Designing a More Sustainable Home

When you think of a sustainable home, you may picture something stripped back – using organic materials and little technology. However, in the modern world, advances in sustainability mean you can craft an eco-friendlier home that still leverages all the benefits of modern living and design style.

In terms of sustainability, the main aspects you can focus on are energy efficiency and waste – both of which contribute to carbon emissions and therefore climate change.

WASTE

The saying “buy cheap, buy twice” has more to it than most people ever consider. Poor housing materials don’t just add to bills in terms of redecorating costs – they also add to landfill and therefore to environmental burden. Using poor quality materials in the home means you’re likely to have to redecorate more frequently and much of it cannot be recycled.

Investing in quality, sustainable materials such as brick, stone and steel means you can build solid foundations that will last a long time. In terms of furniture, purchasing more minimalist pieces that can be styled with throws and other textiles when you want to redecorate is less damaging than having to throw out whole sofas because you’ve outgrown the style.

Ultimately, your goal in design is to cut down on wastage – especially in products that would go to landfill rather than be recycled. Crafting a room that has exposed brickwork, a hardwood floor and lighting accessories picked out in brass or nickel means creating something that can last for years and years without ever losing its appeal or becoming damaged or degraded.

Choose quality materials and you won’t just avoid buying twice, you’ll avoid sending more unnecessary waste to landfill and cut down on your redecorating requirements too.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Efficiency is extremely important – especially in the UK, where colder winters mean both gas and electric usage soars. If your home is not designed around efficiency, you’ll not only pay more for your heating – but you’ll also contribute more carbon emissions as your home draws more energy than an efficient one.

In terms of designing with energy efficiency in mind, consider your insulation and windows first. Combined, these two factors can heavily contribute to your home’s heat loss. Modern double glazing one of the simplest ways to reduce bills and boost efficiency.

However, another angle often left ignored is lighting – and by that we mean more than just energy efficient bulbs. Leaving the lights on in your home is responsible for huge energy wastage, with up to 0.69 kg of CO2 emitted per kilowatt hour according to Dr Adam Hawkes at Imperial College London. Optimising the way you use your lighting is therefore one of the most sustainable things you can do in your home.

At Wandsworth, we believe in crafting quality into everything we do. We cut down on waste by providing durable and beautiful switch and socket plates that can last for decades – and reduce bills further with smart home lighting automation. Get in touch to learn more.