Make your home greener

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Residential buildings are responsable for consuming 27% of the total amount of energy consumed within Europe and are the biggest source of global warming in the world.This is a fact that has, until recently, been overlooked by law-makerstrying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, who have concentrated their efforts on industry and trasnport.The UE has now issued a new dirrective which intends to cut carbon dioxide emissions from buildings by 45 mil tons before 2010.This means that each of us can now save the planet from the comfort of our own homes. The first things we can do are simply and easy.We can block up draughts, switch off unnececessary lights and make sure taps are not left running.The next step requires more planing and some expense, but as well as saving energy,we will also save on bills! Many homes have loft insulation, but is rarely enough.Most insulation is 100mm thick, but to be truely effective the recomanded thickness is 200-300mm.Full insulation can have a drastic effect on energy consumption.It can save up to 25 percent on our heating bills.A variety of materials are available, but one of the most enviromently friendly is cellulose in the form of compressed recycled newprint which has been fireproofed! We should use energy efficient lights bulbs.These are usualy expensive to buy but consume less then half yhe energy of standard bulbs.Also, the bulbubs last much longer than conventional lights bulbs reducing the consumption of resources. Thermal solar panels are very efficient.They are capable of providing all the hot water you need even in Britain's climate.Photovoltaic panels can be fitted as solar roof tiles or solar windows and are now capable of generating about half of an average home's electricity needs.A large conservatory with lots of glass panels on the south side of a building will tap lights and warmth and reduce the need fot lighting! We can instal a grey water recycling system.At present water used to flush the toilets is of the same drinkabale quality that comes out of the tapes.A grey water recycling system cleans water that has been used for washing and sends it trought the toilet system reducing the use of clean drinking water! New buildings can incorporate much more energy savings features in thier desin.They can have a timber structure, extensive insulation, electronic enviromental controls, triple glazing, anon-polluting heating system and a turf roof.Howeever it is kwon we deal with our present ho,es that will determine housing's contribution to blobal warmimg.It's down to each and every one of us, so get insulated!!