Whether you undergo major renovations to your property, or just make a few simple lifestyle changes, becoming more environmentally friendly has to start at home. This is not only where we spend most of our time, but it’s also where we use most of our resources, from water to electricity. 

When looking to cut back on how many we use, the traditional approach of simply using less in the first place is no longer the only way. There are many technologies, appliances, and home design features that do all the hard work for us, creating minimal disruption not only to our daily lives but more importantly to the environment. What’s more, these handy tools needn’t cost the Earth. 

In this post, we’ll highlight some of the most effective home design features that will help you to play your part in protecting the planet every single day. 

Lighting 

By now, everyone will be well versed in the importance of switching off lights when we’re not in a room, but that’s not the only way we can save both money and energy when it comes to lighting. Technology can be used in so many different ways to improve any home’s lighting system.

Your first port of call, particularly if you live in an older property, is to replace any incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. Not only will LED bulbs use less energy during their lifespan, but they’ll also need replacing far less frequently, creating less waste in more ways than one. 

On a larger scale, if you’re planning any renovation or redesign work, you should always consider the ways you can bring more natural light into the home. In the absence of physically installing more or larger windows, you could look to place more shiny objects in a room, and also consider using a lighter colour palette. Both of these things will help to reflect any light that does come in around the room, making spaces feel brighter and thus mitigating the need to switch on the lights. 

Renewable Energy Production 

Although it can often seem like renewable energy is out of reach, there are actually a number of ways that you can use it in your own home. One of the most popular options is solar power. By installing solar panels on your roof, you can collect energy from the sun and use it to power your home. If you do opt to use residential solar power, there are a few things to take into consideration to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment. 

Solar electricity panels work most effectively when positioned on a south-facing roof, that isn’t shaded by trees or other buildings. They should also be used in conjunction with a solar storage system, which essentially works as a battery and retains energy for the darker days. Solar panels can be expensive to install and maintain, so it’s recommended that you have an expert carry out a survey of your property to ensure it’s suitable for this type of renewable energy. 

Water 

Whilst many people may never feel the effects of the planet’s water wastage emergency, it’s important we all play our part to look after this most precious resource. As technology continues to evolve, it’s becoming easier than ever to save water at home without having to limit shower times.

Many homes have features that use water more efficiently, helping to save money on utility bills and protect the environment simultaneously. One common feature of a water-efficient home is a low-flow showerhead, which uses less water than a standard showerhead without sacrificing water pressure. Another is a dual-flush toilet, which has two buttons for flushing – one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. This saves water by using less for liquid waste, which makes up the majority of what is flushed. 

These features work best when paired with a smart water meter. These easy-to-use devices allow you to automatically check your water usage, which not only makes it easier to track how much is being used but can also identify any issues such as leaks more quickly.

These are just a few of the many ways that homeowners can save water. By making a few simple changes, it’s easy to save money and help the environment at the same time.

For more sustainable home design ideas, head to our website CADdetails.com and see how we can help you.

Author: Olivia Elsher