EDITORS CHOICE
HOUSES FOR THE FUTURE
during operation . By incorporating solar photovoltaic ( PV ) panels into new builds during the construction process , the components can be bought in bulk , which saves money , and the technology can be incorporated seamlessly into the home as opposed to retrofitting later .
Solar panels also appeal to those that want to save on energy bills . A typical home solar PV system can save up to 1.6 tonnes of carbon per year and can supplement between 20 to 30 per cent of a home ’ s electricity needs .
CONSTRUCTING SUSTAINABLE AND DURABLE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
In a survey by Home Quality Mark , over two thirds of respondents said sustainable features are important in a prospective property . For a home to be sustainable , it must have elements that lower environmental impact , but must also be built to last . Here , Nick Cowley , managing director at aluminium building product supplier , Endurawood , explores how to construct sustainable and durable new builds .
Government research has found that the UK needs to build up to 345,000 new homes per year to fulfil demand . While new homes must be produced quickly and sustainably ,
housebuilders must not compromise quality . Therefore , property developers need to examine new build features that both lower the environmental impact of a home and increase its lifespan .
LOCATION
The location of new builds can be as important for sustainability and durability as building methods and materials .
With UK flooding becoming common in recent years , housing area drainage must be considered . Flooding can cause structural damage , electrical faults , mould and debris . To prevent flooding , property developers can incorporate specially landscaped natural drainage points , such as ponds and ditches , which minimise the risk of flooding while creating a varied wildlife habitat .
Trees are another natural feature that reduce flooding by intercepting rainwater as it falls and evaporate it back into the atmosphere before it reaches the ground . Their roots help infiltrate water into the soil , reducing water runoff . This can also be reduced with permeable paving , such as pervious concrete and interlocking grass pavers .
ENERGY
Another consideration when constructing sustainable new builds is energy optimisation . Solar power is a renewable energy source that produces zero water or carbon emissions
It ' s also important to build with high energy efficiency in mind . Any appliance installed into the home should have at least an A energy rating , and using light emitting diode ( LED ) bulbs can save up to 90 per cent of energy compared to traditional bulbs .
Energy efficient windows and doors can also boost energy efficiency , by trapping heat inside and keeping rain and wind out . This weatherproofing increases the durability of the house by protecting it from damage , while improving energy efficiency .
BUILDING MATERIALS
The building materials used to construct a home are arguably the most important factors in its durability . In this area , it can be harder to strike a balance between being environmentally friendly and long lasting .
Aluminium strikes the balance of environmental and superior durability benefits . It has one of the highest recycling rates of any metal due to its ability to be melted and reformed without any loss in quality , and the recycling process of aluminium requires only five per cent of the initial energy consumed to create it .
Fortunately , the exceptional properties of aluminium can be combined with the traditional aesthetics of wood . Endurawood is an aluminium building material with a woodgrain finish . Endurawood is 100 per cent recyclable , and uses volatile organic compound ( VOC ) free coatings and lead-free finishes .
Furthermore , Endurawood is non-warping , corrosion resistant , non-porous , and frost resistant , proving a weatherproof material . It ’ s also insect proof and stain and scratch resistant , displaying ultimate durability that is suitable for a range of building projects , such as decking , fencing and cladding .
While many house buyers are looking for environmentally friendly features , they also want homes that are built to last . For property developers to satisfy both sustainability and durability requirements , they should carefully consider the home ’ s surroundings , energy usage and building materials . By building with the future of both the property and environment in mind , homes can be beneficial for all .
www . endurawood . co . uk
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