STAYING GREEN
"INDIVIDUALLY WE ARE ONE DROP, TOGETHER WE ARE AN OCEAN"
When climate change has become an emergency, it is time to introduce a more holistic approach to restoring, renovating and building homes of the future. With natural building materials and sustainable systems, we can create a responsible and positive impact on people and the environment.
LONDON HOUSE | THE ETHOS
It’s estimated that the building and construction industry is responsible for nearly two fifths of global emissions. At a time when climate change has become a climate emergency, London House feel a clear responsibility to play its part in ensuring that these effects have a minimum impact on both people and the environment. The philosophy of sustainable design and build makes sense, on doing what is right by the planet, and so allowing future generations to be able to thrive in a healthy environment.
LONDON HOUSE | THE MISSION
Here at London House Companies, we firmly believe in taking a sustainable approach to reducing a building's environmental impact throughout all of our projects, to achieve this goal, we continually suggest innovative building systems & solutions. Whether you are building your new home or renovating an existing property, it is possible to move towards a more sustainable construction solution, that will provide healthy and comfortable living environments which are tailored to each client’s requirements and unique sense of style.
SUSTAINABLE RESTORATION OF EXSITING BUILDINGS
A focus on sustainable building restoration continues to grow, with the awareness that repaired and renovated properties tend to have less of a carbon imprint than either demolition, rebuild or new builds in terms of the materials and processes used in construction. Not only does sustainable restoration reduces material waste, but also extends the life of the building, and potentially, gives the property a new purpose whilst also preserving the skills and creativity that went into the original construction.
The process of sustainable restoration requires a sensitive and sympathetic approach. There are key considerations to take into account in ensuring the building restoration process is sustainable and helps reduce the overall carbon footprint.
NO.1 RECYCLING & REUSING MATERIALS
Throughout a project up to 95% of carbon emissions can be saved by reusing materials, and we make it our mission to work with suppliers that offer alternative Eco Ranges. Recycled materials include a broad spectrum of elements such as roofing tiles, glass panels, bricks, floorboards to name just a few.
NO.2 THERMAL INSULATION
Being extensively used in buildings, materials that are natural and chemical-free are always the safer option. Natural fibres and recycled insulation materials do not create potentially hazardous conditions during installation, nor will they continue to pollute the air of the property with toxins. There are several sustainable options which include wool, cotton, hemp, wood fibre for walls, ceilings and roofs. Recycled glass and limecrete are also great options to use under the floor.
NO.3 ECO FRIENDLY PAINTS
For wood stains, walls, floors, windows and doors we try to give preference to Eco-friendly paints and stains. Eco-friendly paints contain the finest quality ingredients and are highly breathable and protect the fibre of the buildings more effectively. Paints made from natural elements reduce condensation and moulding, making them a much better choice for sustainable restoration.
NO.4 USAGE OF NATURAL MATERIALS
Using natural and recycled materials provides multiple benefits by reducing waste, lowering a project’s material costs, and mitigating the environmental costs necessary to produce new materials. Natural materials such as timber and stone should be used wherever possible, being environmentally friendly and giving the building a breathable structure. Natural materials can protect and safeguard against building damage, aiding in providing a sustainable life cycle for the building. The possibilities for reclaiming natural and recycled materials are infinite and provide an excellent strategy for sustainability.
NO.5 SUSTAINABLE MAINTENANCE
A building may be sustainable in its design and construction, but it can only remain so, if it is operated and maintained properly. London House Maintenance can provide the right solutions you need to protect and maximise the lifespan, condition and performance of your property, offering a sustainable strategy for reducing waste, achieving energy efficiency, and mitigating potential environmental issues.
PASSIVE HOUSE NEW BUILDS
The Passive House concept was developed in Germany in 1991. Born out of a need to build new homes that were not only sustainable, but were ultra-low energy, comfortable, affordable and have excellent indoor air quality. Passive Houses offers the world’s most energy efficient building standard, not only a saving on energy and reducing negative impacts on the environment, but also providing a comfortable indoor environment for both homes, public buildings and commercial complexes.
The quality of the insulation will minimize the heat exchange with the outside environment. Passive House buildings employ high-quality natural insulations.
This means making sure walls, floors and roofs are well insulated with no gaps. This reduces the need for heating or cooling to achieve a comfortable temperature.
There should be no uncontrolled airflow between the internal and external environment.
To ensure that the entire building envelope is well insulated it is important to use quality windows that are double or treble glazed.
A ventilation system with heat recovery circulates fresh, room temperature air through the building
LONDON HOUSE | RESTORATION & SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS
Eco friendliness and sustainability has always been a part of our ethos and over the years, we have provided clients with services and information so that they can make informed decisions regarding sustainability throughout their projects. An ever increasing number of clients are becoming committed to sustainable living, that will in some way, have a positive outcome for society and the environment we live in.