A Green Future With Solar Power

Concern for the environment is constantly setting new challenges for a wide range of industries and manufacturers. The construction industry in particular is eager to play its part in reducing carbon emissions and saving energy by designing green homes that are cost effective to build and maintain. Homeowners will be able to look forward to a future of energy efficient initiatives that will save them time and money without sacrificing comfort or style.

Ecological Timber

Homes that are constructed with sustainable timber sourced from managed forests are decidedly more environmentally-friendly. They take very little in energy during processing and properly treated timber has a durability that will last for many decades or even centuries. By comparison, brick or concrete takes an enormous amount of energy during manufacture and wooden houses can be constructed far more quickly saving time, money and effort. As a natural material timber creates an internal atmosphere that is clean and healthy. Its dense fibres provide insulation against noise but more importantly they are highly efficient at absorbing heat quickly before releasing it back into the room at a slow rate. But how that heat can be introduced to provide energy saving, cost-cutting efficiency is a major concern for prospective homeowners.

The Self-Heating Passive Home

The first Passive house made its debut in Germany almost thirty years ago. The objective was to prove whether a warm, comfortable home could be created in a cold, northerly climate without the means of a traditionally supplied heat source. The passive home relies on energy generated as a by-product from electrical equipment and even from the residents themselves to warm the interior air. Through superior insulation, it is virtually impossible for the warm air to escape outside. Extra thick layers of insulating material are packed into cavities in the floors, walls, ceilings and roof. Windows are positioned to maximise their access to the sun's warmth during the hours of daylight. In addition, window frames and those around the doors are fitted with airtight seals to eliminate draughts. Cold air can't get in and warm air can't get out. More Information https://www.baufritz.com/uk/energy-and-safety/eco-passive-house/

The Self-Sufficient Net Zero Home

The Net Zero house relies on using renewable energy to maintain cost effective self-sufficiency. This can be through a variety of methods such as wind power but the most popular and most effective is solar energy. Solar panels are fitted to roofs but can also be free-standing on a flat roof or at the side of the house. Buildings that are purpose built for solar energy always ensure that large roof surfaces are aligned with the sun. The Net Zero ideology aims to produce enough solar power every day to be self-sufficient. However, if any supplementary energy from the grid network is required it must be replaced the next day through the solar panels. To gain the maximum benefit from solar heating, the Net Zero home needs to be insulated in a similar manner to the Passive home.

Solar Energy

Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels are designed to generate electricity to operate appliances such as kitchen equipment, televisions and lighting. Solar thermal panels are used primarily for heating water for washing and in the central heating system. Both are manufactured from lightweight aluminium panels that can be fitted very quickly and easily and require very little in the way of maintenance. They offer a flexibility by installing a half or full roof and can be increased, space permitting.

Accredited Green Homes

Environmentally-friendly green homes are endorsed by various organisations, earning certificates that promote their compatibility with leading initiatives regarding design and construction. Emphasis is placed on the sustainability of building materials, the interior air quality and the capacity to retain optimum thermal heat. Also taken into consideration is the green home's efficient use of energy, the effect it has on the health of the residents and the impact on the environment during the lifetime of the structure. Separate building standards govern Passive and Net Zero homes. Other certificates include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Comparing Passive And Net Zero Homes

Passive homes rely on the heat produced by electrical appliances to warm the house while the Net Zero home uses solar energy. Once the interiors of both these green homes have been warmed, the hot air remains due to insulation. Heating bills in the Passive home can be significantly reduced or eliminated entirely. However, it still has to take electricity from the grid to run appliances, lighting and to provide hot water. Theoretically, appliance inactivity could lead to a noticeable drop in temperature encouraging an unnecessary use of equipment. During the summer, the rooms can become unbearably hot. The Net Zero home intends to generate enough solar power every day to use appliances, heating and supply hot water. Learning to maintain an ideal balance between the energy produced in relation to the energy used by appliances could result in the total elimination of all energy bills. In some instances, homeowners can make a profit from surplus solar energy being redirected to the grid.

Choosing A Green Energy For Your Home

Any existing house can be adapted to incorporate the different innovative strategies to become a green energy home. Both Passive and Net Zero homes offer comfortable green solutions in a bid to improve energy efficiency. Much depends on whether the house is constructed of sustainable building materials such as timber and the homeowner's own attitude towards using electricity. While the Passive home offers a virtually maintenance-free system, lightweight solar panels are highly reliable and easy to maintain. A Passive home will have reduced or non-existent heating bills but any savings are immediately offset by bills for a continued use of electricity. A Net Zero home fitted with solar panels requires a balance between energy stored and consumed to be effective but offers homeowners greater flexibility and control. The incentive to use electricity wisely is rewarded by self-sufficiency in all aspects of energy usage and can even result in a profit.

At Baufritz, we place your dream home well within your grasp. Specialists in all kinds of timber frame houses, with a consistent emphasis on eco-friendly home building, we are committed to providing you with the best solutions for your new timber framed house. From high-tech eco houses for streamlined living to sustainably built houses that are ideal for a growing family, we will be happy to meet your needs with a bespoke design, building and service. We also have a fantastic collection of prefabricated houses that will enable you to enjoy the benefits of environmentally friendly living effortlessly.

Baufritz (UK) Limited

Registered Office:

Baufritz (UK) Limited
Camboro Business Park
The Workplace
Oakington Road, Girton
Cambridge CB3 0QH

Telephone +44 (0) 1223 235632
E-Mail: enquiries@baufritz.co.uk
Web: www.baufritz.co.uk

Registered in England and Wales:
Registered No. 5679302
VAT No. GB 883523406
Managing Directors:
Dagmar Fritz-Kramer, Oliver Rehm

This release was published on openPR.