25 Oct 2024
By Carl Dodd

Keeping your home cosy and energy efficient as the nights draw in

affordable warmth, air quality, Carl Dodd, circular economy, damp, draught-proofing, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, heat pumps, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, loft insulation, low impact, low carbon living, mould, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation, weatherproof
How to prepare for an energy-efficient autumn/winter season As the cooler months set in across the UK, there's no better time to ensure your home is ready to combat the autumn and winter chill. Retrofitting an older home with energy-efficient upgrades not only helps to keep it warm, but also reduces heating costs and carbon emissions. The benefits of an energy-efficient home A well-prepared home is vital for enduring the colder months, and retrofitting can yield multiple advantages: Lower Energy Bills: efficient insulation and heating systems reduce reliance on constant heating, keeping bills manageable. Increased Comfort: insulation and draught-proofing retain…
Read More
27 Sep 2024
By Carl Dodd

Eco-friendly ways to make the most of autumn

bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, circular economy, draught-proofing, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, heat pumps, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, loft insulation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation, waste less food
Welcoming autumn into our homes and gardens As the vibrant colours of autumn unfold - and the inclement weather returns - many of us are reflecting on how to make our homes cosier and our gardens more inviting. This season is the perfect time to implement eco-friendly habits that benefit both the environment and our households. From energy savings to wildlife conservation, this blog provides practical tips to help you make this autumn your greenest yet. Preparing your home for cooler days As temperatures begin to drop, the temptation to turn up the heating can be strong. However, energy use…
Read More
14 Aug 2024
By Carl Dodd

A greener journey from Cambridge to London

air pollution, air quality, Carl Dodd, circular economy, ecosystem, electric vehicle, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, EV, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rechargeable, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living
The UK's first electric coach service In a significant leap towards sustainable travel, FlixBus has launched the UK's first electric coach service, connecting Cambridge and London. This initiative, running a 124-mile round trip, is part of a six-week trial that could reshape the future of long-distance travel in the UK. With the world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of transportation, this electric service is not just about convenience; it's a step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving public health. Mitigating health risks Carbon emissions from traditional diesel-powered coaches contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen…
Read More
02 Aug 2024
By Carl Dodd

Doggy ‘backpacks’ filled with seeds help rewild a nature reserve

air pollution, bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, forest bathing, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, one planet living, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, rewilding, Shinrin-yoku, sustainability, sustainable living
'Man's best friend' helps out in a novel rewilding project Equipped with backpacks full of wildflower seeds, dogs in a scheme in England are mimicking an ecological role left vacant by wolves. They are being enlisted to "act like wolves" to help rewild an urban nature reserve in the East Sussex town of Lewes. Before wolves were persecuted to extinction in the UK circa 1760, they were known to roam large areas, typically covering 12 miles (20km) or more each night. In doing so, wolves would inadvertently pick up wildflower and grass seeds in their fur, dispersing them many miles away and…
Read More
19 Jul 2024
By Carl Dodd

How to keep your home and garden cool during a heatwave

air pollution, air quality, bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, forest bathing, heat pumps, Heatwave, houseplants, housing, humidity, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Nature, one planet living, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, rewilding, Shinrin-yoku, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation, wind power
The retrofit approach As climate change drives increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves across the UK, keeping our homes cool has become a growing concern. However, the traditional approach of using air conditioning and relying on artificial cooling methods is not only energy-intensive but also environmentally unsustainable. As we are all committed to reducing our carbon footprint and living in harmony with nature, it's good to know that there are greener, more ecological ways to keep our homes cool during a heatwave. In this Blog, I explore the sustainable strategies that focus on making your home and garden work with nature…
Read More
05 Jul 2024
By Carl Dodd

Making your home winter-proof in the summer

affordable warmth, air quality, Carl Dodd, circular economy, damp, draught-proofing, Droughts, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, heat pumps, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, loft insulation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation
Why summer is the perfect time to retrofit for winter As summer unfolds, it's easy to forget the chills of winter. Yet, this season offers the perfect window to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Retrofitting your property during the summer can save you time, stress - and money, ensuring your home is not only cosy but also energy-efficient when the temperatures drop. 1. Avoid the winter rush During winter, everyone rushes to fix drafts, insulate roofs, and upgrade heating systems. This surge in demand can lead to higher prices, longer wait times for contractors, and a lot…
Read More
21 Jun 2024
By Carl Dodd

Are you looking to purchase your first electric vehicle?

air quality, Carl Dodd, circular economy, draught-proofing, ecosystem, electric vehicle, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, EV, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rechargeable, recycling, reduce carbon footprint, sustainability, sustainable living
10 smart tips for choosing your first electric vehicle Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is an exciting and forward-thinking decision, but with so many options on the market, choosing your first EV can be overwhelming. Whether you're motivated by environmental concerns, rising fuel prices, or the appeal of cutting-edge technology, selecting the right EV requires careful consideration. Here are 10 smart tips to help you navigate the process and find the perfect electric vehicle for your needs. 1. Understand your driving needs Before diving into the world of electric vehicles, take some time to evaluate your driving habits. Consider…
Read More
07 Jun 2024
By Carl Dodd

Cement recycling: paving the way to a sustainable future

Carl Dodd, circular economy, damp, draught-proofing, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, housing, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., recycling, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living
The magic of recycling cement In an exciting breakthrough, researchers from the University of Cambridge have unveiled a method to produce very low-emission concrete on a large scale. This innovation has the potential to revolutionise the transition to net zero emissions. Described as "an absolute miracle" by the researchers, the method leverages electrically-powered arc furnaces, traditionally used in steel recycling, to recycle cement, the most carbon-intensive component of concrete. Given that concrete is the second most-used material on Earth, after water, and is responsible for around 7.5% of global CO₂ emissions, this development could be a game-changer in reducing our…
Read More
10 May 2024
By Carl Dodd

Our guide to solar arrays vs. solar panels

affordable warmth, Carl Dodd, circular economy, election2024, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living
Harnessing the sun's power In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, solar technology has taken centre stage, especially in the environmentally conscious UK market. With the government's current commitment to reducing carbon emissions and the increasing affordability of solar installations, it's no surprise that many are turning to solar power. However, confusion often arises when differentiating between solar arrays and solar panels. This blog post aims to clarify these terms and their significance in the solar energy landscape. Solar Cells: the building blocks At the heart of solar technology lies the solar cell; a device that converts sunlight into electricity. These…
Read More
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…
Read More