external website) will contain details of tool hire companies.
Could your roof be green?
Green roofs incorporate a ‘living’ element such as mosses and lichens and even shrubs and small trees. Green roofs help regulate water flow from a roof by slowing down the flow rates. They also provide a valuable wildlife resource and keep the rooms underneath warm in winter and cool in summer. They soundproof too and also improve air quality. For further details on the benefits of green roofs visit Living roofs (external website).