Energy efficient homes are fast becoming the norm right now as it’s been shown that buildings produce twice as much carbon emission than cars and planes put together. So much so that the UK Green Building Council has claimed that twenty-five million pre-existing homes in the UK will need to get refurbished before 2050 in order to meet insulation requirements, as part of a Homes Fit for the Future campaign that is built around five main goals: reducing carbon emissions, investing in energy efficiency to create economic growth and more jobs, improving the well-being and lowering NHS costs by providing better homes, increasing energy security by reducing the importation of other sources of energy such as gas, reducing energy bills and consequently relieving the economical pressure on the poorer part of the population.

This is part of a more general campaign aiming to reduce carbon emissions by an ambitious 80% in the UK by 2050.

While it will seem like a bit of a big feat, you can do your part without necessarily needing to get knee deep into a complete overhaul of your home, and still achieve a very respectable lessened impact on the environment and a more economical and sustainable way of living.

Insulation

Better insulation is the backbone of the UK Green Building Council’s campaign. In its Homes Fit for the Future report, it claims that 6 to 7 million cavities, 7 million lofts and 1 million solid walls will need to get properly insulated by 2020 in order to meet carbon emissions expectations.

Energy efficient windows

If your windows are more than 15 years old, it might be time for a replacement. Draughty windows play in major part in skyrocketing energy bills and energy waste. It’s all the more important in bigger cities when pollution can be an even bigger issue in the winter months, as energy conservation and pollution are correlated: by opting for more energy efficient windows, you’re also reducing your needs in electricity and the subsequent pollution that emanate from the power plants producing your energy. It’s a win-win situation for you and the environment!

Committing to using less energy

Smaller commitments inside the home can also make big changes in your energy bills. Simple things like making sure heating is automated (thanks to programmable thermostats) to avoid being on when nobody’s home, using energy-efficient light bulbs (LED light bulbs are currently the optimal alternative on the market), and opting for energy-efficient homeware in general (look out for the A rated appliances) are easy enough to implement with undeniable benefits. Greener options don’t always seem to be the most economical options at first, but you will never regret it.