Eco Projects How To Be An Eco Property Developer

Date Published:

30/05/2008

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is popular because it removes the need for ugly radiators and increases comfort and room space in difficult areas like bathrooms. Underfloor heating transfers its heat through conduction, literally warming everything standing on it, and therefore warming the room from the floor up. Traditional heating systems rely on convection or radiation, which typically warm the upper spaces first, and require more energy expenditure.

Insulation

Green power and sustainable energy sources are pointless unless the property is adequately insulated. There are a variety of products that are very efficient at insulating both lofts and cavity walls, but an increasingly popular eco method is to use sheep wool. This material contains no nasty chemicals, can rapidly absorb and release water vapour, and thus help to keep buildings comfortably temperate all year round.

Energy Savers

If you are developing a property to let, why not assist your tenants in their eco habits by supplying energy saver light bulbs, energy efficient white and brown goods and - most important of all - providing designated space for sorting and storing recyclables. Even the most conscientious recyclers can find it difficult tidily storing old newspapers, cans, bottles etc between collections, so having designated space for this would be a tremendous boon.

Water Recycling & Conservation

Most new loos will provide long or short flush options. You can even buy little box-like gadgets that sit in the cistern of older loos and help save water. But you can go further. As every gardener knows, harvesting rainwater is a good way of beating the hosepipe ban every summer, but collected rainwater and recycled grey water can also be re-tasked to flush your loo or run your washing machine. Composting toilets, meanwhile, can provide surprisingly sweet smelling nutrients for your garden as well as relieving the burden on our overworked sewage system.

Recycling Materials

If you are going to extend or reconfigure living space, look into sourcing recycled materials like bricks or insulation. Likewise, sourcing things like fireplaces from salvage yards cuts down on waste while investing the property with character. If you need to replace guttering, why not consider copper? Copper is durable, doesn't crack, and moss and lichens cannot grow on it.

Green Sourcing

Almost every material used in the home has its greener alternative. Organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council are able to give guidance on sourcing flooring and timber from sustainable sources. There are also abundant suppliers of organic and eco-paints, lime plasters and earth or clay products. These not only benefit the environment, but can often help alleviate allergy symptoms.