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To create an environmentally sustainable home it is important to start with a clear focus on this objective from the outset. This will set the agenda for feasibility and initial design work, so that sustainable approaches can be investigated and incorporated into your design. You will also need to ensure that your project team have the right level of skill and expertise for this type of work. Your design team will be able to consider options and opportunities for sustainable design throughout the initial phases of your project.
There can sometimes be a concern that sustainability measures will increase the cost of a project; this doesn’t have to be the case, in fact a sustainable approach can increase value and lead to cost savings in various ways. Sustainability comes in many shapes and sizes, some approaches are very simple and straightforward while others may require highly technical techniques or equipment.
Certain elements of highly sustainable buildings (i.e. adding insulation in a refurbishment and achieving airtightness for a new build) have to be incorporated to some extent to comply with contemporary regulations anyway. Through undertaking this work it can be relatively straightforward to exceed the standards of the regulations and consequently achieve far greater benefits.
Most people undertaking work to their home plan to live in it for many years and/or to sell it at some stage. When discussing cost for any building project it is important to consider initial capital costs in relation to operating costs, future maintenance and upgrade costs, likely changes in market conditions and residual value. A small increase in capital cost for certain environmental measures may yield far greater financial benefits during the time that you will live in the property, making the decision a sound investment.
By considering sustainability from the outset of your project you can adopt an approach that achieves the best possible outcome and fits with your budget and other constraints.