Going Green – Is it worth it?
Becoming more eco-friendly is now a part of everyday life. Looking after our planet is at the top of many people’s priorities. From the food we eat to the packaging, it’s supplied in, right through to the cars we drive. Becoming more sustainable is something we can all strive towards. The case is no different for new and prospective holiday homeowners. Who wants to invest in a property that has a reduced impact on its environment?
Many properties listed on our website have outstanding sustainability records. Opting for new methods of powering and heating that are better for the environment. As the years go by we’ve noticed a trend in owners’ ambitions to become more eco-friendly and sustainable. In this blog, we’ll look at why running a green property can be an advantage. The reasons for doing so, and how you can get started on your own green homeowner journey.
What is sustainability and why does it matter?
Sustainability comes in many forms. It’s something adopted by the public at large, and by many industries. The recent boom in electric vehicles to reduce emissions is a first step by our society to reduce its carbon footprint. With environmental issues becoming prevalent, we’re looking for new ways to make a difference. This is also true for holidaymakers. A big driving force in the rise of UK staycations is guests wanting breaks that do less harm to the environment. 26% of Brits said they’re more likely to consider a UK break now due to concerns for the environment. Many people are now pledging to live more sustainably. And many are looking to continue this when they holiday.
A more eco-friendly property will stand out to the more eco-conscious travellers. And as the trend continues to grow, help net you more bookings! We’re actually on our own sustainability journey here at Menai Holiday Cottages. As part of the Sykes family, we’re working to meet BCorp status.
This means we’re making a conscious effort to make a difference inside and outside our business. We’re committed to making the world around us a better place. Our teams partake in voluntary days where they head out into the world and support local causes!
How to make your property more sustainable
Making your property more sustainable can seem like a daunting task – and sometimes it can be. Depending on the age of your property, or other structural concerns. Making eco-friendly changes can be costly and time-consuming. This doesn’t mean they’re not worth looking into and considering. Eco-friendly features can reduce your operating costs and make your property more profitable.
Start small and work your way up!
You don’t have to go big to go green. Here are some smaller steps you can take to get you on your way to a more sustainable property.
Energy-saving light bulbs
Making your property more energy efficient is a great place to start. It benefits the environment and can help reduce your bills. Replacing lightbulbs with LEDs is a quick and easy way to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, you could invest in smart bulbs that give you control over when they are on. Letting you cut down on energy consumption when you know the property is empty.
Replace the old appliances
A slightly more costly investment, but one that pays for itself in the long run. Switching to more energy-efficient appliances is another way to help reduce energy consumption. Most new appliances are now sold with an energy rating. Making it easy for you to see which ones will save you the most amount of money from regular use. Keep in mind that replacing all your appliances can impact the feel of your property. You may want to keep that historic feel that helps your property stand out. We understand this. If you do decide to invest in new appliances, consider getting A++-rated ones. These will save you the most money in the long term.
Shop around for a green energy tariff
Switching your energy provider can be a great way to go green. Many providers now offer an eco-friendly energy tariff. These source electricity from renewables like wind and solar. Switching to renewable energy helps reduce the carbon footprint of your property. It also helps grow the renewable energy sector. Which means there’ll be more investment for future generations. Consider the location of your property, and get as much information as possible. There may be local restrictions or access restrictions you might need to address.
Go big for your home!
If you’re a bigger eco-enthusiast and you’re looking for tips on where to start, these are for you. These will take more investment and time, but the payoffs are even bigger!
Power the property yourself!
Want to make your property as sustainable as possible? Consider investing in alternative power options that are more self-sustaining. Solar, Hydro and Wind are all options that are worth considering. Solar panels are becoming popular with holiday homeowners. Rooftop solar panels are the most popular option. If you have a large garden or some land attached to your property, you can also add them here. The downside of solar is you need the sun! And we’re in the UK so it can be rare so it’s not quite possible to be reliant on solar yet. A less common option is hydro. If you have a river running past your property and have the right to access it. Consider including a turbine to divert some of that natural power into your home.
You could also consider wind power. Though less common, the inclusion of a wind turbine can be a great source of renewable energy. If your property is in a rural area and you’re not restricted by local laws, a few turbines could provide enough electricity to fulfil all your needs.
Insulate, insulate, insulate!
We can’t stress enough the impact good insulation can have on a property. Particularly older properties! Investing in good insulation is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of energy wasted at your home. Good insulation helps your property retain heat, keeping it warmer for longer. This means you’ll spend less on heating bills and will waste less energy heating your home. The most common area for insulation is the loft cavity. This is a huge empty space where heat can rise and escape. There may be insulation grants available. We always advise checking local authority websites before investing in expensive insulation.
Support local
It’s not only your home that has a carbon footprint. The contents do too! Consider shopping locally for the furnishings inside your property. Use local tradespeople. And encourage your guests to buy foods and produce from local growers and suppliers. An overlooked aspect of our impact on the environment is the things we buy. These have a huge carbon footprint. Reducing the distance each item has to travel can impact our environment.
Tips and reminders
Starting your sustainability journey can be difficult. There’s a lot to learn and there’s a lot of work that can be done. Don’t feel that you need to change absolutely everything overnight – it’s a challenge to tackle one task at a time. It’s up to you how you transform your home after all.
Here are some handy tips that you can do right away to help kick-start your journey:
- Leave re-useable shopping bags at your property for guests to use.
- Provide ample recycling options for guests – with thorough instructions.
- Choose to stock your home with eco-friendly products like washing powders and soaps.
- Replace your shower head with low-flow alternatives to save water.
- Encourage guests to use the eco-mode on appliances that have one.
Going green is going to take time and transforming your property can be a difficult task. Small steps towards sustainability can do a lot for your impact on the environment. Whether you’re looking to save costs or reduce your property’s carbon footprint there’s no better time to start than now. If you’d like more advice on how to make your property eco-friendlier, or if you’re curious about investing in holiday property contact a member of our team today!
