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…
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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…
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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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22 Mar 2024
By Carl Dodd

The Arts and Crafts movement: honouring tradition in modern homes

affordable warmth, arts and crafts movement, Carl Dodd, creativity, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., recycling, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living, tiny homes
Arts and Crafts - a timeless classic   The Arts and Crafts movement, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, remains a timeless inspiration for home design today. Rooted in a philosophy of craftsmanship, simplicity and respect for natural materials, Arts and Crafts architecture offers a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. By incorporating elements of Arts and Crafts design into your current home or new build, and adding your own unique style, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful. So, let the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement…
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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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23 Feb 2024
By Carl Dodd

Why improving indoor air quality matters

air pollution, air quality, Carl Dodd, damp, draught-proofing, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, houseplants, housing, humidity, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, mould, Nature, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living, tenants, ventilation
  'All we need is the air that we breathe…' When we think about air pollution, we often picture smog-filled city streets or industrial emissions. However, the quality of the air inside our homes and buildings can also have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the cleanliness and purity of the air within enclosed spaces such as: homes, offices, schools and public buildings. It encompasses factors such as the presence of pollutants, levels of humidity, and ventilation rates. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory…
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09 Feb 2024
By Carl Dodd

Affordable warmth for all: heating your home sustainably

affordable warmth, Carl Dodd, damp, draught-proofing, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, heat pumps, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, loft insulation, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living, tenants
Staying warm and comfortable in colder temperatures Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable warmth is a crucial aspect of sustainable living. Affordable warmth refers to the ability to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without experiencing financial hardship. This Blog Post explores what affordable warmth means, why it's important, and provides practical guidance on how everyone can heat their homes sustainably. Affordable warmth is about more than just heating your home; it's about ensuring that everyone has the means to stay warm and comfortable, regardless of their income or housing situation. It's a fundamental aspect of social and environmental justice, as…
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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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25 Oct 2023
By Carl Dodd

Heat pumps: all you need to know

Carl Dodd, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, heat pumps, housing, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, sustainability, sustainable living
The heat pump grant With the news that the government's homeowner's heat pump grant has been increased to £7,500, we take a look at why heat pumps lower pollution and energy bills. Heat pumps emit far less pollution than gas boilers and can lower bills, but they are expensive to buy - the government is hoping that the scheme will lower the cost of installing a new heat pump, in line with that of a gas boiler. There are 27 million old gas and oil boilers and the aim is to replace 600,000 a year, but the current rate is…
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