What makes a house 'carbon neutral'?

Question

If my landlord was willing to do one thing to make my house more energy efficient (fat chance), what would be the best way?

I am thinking about things like a more efficent boiler, double glading, better loft insulation.etc.

What could I do to make it more engergy efficent? Bearing in mind that due to my disability whatever this was I would have to get someone in to do it for me.

Answer 1

I have to agree with ecolink...increasing the RH value of your attic, walls, and even sealing off windows, doors, and other places where air might sneak in is probably the best. However, it would work in nearly every climate where there is a point in time where you close the building up and use artificial means of environment control...insulation can keep heat out and cool in during the summer time just as easily as it does the opposite in colder temperatures.

Ceiling fans are great, too. They can save as much as 25% of the cooling power in the summer, and by flicking a little switch to reverse the blades, save at least 5% of the heating power in the winter (by pushing the hot air back downwards).

Another suggestion would be low-flush toilettes (or better-yet, composting toilettes), new shower heads that require less water, or adding tankless flash water heaters.

You yourself could do something as well...switch to compact florescent light bulbs. Unlike the old florescents, the light is great...actually brighter than the incandescents we use to use. We've rarely had to change the bulbs in years (which would make it much easier on a disabled person if they have lighting up near or recessed into the cieling).

Answer 2

Interesting that a news article is what made your decision. Going carbon neutral is a step yet not a sustainable solution. If you support the environmental cause and have reduced your consumption as much as possible while making economic sense I would say it is not a bad next step. Other things that you can do is sponsor environmental causes that you believe in, but more so get involved and informed on the issues and political policies that are being made around your community, city, state/province, country.

Answer 3

I Have been campaigning for the last two years to try and get my "social landlord" to install double glazing in an effort to reduce my carbon footprint as I am sure all must be aware of how much energy these units can save once installed.
But no joy as we live in a listed property they are unable to help(load of tosh) I have also lobbied Newspapers/ tvchannels/ Government local and national but all to no avail, so it looks as though myself and millions like me are stuck with incredibly draughty energy inefficient ancient sash windows.

So I can only suggest you do what I have done (I am also disabled) - Draughtproof everything to the best of your ability It helps a little. I had Draught proofing brushes fitted to the inside and outside of all my Windows and doors - not much but at least I am doing something about it unlike the powers that be.

Answer 4

Close the house down is a flippant answer but it is people who cause global warming. You should be doing more than the landlord. You are using the boiler and so on. Why not put on more clothes and turn the thing off

Answer 5

I've been told that if you contact your electricity supplier it may be possible to get your supply from a carbon neutral source, but i'm not sure how available that is.
Otherwise increasing your insulation and investing in energy efficient appliances may be the easiest ways to reduce your carbon emissions

Answer 6

A lot depends on your location and climate.

If you are in a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters, then anything to stop air infiltration would be very helpful: insulation, windows, etc. Without knowing the current condition of your windows, wall insulation, and so on, we can't make a specific recommendation.

Answer 7

anything will help from filling kettle for only that 1 cup of t needed rather than the whole kettle. wall installation & solar panels not fotting the engery saving light bulb .i av also save appox £56 per year just turning off all elec sockects when not in use. go 4 it good luck

Answer 8

Hi there, my partner is into construction and underground heating is the way, but whatever way your heating is supplied has to be econ., be it gas or electrical.