Key steps to move towards a zero-carbon home
The UK government, alongside EU member countries and several other nations worldwide, has recently pledged to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. This bold promise will have a massive impact on the way we all live our lives. On a commercial level, new ways of generating energy must be fully implemented to eradicate the need for fossil fuel consumption. This will include a great increase and investment in renewable energy production through solar, wind and lithium battery technology to offset traditional methods of generating energy.
On a domestic level, all new homes will be built to increasingly strict regulations to ensure that they meet all the necessary Green credentials. In terms of existing properties, it is at present unclear where funding for home improvements will be available. With the average UK home emitting 2.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, there is still a long way to go to meet these goals.
To give you an idea of how you can do your bit to protect the planet and meet the carbon neutral target of 2050, here are some key steps you can take to move towards a zero-carbon home.
Retrofitting for a more sustainable home
Altering the energy efficiency performance of an existing property is perhaps the most challenging part of the drive towards going carbon neutral. There are several methods of improving your home’s performance which are relatively unobtrusive and cost-effective. A good place to start would be to carry out an energy usage audit to see where you are consuming most energy. Once any areas of over-consumption have been identified, you can focus on these areas to help achieve a significant reduction in usage.
Insulation – Insulating your home plays a huge part in its heat retention capacity. Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation can dramatically improve a property’s performance and help to significantly reduce energy consumption.
Solar power generation – Having solar panels installed at your home can be initially expensive. In the long run, however, they can prove to be a shrewd investment. Generating electricity through solar technology can help to offset fossil fuel usage and bring you closer to a zero-carbon home.
Energy efficient lighting and appliances – Changing to energy saving lightbulbs is a simple step that anyone can make. It can have a significant impact on your overall energy consumption and help you to reduce emissions and cut costs. Upgrading your appliances to modern A+ rated alternatives will also help you to get one step closer to a zero-carbon home.
High quality glazing replacements – Replacing your home’s windows and doors is the single most effective way of reducing your home’s carbon emissions. Between 10% and 40% of an average property’s heat is lost through its windows and doors. By upgrading your windows, you can dramatically improve the thermal performance of your home.
Edgetech Warm Edge Spacer Bars to improve thermal performance
When you’ve decided that replacing your windows and doors is the best way to enhance your home’s thermal performance, make sure you ask your installer about warm edge spacer bar. When Edgetech Warm Edge Spacer Bars are incorporated into the sealed unit of a window system, the energy efficiency performance of the window is greatly improved.
Warm Edge Spacer Bars are designed to reduce thermal conductivity and cut heat loss through a window, improving the sealed unit’s thermal performance capacity. This reduces the risk of interior condensation forming on the glass and can have a positive impact on a home’s energy consumption requirement.
Edgetech technology can help your property to get one step closer to its optimal level of thermal performance. To give you an idea of the benefits of incorporating Edgetech Warm Edge technology into your replacement windows, you can expect the following:
Condensation reduction by up to 70%
Passivhaus certification for use in extreme climates
40-year performance guarantee
External noise reduction by up to two decibels
Exceptional energy efficiency performance
The drive towards a zero-carbon future is everyone’s responsibility. If you’d like to find out more about incorporating Edgetech technology into your replacement glazing, ask your installer for more information today. If you’d like to find out more about Edgetech you can contact us directly by emailing ukenquiries@edgetechig.com or send us a message online.
