If you’re a property developer looking to start a new project, it is worth looking at ways you can make your development a low-carbon one. There is a real demand for zero and low-carbon properties as the reliance on fossil fuels fall steadily out of favour with consumers. By making your next property development with carbon emissions in mind, you will make your properties incredibly desirable to the growing cross-section of society who want to mitigate their impact on the planet.
It can be challenging to know the best ways to make a construction project low-carbon. The construction industry has taken good steps towards becoming greener, but it will still take some creative thinking to make a property development as carbon-neutral as possible.
Use High-Quality Insulation
Insulation is one of the best ways to avoid energy waste in a property. Improperly insulated buildings leak heat which can cost buyers more in energy bills and waste vital energy. You should look for high-quality insulation made from sustainable materials. Sheep’s wool is a popular option as a natural and sustainable option for insulation, though it can be more costly than traditional insulation options. However, the cost is well worth the investment for both your buyers and the planet.
Additionally, changing the siding on your home can make a big difference in your energy-efficiency endeavors by reducing the amount of heat through walls and increasing overall insulation effectiveness. Investing in high-quality and energy-efficient materials is essential for increasing the value of your property and making it more environmentally friendly.
Install Triple Glazed Windows
Double glazing has been the standard for new build houses for decades now, but if you want to push for the best energy efficiency, triple glazing is the best solution. They have a range of benefits, including better draft prevention, improved energy efficiency, reduced noise pollution and better durability. Quality triple glazing is the best option for the windows of your development and will show your commitment to sustainability.
Choose LED Lighting
Installing LED lighting throughout the properties in your development is an excellent sustainable practice. LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs and use a fraction of the energy to power. This will ensure that the properties use minimal energy to light throughout their lifespan and offer excellent value to buyers.
Get Business Sustainability Training
As a business owner, it is your job to know how to adapt to the latest changes in sustainability in construction. Educating yourself can be an excellent way to understand the best ways to get to a net zero emissions goal and get ahead of changes in legislation and policy that are set to be enacted in the future. Consider online courses that can help you fit your studies effortlessly around the day-to-day running of your business. Options like climate change short courses can be excellent for giving you the knowledge foundation you need.
Utilise Solar Panels
Installing solar panels on each of your properties is another great selling point for your project and an excellent way to maximise energy efficiency in the property. Solar panels provide energy for a property generated by the heat and light of the sun. The property owners will have to pay less on their energy bills and may even be able to sell any excess back to the grid.
Design Homes With Skylights
Skylights can be an excellent addition to properties which can reduce the energy consumption of the property by allowing greater access to natural light. Not only are they excellent options for sustainability, but they are also a stylish and attractive addition to any property. There are many types of skylights that could be installed on a property, so it is a good idea to discuss the options with your architect to find the best solution.
Switch To Low Carbon Concrete
Concrete is a key construction material, but it contributes to a significant percentage of emissions linked to the construction industry. Switching from traditional concrete to low-carbon concrete can be an excellent way to mitigate this issue. Low-carbon concrete provides all of the same quality and benefits as conventional concrete, but with changes in the production and composition help to reduce the overall carbon used to produce the material.
Incorporate Green Spaces
Green spaces are another crucial element of a low-carbon property development. Incorporating green spaces helps offset the carbon produced by the properties and offers an attractive space for residents to enjoy. It can make your development all the more appealing to key demographics like families. Green spaces also serve a vital function in preventing flooding, soaking up rainwater and taking pressure off the drainage systems.
Conclusion
Building a low-carbon property development can make excellent financial sense. It can benefit property buyers, the planet and your business if done correctly. You may need to spend more during construction to make the project as low-carbon as possible, but you will see a return on your investment thanks to the high demand for low-carbon properties. It is crucial that you focus on quality and sustainability in every area of the development to show your business’s commitment to going green.
