More and more people are concerned about their environmental impact on the world, and this certainly starts when you are at home. Therefore, if you are going to go through the huge upheaval of building a home extension, it makes sense that you do everything that you can to ensure that it is eco-friendly. There are several different ways of achieving this particular goal that we are going to examine in a higher level of detail right here and now.
1. Source the Right Materials
First and foremost, you should make a special effort to ensure that you source all of the right materials. A big part of this comes down to what sort of home you have, but it is certainly a good idea to consider your options with the widest possible scope. For example, wood tends to be an environmentally choice if it is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Also, it can be used in a wide range of different situations. Bamboo is becoming increasingly used thanks to its strength and versatility. Not only this, but it grows at an extremely rapid rate. You can also look into the option of using reclaimed building materials wherever this is possible.
2. Dispose of Materials in a Green Way
As well as using all of the right materials, you can also make a special effort to ensure that they are disposed of in the proper way as well. For example, you should certainly recycle everything that you can. You may also be able to pass on some of the building materials to other people. It could all be used in a different situation. Check out a skip size guide to ensure that you have the necessary receptacle to put everything into.
3. Maximize Insulation
Rather than having to put in insulation at a later date, it makes sense that you do it when you are actually building the extension itself. Ensuring that there is a continuous layer of insulation throughout the walls, ceiling, floor and roof can really make all the difference in ensuring that your heating bills are kept low and you do not have to run the heating all day, every day.
4. Install LEDs
Another area in which you can ensure that your extension is done in the greenest possible way is by installing some LEDs. These consume a fraction of the energy of their wasteful counterparts and it certainly makes sense that you install them at this early opportunity. While the upfront cost may be initially higher, it can make all the difference in the long run.
5. Fit a Skylight
If it fits in with your extension, a skylight is a highly useful way that you are going to be able to cut back on your lighting bills. Not only this, but they also act as a passive form of solar heating. Putting in some blinds gives you an extra level of control when it comes to regulating the temperature during the summer.
