7 Ways to Save Power in the Home through Sustainable Design

Sustainable design projects have significantly increased in popularity mostly due to the fact that the cost of energy continues to rise. You have the option of renovating the existing home to make it a far-sight more sustainable or look at a complete new build project designed from the ground up to incorporate sustainable features. In the process of consulting with an architect to create a more eco-friendly home, you want to make certain it incorporates a wide range of features, from how you decorate and use the property to how water and energy is used. Each of these different elements can have a significant impact on the sustainability of the property.

Here are the seven ways to save energy by implementing a sustainable design:

Electricity

 

If at all possible you might want to look at the viability of installing a renewable energy system, such as a small wind turbine, solar panels or hybrid system (power and wind system), to help generate your own source of energy.

Water Heating

In a typical household up to 15% of the energy used is needed for heating the water supply. It is possible to put in practice several different methods for reducing this energy use, from using installation on the hot water pipe's and tank to using automatic timers.

Insulation

Cooling and heating costs are likely to go down significantly if you are able to put in place in the right size and thickness of installation within the walls and roof spaces. Old-styled properties are likely to have minimal installation; therefore it might be advisable to use the services of a home energy adviser to give guidance on the type of installation required.

Air Sealing

Have the property inspected for air leaks. If detected these can be sealed with weather-strip and caulk. This ensures cold air is no longer able to enter the property.

Lighting

You'll likely find the energy used for lighting a home is in the region of 10%, which can easily be reduced if you are able to rely on the more energy-efficient LED lights. If constructing a new build it is highly beneficial to add large north and south-facing windows, which should help limit your reliance on artificial lighting. But, if you're in an old-styled home you might wish to look at renovating the property with the latest energy-efficient windows.

Decorate

Look at decorating the home with sustainable design materials, such as cork and bamboo, which are entirely environmentally friendly and a safe option for the flooring. Paint is available with minimal Volatile organic compound (VOC) content, which will make it a far-sight less harmful.

Appliances

Make sure to use the latest electrical appliances which come with high energy ratings, which cost a far-sight less to operate and are also more environmentally friendly.