Eco Fact Sheet

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Domestic Eco-Renovation + Eco-Maintenance

Upgrading existing properties to make them as energy efficient as possible is an important part of reducing the UK 's CO 2 [Carbon Dioxide] emissions. In addition, we need to maintain the building fabric of our homes both internally and externally, while minimising the environmental impact of any refurbishment work undertaken.

Reduce energy and CO 2 emissions in use

To heat and light your home and power your appliances you will produce CO 2 . It is important to minimise these emissions. Reduce the energy consumption of your home by improving the building fabric, eliminating uncontrolled ventilation [draughts] and using energy efficient lights and appliances. Reduce CO 2 emissions further by careful choice of heating system. If your house is heated by electricity, replace electric heaters with a central heating system fed by a condensing boiler [mains gas, LPG, oil] or high efficiency wood burning boiler. Using electricity to heat homes and hot water has a very high environmental impact. Almost twice as much CO 2 is produced per kWh of electricity as opposed to a kWh of heat from a gas condensing boiler.

REPLACE old boilers with an A-rated condensing boiler
UPGRADE controls for the boiler and hot water cylinder, and fit thermostatic radiator valves
INSULATE hot water cylinder and pipework, especially the primary pipework between the boiler and cylinder
INSTALL reflective foil behind radiators that are on outside walls
DRAUGHT PROOF doors, windows and unsealed openings such as disused chimneys. Introduce controlled ventilation to prevent condensation problems
UPGRADE loft insulation. 200mm of insulation ( recycled cellulose, sheep's wool, mineral fibre) is the recommended minimum
INSULATE and draught proof suspended wooden floors. Ensure floor void is well ventilated
INSULATE external walls. Grants may be available for cavity wall insulation. Check with your local council
UPGRADE single glazed windows to high performing timber framed double glazed windows with soft coat low-e glass with argon fill, or install secondary glazing
INSTALL low energy light bulbs
BUY A-rated washing machines, fridge freezers etc (or A+ if available)
SIGN UP to a "green" electricity supplier to stimulate the growth of renewables in the electricity industry.
However, using green electricity does not offset the CO 2 emissions from electric space heaters
CONSIDER installing a solar water heating system, photovoltaics and/or a wind turbine. Grants are available (up to April 2006 if funds last) from central Government for the installation of some zero or low carbon energy sytems. However do not do this at the expense of basic energy efficiency measures

Conserve water and reduce storm water run off

Demand for water in the UK is rising steadily. The average person in the UK uses 140 litres of water a day. This rising demand is a problem, especially during times of low rainfall. At the same time flooding is increasing, both from building on flood plains but also because of the increased rainfall. A sustainable water strategy addresses both these issues.

FIT cistern displacement devices into existing WC cisterns (available free from your local water supplier)
FIT flush reduction devices to existing WCs
WHEN replacing WCs consider models with an effective flush of 4.5L or less
FIT flow regulators on basin taps and showers if your water supply is fed from the mains. However if you have an electric shower never fit any thing to lessen the flow as this can cause scalding.
COLLECT rainwater for use in the garden and construct a garden that requires minimum water with drought resistant species and plenty of organic mulches. This reduces your water demand and also reduces the strain on surface water drains during storms.

Reduce pollution and resource depletion in the external environment

Every material you use will have had some sort of environmental impact during its manufacture, some more than others. Use local, renewable or natural materials. When looking at a particular material choice always ask, "does its unique positive function over-ride its environmental impact?"

CHOOSE only zero ozone depleting materials (Zero ODP)
CONSIDER materials that are natural and from a renewable resource
CHOOSE materials that have a low embodied energy and are not polluting in their manufacture, use or disposal
USE locally grown or FSC accredited timber
USE durable timber species externally to reduce the amount of preservatives that are needed, e.g. heartwood of English oak, sweet chestnut and European larch
USE materials or products that are reclaimed or recycled
CHOOSE durable products that have a long life span and are low maintenance
AVOID PVC
SOURCE materials from manufacturers with a proven environmental management record who can readily supply environmental and health data

Reduce pollution in the internal environment

The internal environment in many buildings is often more polluted than the external environment. Allergies such as asthma are on the increase, as are cases of multiple chemical sensitivity. Some materials, for example many paints and carpets, give off harmful gases once in the house

USE hard flooring and avoid carpets / coverings that will harbour dust mites, chemicals etc
USE linoleum instead of vinyl flooring
USE low emission paints and finishes
THERE is generally no need to treat internal timbers if basic good design principles are followed. Establish the cause of insect or rot attack and rectify using environmental controls where possible (adjust temperature, ventilation etc to make atmosphere undesirable to fungi and pests)
AVOID chemical damp proofing where possible. Most damp problems can be solved by repairing defects in the building structure , e.g. clearing gutters and drains, unblocking air bricks, repointing etc
CONSIDER reducing the effect of electromagnetic fields when re-wiring

Biodiversity

Gardens can be a haven for wildlife. The following will improve the natural habitat.

RETAIN hedges and protect from building work
CREATE wild areas using native trees, shrubs and wildflowers
ENCOURAGE wildlife by installing bird / bat boxes
BUILD dry stone walls
PUT in a pond
Conserve water and reduce storm water run off cont.....
FIT flow regulators on basin taps and showers if your water supply is fed from the mains. However if you have an electric shower never fit any thing to lessen the flow as this can cause scalding.
COLLECT rainwater for use in the garden and construct a garden that requires minimum water with drought resistant species and plenty of organic mulches. This reduces your water demand and also reduces the strain on surface water drains during storms.

This fact sheet was written by Cath Hassell for the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) May 2005

Produced with the financial assistance of the Ecology Building Society