7 Ways to a More Sustainable Home

7 Ways to a More Sustainable Home

What is a sustainable home?

A sustainable house maximises energy efficiency, reduces environmental impacts and improves quality of life. Creating a more sustainable home doesn’t have to be hard and there are many simple and effective ways to do this.

Here are 7 ways to a more sustainable home.

Use Sustainable Building Materials

Small changes in product selection can provide significant environmental benefits. Prioritise materials from companies committed to sustainability, such as cladding from the Weathertex natural cladding range with a better-than-zero carbon footprint or Intergrain® Nature’s TimberOil™ made from 95% sustainable ingredients. In addition, select timber products that are PEFC and FSC certified timber for an environmentally friendly choice.

Install a Water Tank

Reduce reliance on the main water supply by installing a water tank. This simple change can help minimise water consumption from traditional sources, contributing to overall water conservation. Water tanks come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to suit a variety of properties.

Improve Home Insulation

Installing insulation in the home is a cost-effective solution for minimising heat transfer through building materials. Insulation will not only reduce energy consumption within the home, it will keep the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This results in lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint.

For a wide range of insulation options, explore Bowens selection of insulation online.

Install Underfloor Heating

Unlike traditional heating, underfloor heating heats the floor in the home rather than the room. It means the heat is not rising, leaving the room chilly once the heater is turned off. Underfloor heating provides an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to warm the home and is surprisingly easy to install.

Explore our underfloor heating options online, designed to save energy and costs in the home.

Switch to Water-Saving Fixtures

Install water-saving shower heads and tapware with a high WELS rating. This rating informs the purchaser of the product’s water consumption at a glance. For example, a 4-star rated shower head uses 6.5 litres per minute, whereas a 3-star rated shower head uses 9 litres per minute. This allows the purchaser to make an educated decision and help conserve water within the home. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting

Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs is a quick and effective way to reduce energy consumption. LED bulbs, despite their higher initial cost, are the most energy-efficient option, ensuring long-term savings and a lower environmental impact.

Ditch the Dryer

Austral™ Standard Fold Down Clothesline Woodland Grey

Clothes dryers consume a large amount of household electricity, resulting in higher energy costs and annual emissions. Air-drying clothes on a clothesline or clotheshorse can go a long way to a more sustainable home. If it is impossible to ditch the dryer, consider buying an energy-efficient dryer and use it only when necessary. 

Need a new clothesline? Browse our clothesline range now.

Creating a more sustainable home does require a higher initial outlay of costs, however, by implementing some of these tips, you can reduce energy consumption and save on living costs, plus contribute to a healthier environment and more sustainable life.