Materials

The correct choice and use of materials can have a massive impact on your carbon footprint and at the same time save you money without necessarily compromising appearance.

• Timber is perhaps the most environmentally acceptable material used in modern construction. However, this only applies if it is from sustainably managed forests, for example carrying Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

• Store carefully, only order and bring to site when and what is needed.

• Minimum waste, extra skips are expensive and should be avoided.

• Brick production is energy intensive. Therefore consider using old bricks wherever possible. Existing bricks removed during alteration works can be dressed and cleaned for re-use and may well look better and match the existing property more effectively.

• Cement, as with brick, has an energy intensive production process and should be used sparingly.

• Concrete Blocks, provide good levels of thermal insulation but have an energy intensive production process.