Over the years, construction technology has advanced dramatically and these innovations have allowed houses and buildings to be more sustainable and energy efficient. Many governments around the world are recognizing the importance of sustainability and are now implementing policies that will encourage citizens to be a part of the solution. These solutions include making smart changes to residential and commercial buildings so they could be more sustainable.

For people who own an older property, this may prove to be a challenge. While older properties hold a certain level of charm and character making them more attractive to homeowners, older properties are also more likely to consume more energy. This is why many older homes struggle to meet current sustainability standards.

It doesn’t mean, however, that the only solution is to demolish and build from scratch. For historic properties protected by the government, this may not even be possible. So, is there a middle ground? The answer is yes. There are different methods on how property owners can overcome challenges and make their older properties more sustainable.

Proper Maintenance

If an older property has a lot of gaps, cracks, and openings, this allows heat to escape and cold to creep inside. By making sure that all of these issues are fixed, owners can significantly save on their heating bills, making the space more energy efficient.

It is best to consult with a professional to do a thorough survey of the property and check which areas need maintenance. Owners can also perform upgrades like using double-glazed or even triple-glazed windows to provide a more efficient barrier against outside temperatures. Using double-glazed windows is said to slow down the process of heat loss, meaning the building will use less energy to keep the space warm.

If the owner wants to add insulation to the property, insulating the roof first should be a first consideration. Heat loss through the roof is typically 25% and while heat loss through walls is 35% which is obviously higher, it is more cost-effective to insulate the roof than insulating the walls.

Installing Renewable Energy Sources

According to a report by the UK Environment Agency, houses alone account for 30% of UK’s total energy use. Take note that this figure does not even include commercial and industrial buildings. For people owning an older property, whether it is a house or a commercial building, they should consider installing solar panels or wind turbines.

Solar panels are more feasible especially for residential homes or properties in urban settings. While industrial building owners could check whether generating wind power is a viable option where their property is located because wind turbines require proper wind condition.

Using renewable energy can greatly benefit property owners. Some of the advantages of renewable energy include the following:

• The supply never runs out because it comes from the sun or wind.

• Renewable energy is clean energy because the CO2 emissions are so low that they are insignificant.

• Because it is clean energy, it is better for the overall health of the community.

• It can provide financial savings in the long run as you don’t need to depend on the power grid

• Installing solar panels or wind turbines can help improve a property’s energy rating, which is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom.

Using Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

If an owner is going to retrofit or upgrade an older property, one way to make it more sustainable is by using eco-friendly materials. These green materials are not only good for the home or office, but they are also kinder to the environment.

For example, if owners are thinking of plastering a wall, they should consider using eco-friendly plasters such as a lime plaster or an earthen plaster (also referred to as natural clay plaster). Using these eco-friendly materials can make the older property more sustainable.

But how about the cost? Generally, environmentally-friendly materials tend to be more expensive, however, this is now changing. The good news is that with more and more people becoming concerned about how their properties impact the environment, the demand for green-building materials has also increased. Higher demand means the cost has also become more attainable.

Replacing Older Appliances That Consume Too Much Energy

If an older property has old electronic appliances, then it is now a good time as any to replace these with more energy-efficient models. Ancient appliances such as boilers, heaters, refrigerators, television, washing machine, and dryer can be energy-guzzlers. Many people might think that keeping these electronics means they are saving money but in reality, these are contributing greatly to their energy consumption.

Replacing old appliances with newer models may mean that owners need to shell up money up front but in the long run, they will be saving more. This is because many electronics brands offer energy efficient products that consume significantly less energy but they provide the functionality of standard products or they even have more features. When electronic appliances consume less energy, this also reduces the impact to the environment.

Use Technology to Lower Energy Consumption

There are many technological innovations that can help older properties use less energy and resources. For example, replacing all incandescent lighting with LED lights. LED lights typically last 25% longer and use 75% less energy. LED lights may cost more money to buy but using these products will allow owners to save significantly on their energy bills.

Another option is to make use of smart switches and automation systems that could enable owners to program the property’s lighting, cooling, heating and other electronic devices so these utilities automatically switch off when not in use. There are smaller system set-ups for residential properties but there are also comprehensive building automation systems for commercial properties. Using these automation systems minimises energy waste especially in larger properties.

To save water, low flow faucets and shower heads can also be installed. These products reduce the flow of water, without the user necessarily noticing the difference. This is a good option especially if the owner wants to save on water bills.

Making Older Properties More Sustainable

It is very important for everyone, including property owners, to do their part in maintaining sustainability standards. While there are several sustainability roadblocks that an owner may face when it comes to an older property, these challenges are not impossible to overcome. Following these techniques could help property owners transform their older property into a more sustainable one.

Author: Emma Metson

cover image © unsplash