Living eco-friendly involves adopting practices that are not harmful to the environment. This lifestyle is of growing importance as we strive to safeguard our planet from human-induced harm. There are several ways individuals can make sustainable changes to reduce the negative impact. Now we will discuss what are some examples of sustainable solutions.
What are the 4 Pillars of Sustainable Living?
- Human sustainability. The focus of human sustainability is on people. The production of goods and provision of services impact anyone directly or indirectly involved. In this section, we highlight responsibility, capacity, and the development of skills. These elements support business operations and sustainability, promoting the well-being of communities and society.
- Social Sustainability. The goal of social sustainability is to create and establish social systems that form the framework of our societies. Here, we adopt a global perspective to consider communities and cultures. Social sustainability works towards protecting future generations by raising awareness of the potential impact of our actions if we are not considerate.
- Economic sustainability. Economic sustainability involves practices that support long-term economic growth without compromising the other pillars of sustainability. This section focuses on efficient resource use and pragmatic management.
- Environmental sustainability. When we hear the term “sustainability,” environmental sustainability often comes to mind. It is concerned with all natural environments and ecosystems that hold crucial connections to us and on which we rely. The overarching goal is to ensure the needs of the population are sustained while safeguarding those of future generations.
How to Be More Eco?
#1 Smart Thermostat
A home efficiency solution that can be easily implemented in the short term is a smart thermostat. These wifi-enabled devices can be controlled remotely from any smart device. They can be connected to your central heating system, all types of boilers, and air conditioning systems. This constantly evolving technology remembers your home’s heating patterns and knows when to adjust the temperature based on the outside weather. They use presence-sensing technology to automatically switch off the system when you leave the house and turn it on when you’re about to return. This helps reduce energy demand from fossil-fueled power plants, leading to significant cost savings on your energy bills. Data from customers using Google’s Nest thermostat shows that UK homes saved 16.5% on energy compared to homes without smart controls.
#2 Heat Pumps
Heat pumps provide a sustainable alternative to boilers and air conditioners. They extract heat from the air, ground, or water and transfer it into your home. To cool your home during summer, they remove heat from the inside and release it outdoors. Moreover, heat pumps eliminate the need for gas pipes and oil tanks. With a 200-600% efficiency rate, they generate 4kW of thermal energy for every kW of electricity used, resulting in significantly reduced carbon emissions compared to gas or electric heating. The UK Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a £5,000 discount on the upfront costs of installing a heat pump.
#3 Renewable Energy for Electricity
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations convert the sun’s energy into electricity, using photovoltaic cells, or solar panels. This allows you to generate your own reliable, sustainable, and low-maintenance source of energy, saving the average UK household one tonne of carbon per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Once installed, they do not release any emissions in their lives and they do not produce any noise or air pollution. This can greatly improve local air quality which has respiratory health benefits. Solar PV can also be combined with electric heating systems, such as heat pumps so you can potentially run your heating and hot water entirely from renewable sources.
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#4 Double or Triple Glazed Windows
Double-glazed windows feature two sheets of glass panels with a gap between them, while triple-glazed windows have three sheets with two gaps. The gaps maintain insulation by sealing air or argon gas inside. This prevents heat loss because the gas is a poor thermal conductor, making it difficult for heat to pass through. For maximum heat retention, Low-E glass is recommended. It contains a layer of metal oxide on one internal surface that reflects heat back into the home. In addition to keeping your home warm, upgrading your windows reduces external noise infiltration and enhances security.
#5 Radiator Foil
Radiator foil is a thin sheet that can help reduce heat loss into external walls by reflecting heat back into the room. It is a quick, simple, and cost-effective alternative to wall insulation.
Conclusion
To achieve sustainability, it is crucial for business and government leaders to adopt a long-term vision that prioritizes the preservation of resources and ecosystems for future generations. This entails developing and implementing comprehensive strategies over the next decade, while still addressing short-term challenges related to financial gains and losses.
