Tag: eco-house

Advice Center, The science of a happy home

Everything to know about an Eco-house

6th January 20220

What is an eco-house?   

An eco-house is an environmentally low-impact home. Designed and built using materials and technology that reduces its carbon footprint and lowers its energy needs. Eco-homes are important to the environment because they meet the sustainable needs. For example,  

  • Reducing waste by re-using and recycling materials.  
  • Energy generation  
  • Controlling pollution  
  • Water conservation 

Why are they important?  

There designed to have little impact on the planet. Standard homes burn fossil fuels for power and heat; however, the fuels are the leading cause of climate change. Whereas, eco-friendly homes are all about being energy efficient and using natural materials.  

The 3 key elements to most eco homes –  

Renewable energy –  

Firstly, a renewable electricity supply is vital for an eco-house. The most popular way to generate your own electricity is by installing solar panels. Initially, solar panels can be quite expensive, however, in the long run, you will be saving loads.  

Insulation –  

Eco-houses hold onto heat better. In addition, insulation, airtightness, and double/ triple glazed windows are important in sustainable designs. By creating an insulated, airtight house regulates its own temperature. In addition, meaning you won’t need a boiler or a heating system. 

Sustainable materials –  

Finally, an eco-house is one fully built from sustainably sourced and natural materials. Wood is used to build timber frames of eco-houses. It is best to use recycled materials, instead of getting brand ones.  

Benefits of eco-houses –  

  • Lower energy bills  
  • Less maintenance works  
  • Better air quality  
  • Higher property value  
  • Innovative design  

How much does it cost to build an eco-house?  

The price of your eco-house will depend on the size, location, and whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an old property. In addition, Eco-houses can be very expensive. However, it is proven that in the long term they are actually cheaper.  

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Design and insperation

Eco-Friendly Ways To Improve And Create An Eco-House

25th November 20210

Building an eco-house has never been easier than what they are now. They have become the new focus for many new builds, wanting to help the environment.  

What is an eco-house? 

An eco-house is a type of home that tries to lessen its impact if the environment. This affects everything, including the materials chosen to build it. Also, the water and energy usage are set up to be as efficient as possible. 

Are eco-homes good to live in? 

One of the biggest benefits of choosing to build with eco materials is that they are free from harmful chemicals, finishes, and potential environmental pollutants. This makes them safer to build and a healthier home environment.  

Do you need planning permission for an eco-house? 

Getting planning permission for an eco-project will be similar to planning permission on a traditional build. Whether you get accepted will depend on the location and the overall look and design of your project.   

If you are planning to build an eco-house here are some things you should include:  

  • Double or triple glazed windows  
  • Large windows that increase daylight – larger windows means that more sun light will light up the house. This will help you save energy.  
  • High levels of insulation – increasing the amount of thermal insulation is the main component of preventing energy loss.  
  • High levels of airtightness 
  • Heating and/or hot water provision from a renewable source (solar panels, heat pump) 
  • Renewable energy systems, such a solar PV and solar thermal – placing solar panels towards the sun means that you will be getting free heat and electricity gained from the sun 
  • Build with sustainable materials  

How much does it cost to build an eco-house? 

Eco-houses and their various features can be more expensive than traditional homes. However, you should keep in mind that you are making an investment in the environment. In Scottland, it cost around £325,000 to build an eco-house in the Unst, but because of the extra costs, it would come to around £195,000 – £200,000 on the mainland. 

Why are eco-friendly homes important? 

Green homes are environmentally friendly because they make use of renewable and plentiful clean energy sources. They also help reduce your carbon footprint; this would help slow climate change. They reduce air and water pollution and helps maintain clean water resources.  

Alternative Sources of Energy and Eco Homes - Environments in Danger