Green Energy

Green energy, or renewable energy, and materials are or at least should be at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to home improvement, not only for the sake of their own domestic fuels bills but for the sake of the planet. The adoption of energy saving technologies and changes in behaviour can reduce the “carbon footprint” – the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels, etc. – of an average home by anything up to 40%.

It is now possible to obtain electricity that is 100% renewable by switching to a specialist supplier but there are other changes, large and small, that you can make to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Improving loft or cavity wall insulation, for example, or fitting thermostatic radiator valves or energy efficient light bulbs need not be expensive and there are grants and offers available to ease the cost still further. Larger projects, such as solar panels, or wind turbines are more expensive and require more forethought in terms of the location of your home, etc. but can, nevertheless, slash your annual fuel bills and carbon footprint and often pay for themselves within a few years. Even on a small scale such systems can be used to generate electricity for lighting in your home or garden or for charging mobile phones.

If you are considering a flooring project, you may like to consider using renewable materials such as linoleum or bamboo. In fact, the use of renewable materials has nowadays reached as far as the personal computer; an environmentally friendly PC which uses up to 70% less electricity than a typical PC and has a biodegradable bamboo case is now available.

The current economic downturn and the fact that housing prices are likely to fall by a further 15% or 20% during 2009, according to the most pessimistic estimates, dictates that for many people moving home does not make economic sense. By the same token, the credit crunch means that the amount of disposable income available for home improvements is limited so the emphasis for 2009 is likely to be on affordable, practical improvements.

Even something as simple as a new coat of paint on exterior woodwork can vastly improve the appearance of your home, not to mention providing essential weatherproofing of say timber window frames. Exterior paint is available in a number of different finishes – gloss, matte, eggshell, etc. – and while you are likely to err on the side of caution colour-wise on the exterior of your home, 2009 is likely to be all about bright colours and bold patterns when it comes to the interior. Warm, autumnal colours – natural greens, yellows and reds – are destined to be popular, as are fig or aubergine. Furniture is likely to be rounded and more comfortable although there may also be moves towards abstract shapes, geometric patterns, and, of course, bold colours associated with a retro Fifties look.

Small but carefully chosen flourishes such as cushions, vases, lamps, curtains, and blinds – complete with interchangeable covers, shades, etc. – can be used to brighten up an interior without breaking the bank and with green energy very much on the agenda, make sure you opt for energy efficient light bulbs. A colourful piece of furniture can likewise form the focal point for a room, and be complimented by affordable, but stylish, accessories spread throughout the room.