1. Are there any effective strategies for managing water consumption in a home to save energy?
Yes, there are many things you can do to reduce your water consumption. You can install fittings such as water saving toilets and showers that use less water than conventional products. You can consider rain water recycling, which can be as simple as a water butt which you use to water plants in the garden or can be a larger scale system which collects rainwater in a tank, which is then filtered and pumped into the house to be used for washing machines and toilet flushing etc. You can have a similar system for grey water recycling (waste water from sinks, showers, baths, washing machines and dishwashers) which can be filtered and re-used as non-potable water. Reducing your water use will reduce your bills if you are on a water meter, and as you are charged for the water you use and wastewater services (the discharge and treatment of the water you use) you can save money on both usage and wastage. Finally, you can consider landscaping and choose plants that are drought tolerant to reduce the amount of water needed in your garden in the summer.
2. What role does landscaping play in making a home more energy efficient, and what are some eco-friendly landscaping ideas?
- Planting for shade can help to prevent internal overheating in the summer months. Consider areas where you have south-facing glazing that may be at risk of causing overheating and think about the plants and trees you choose to plant in front of this. Deciduous trees in these areas can work well as they provide shade in summer but let light through when they lose their leaves in winter. Similarly, you can use vines and other deciduous climbers planted along a pergola structure above windows that will provide summer shading but will let light through in the winter when the leaves die back.
- Green roofs are a way to incorporate planting into the fabric of your building. There are different types of green roofs that are suitable for different types of planting, but in general they provide added insulation, help with water management and provide habitat/food sources for insects.
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- Intensive – these types of green roofs can support all types of planting, from grasses to shrubs and trees. They require a deeper soil and drainage layer than other types of green roofs and are therefore much heavier and need an appropriate structural system to support this weight. They will require regular maintenance and may require irrigation in hot weather. They are often accessible and used as rooftop gardens. These types of green roofs are usually used on large buildings, and not typically on residential projects.
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- Semi-Intensive – these types of green roofs can support a wide range of plants including grasses and small shrubs. They have a medium depth of soil and drainage, which means they are also heavy and need appropriate structural support. Like intensive green roofs, they require regular maintenance and may require irrigation in the summer months. They are often used in high visibility areas to improve the visual amenity of the roof from within the building or from surrounding areas
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- Extensive – these types of green roofs have a thinner layer of growing medium than other types of green roof, and are suitable for plants like sedums and some wildflowers. These are common on different types of buildings, from residential properties to large-scale commercial buildings.
- You can plan your landscaping to increase biodiversity. Some ideas for this include planting a range of native flowers and fruit trees to encourage insects and birds into your garden. Creating log piles can provide habitats for insects and animals. Including a pond or bird bath will also help to attract animals and insects to your outdoor space. You can also start your own compost heap at home with your fruit and vegetable peelings and garden waste to help reduce waste.
- The government has introducing new planning legislation which mandates 10% Biodiversity Net Gain on new developments. This has applied to major developments since November 2023 and small developments since April 2024 (with certain exemptions including householder applications such as house extensions and self/custom-build houses). This means that developers will have to quantify the biodiversity value of a site and put a plan in place to mitigate any biodiversity losses and increase the biodiversity value of the site by 10%. The biodiversity value of a site is calculated using biodiversity metrics and Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved through on-site improvements, off-site improvements or by purchasing biodiversity credits. They must first try to achieve 10% Biodiversity Net Gain with on-site improvements, and if they can demonstrate this is not possible they can move onto the next options in the above order
- Consider planting drought tolerant plants to reduce your water use during hotter summers. There are more drought resistant alternatives to the traditional lawn, including clover or wildflower meadows.
Creating high-quality outdoor spaces has benefits not only for the environment, but also for our well-being, so it is worth investing in creating a nature-rich space for you and your local wildlife to enjoy.
At Keystone Architecture and Design we are passionate about improving the sustainability of the built environment. We have the knowledge and skills to take a holistic approach to designing your new building or extension, ensuring you get a high-performance building with the spaces you need and the finish quality you want. If you are considering a high-performance new build, a Passive House project or retrofitting an existing property please contact us to see how we can help by email, phone or by using the contact form on our website.
07752 979244
www.keystonead.co.uk/contact