Eco-friendly loft conversions

While we all try to make the most of our space and the different options we have to make the most of our homes, many of us want to ensure that we reduce our impact on the environment, as much as possible.

Given the way house prices are going, not to mention energy costs, there’s a lot to be said for staying put and expanding your home right now, so how do you create a loft conversion, while keeping your environmental impact to a minimum?

The materials you use

Reclaimed wood and bricks take no more energy to make, so the only impact using them will have on the environment will be their transportation. If you do use brand new materials, look for PEFC or FSC certified wood, so that you know that it comes from sustainable forests, where trees are replaced. If your roof is adjusted, it’s worth ensuring that the existing tiles are reused. 

Types of insulation

We all know the importance of insulation both for keeping your property warm and for ensuring that energy doesn’t escape. Organic materials are some of the best for insulation, which is great news in terms of how they are made (less chemicals and processing time needed) and in terms of when they are no longer needed. Examples of organic insulation include wood fiber, sheep fleece or wool, flax and hemp or cellulose derived from wood or paper.  

Choose the right windows

The materials you use to insulate your home don’t just extend to wool and cellulose lining, windows play an important part in not only ventilating your home, but keeping the warm air in. Far less energy is needed to control the temperature with efficient windows, which can extend to triple or quadruple glazed. 

Lighting

LED lighting lowers the energy consumption in your home, requiring around 80% less energy to produce the same level of light. And while they may cost more to buy, they last far longer – so you get more light for your money. 

Decorating 

While this might feel like the finishing touches part of the process of converting your loft, it’s the part that you will really be able to make your own and not be constrained by planning permission and laws. There are ways to make sustainable choices when decorating, as well, by using FSC approved wallpaper, (again forests are replenished), and using furniture which has been upcycled or repurposed… or vintage (which is a label which may drive up some money!).  

If you would like to talk about the different ways that your loft conversion could be created, we would love to help. Please get in touch…