05 Apr 2024
By Carl Dodd

How to create a biodiverse and wildlife-friendly garden

air quality, bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, Nature, organic, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living
England has recently introduced biodiversity legislation In a world first, England has recently introduced legislation requiring all new developments to boost nature. The biodiversity net gain law (BNG) came into force on February 12th, 2024 and ensures that habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the development. New habitats must also deliver a 10% biodiversity gain, rather than simply replacing what has been lost. The Royal Institute of British Architects said that the law represents a 'major change' for architects, who would now have to "design with nature". Scotland, Sweden and Singapore are among…
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08 Mar 2024
By Carl Dodd

Net Zero Carbon homes are gaining in popularity

affordable warmth, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, circular economy, creativity, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation, water neutrality
Built to last As a background to Carl Dodd's personal Scottish border NZC build (based on an adapted traditional vernacular design), we wanted to write about the concept of Net Zero Carbon homes, and explore why you could consider building one, discuss the benefits of living in such a home, and provide practical tips on making your current home more energy efficient. (c) Carl Dodd / PRL - KLB - Scottish Net Zero Carbon New Build (on-going) If Carl's build has inspired you to build your own sustainable home, or make energy-efficient upgrades to your existing home, every step toward…
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12 Jan 2024
By Carl Dodd

How we can all take steps to preserve biodiversity

bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, forest bathing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, rewilding, Shinrin-yoku, sustainability
What exactly is biodiversity? Biodiversity is the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It is declining globally, faster than at any other time in human history. The world's 7.6 billion people represent just 0.01% of all living things by weight, but humanity has caused the loss of 83% of all wild mammals and half of all plants. Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse is one of the top five risks in the World Economic Forum's 2020 Global Risks Report, too. How biodiversity can help our health Higher rates of biodiversity have been linked to an increase in health. Plants are essential…
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29 Dec 2023
By Carl Dodd

How to make 2024 a greener year

biodiversity, carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, circular economy, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, food, forest bathing, furniture, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, plastic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, recycling, reduce carbon footprint, rewilding, Shinrin-yoku, sustainability, sustainable living, up-cycling, waste less food
A New Year brings a whole host of lifestyle opportunities The New Year gives us all time to reflect on our lifestyles and consider how we can make positive changes for the planet. Green New Year's resolutions not only benefit the environment, but can also lead to a healthier, more sustainable way of life. In this Blog, we'll explore a variety of creative and impactful resolutions for 2024. These are my New Year Resolutions for 2024: 1 - I would like to re-do my Carbon Footprint using the WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator (https://footprint.wwf.org.uk) - and review my Net Zero Carbon…
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24 Nov 2023
By Carl Dodd

Christmas trees: real vs. fake – which is the more environmentally friendly option?

biodiversity, carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, Christmas trees, forest bathing, low impact, low carbon living, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, plastic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., recycling, reduce carbon footprint, sustainability, sustainable living
The big question... Real Christmas trees may be better for the environment, but, you may be asking, aren't artificial or fake Christmas trees a better option? No, just because they are re-used year after year, it does not mean that they are more sustainable. This is due to the typical rules of sustainability not applying when it comes to the humble Christmas tree. The Christmas tree debate on real vs. artificial (and which benefits the environment more), has been ongoing for decades. The debate is not helped by the fact that artificial Christmas trees can last many years, if they're…
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07 Aug 2023
By Carl Dodd

How walking in forests and woods can ease our modern-day stress

biodiversity, Carl Dodd, forest bathing, KLB – Scottish NZC, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, rewilding, Shinrin-yoku
How Shinrin-yoku can lead us towards a more sustainable and healthy way of living In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of tranquillity and connection with nature can be challenging. However, the ancient practice of Shinrin-yoku, also known as 'forest bathing', offers a refreshing and rejuvenating solution. Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku involves immersing oneself in the peaceful embrace of forests and woodlands to reap numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. So, let's embark on a journey into the heart of nature and discover how Shinrin-yoku can lead us towards a healthier way of life. What is Shinrin-yoku, and…
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11 Jul 2023
By Carl Dodd

How rewilding and peat restoration play a vital part in achieving Sustainability

biodiversity, carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, KLB – Scottish NZC, low impact, low carbon living, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, organic, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, rewilding
  Two key practices that contribute significantly to sustainability In the pursuit of achieving a sustainable future, it is crucial to explore and implement various approaches that restore and protect our ecosystems. Rewilding involves restoring natural habitats and reintroducing native species, while peat restoration focuses on rehabilitating degraded peatlands. Why rewilding is so important Rewilding plays a vital role in achieving sustainability by fostering biodiversity, improving ecosystem resilience, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. By creating larger and interconnected habitats, rewilding helps to restore natural ecological processes, support endangered species, and enhance ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification…
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