The climate crisis isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a social issue, as well. Our article on ‘ESG Factors Compliance Is Our Driver For the Future?’ states that modern businesses investing in clean energy can benefit economically by becoming immune to energy price fluctuations. Adopting these greener methods also elevates an organization’s forward-thinking and progressive image by contributing to a social cause. This move towards clean energy is also a movement that households can — and should — join. A study from the journal Energy Research & Social Science found that households contribute up to 72% of global carbon emissions. By turning your house into a green home, you can do your part and lessen this impact. Here are some steps to help you get there.
Secure funding
Investing in clean energy for your home can be costly at the beginning, but this transition can be manageable for your cash flow. Homeowners can often lower their monthly spending by applying for a personal loan. A post on unsecured personal loans by Sound Dollar explains that they are commonly used for home renovations. They can be a good choice since they don’t require collateral, and if you have a good credit score, you can get competitive rates. Some lenders also offer green personal loans, which have reduced interest rates if they’re used for eligible clean energy products. As such, you can more easily contribute to climate mitigation efforts and minimize utility costs — all while making lower monthly payments.
Use energy modelling
To maximize the cost-efficiency of your home renovations, you can work with professionals for energy modelling. These experts use energy modelling software to identify the most affordable way to convert your house into a green home. Using your house’s dimensions and floor plan, they can simulate different energy sources to find which energy-saving measures can save you the most money and minimize your carbon emissions more effectively.
Install renewable energy sources
One of the most common methods that homeowners turn to when adopting renewable energy is installing solar panels. Precedence Research reports that the global solar power market continues to grow because renewable energy costs are declining, making solar more affordable. Solar also appeals to homeowners since it guards them against fossil fuel prices and availability volatility. Of course, solar panels only work when the sun is up. So if you want to overcome this limitation, you can look into other renewable energy sources. This can include wind turbines if you have enough space on your estate and if local zoning regulations allow it. Hydropower can also be an option for those whose properties have a source of flowing water.
Insulate your home
Modern heating technologies can help keep your home warm on cooler days while lowering your home’s carbon footprint. Underfloor heating can retain heat longer by evenly distributing heat around the room. On the other hand, air source ductless heat pumps convert the energy of the air outside into the heat. You can also look into insulated windows and doors to avoid heat from flowing out. All these features fixtures use sustainable energy sources like solar rather than gas or oil. And by keeping your home warm for longer periods, they use this energy more efficiently to make your house greener.
Use eco-friendly appliances
Your appliances are the top energy consumers in your house, next to heating and cooling. Today, there are eco-friendly appliances you can switch to if you wish to reduce the environmental impact of their traditional counterparts. These use recycled or easy-to-recycle materials like glass, brass, or steel. They also use energy more efficiently, lowering their carbon footprint. Energy-efficient appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers reduce their energy consumption by 10% to 50%. Compared to their traditional counterparts, these eco-friendly refrigerators, air purifiers, and washers also reduce water consumption.
Clean energy is a must for modern households. Following these steps can help you and your family reduce your carbon footprint and cut down on costs.
Article edit by Mark Webber
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