Happy Buildings

Construction and use of our homes has a range of impacts on the environment from producing waste to using water. In 2004, the energy we use to light, heat and run our homes accounted for more than a quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions.

To help tackle this, the Government is proposing that all new homes be zero carbon by 2016 and new national standard called the Code for Sustainable Homes has been released which will require new homes to be assessed and receive a star rating. Categories for assessment will include energy, water, materials, waste, pollution, health and ecology.

Zero Carbon Home: achieves zero net carbon emissions from all energy use (including energy for cooking, TVs, computers and other appliances) rather than just those energy uses that are currently part of building regulations (space heating, hot water, ventilation and some lighting). It means that over a year there are no net carbon emissions resulting from the operation of the dwelling.

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

There are lots of ways to create happy buildings, from designing them to reduce heat and lighting requirements by taking as much advantage of the sun’s energy as possible, to using materials with a high recycled content and sourced locally to cut down on transport emissions.

A little bit of extra thought can go a long way in reducing cost and environmental impacts as well as having buildings that look good.

View the Business Link Kent Website for more information on sustainability for businesses.