Sustainable solutions for summer 2024

Smart home strategies can help homeowners save money on utility bills and contribute to a healthier environment. These can be through installing a smart thermostat, which adjusts the temperature of a home according to the homeowner’s schedule and preferences, saving on energy bills, or through smart lighting, which uses motion sensors to ensure lights are only on when they are needed.

Good blinds can be a great energy saver, whether they are the standard version or smart, so that they can be controlled with a phone. Smart blinds can be pre-programed to block out the sun’s heat at its peak to help manage the temperature of houses/rooms during the summer months, maximising energy savings. 

The material and design of blinds can influence their effectiveness: honeycomb blinds are designed with a unique cellular structure that traps air, providing an excellent barrier against temperature changes. Roman blinds are another option, also made from thick fabrics that offer substantial insulation when drawn. They have a great ability to retain warmth in the winter while blocking out the summer sun, making them a versatile solution for year-round energy savings. Smart blinds can open and close at specific times of day responding to natural heat and cooling patterns of the day. They adjust based on real-time weather conditions, occupancy or pre-set schedules, optimising energy usage throughout the home, so in summer, closed blinds will cool a space and the opposite in winter.

Sustainable materials such as bamboo flooring and recycled wood are gaining popularity, reflecting a commitment to environmental conversion without compromising on style.

Rainwater harvesting has the ability to greatly reduce water bills, promote sustainability and is remarkably straightforward to install and manage. Rainwater harvesting can help conserve groundwater, save the energy required for tap water, limit stormwater runoff, nourish plants, and save money. Simple rainwater harvesters use rain barrels, trenches, retention ponds, or dams. More complex harvesters include surface water and rooftop collection systems.

We use around 40-50% of our water for potable uses such as flushing the toilet, washing clothes and watering the garden. For an average family this can help to reduce the cost of mains water by £250 to £300 a year, according to h2horganizing.com, a saving that may well be more profound in the future if prices start to rise due to demand.

Property buyers are also looking for homes that incorporate green technologies such as solar panels, heat transfer systems and rainwater harvesting. 72% of house hunters revealed in a survey that a home with a high energy efficiency rating is important to them.


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