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…
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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…
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13 Sep 2024
By Carl Dodd

August was the UK’s greenest ever month

Carl Dodd, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, Heatwave, hydroelectricity, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, wind power, wind turbine
August 2024: a record-breaking month The UK's electricity grid had its greenest ever month in August, when the amount of power generated by fossil fuels fell to a record low. Data shows that both wind and solar produced more electricity than gas throughout the month. The amount of power generated by fossil fuels dropped to 3.6 terawatt-hours (TWh). By comparison, even in lockdown, it never fell below 4TWh. The figures come as the UK's last coal-fired power plant at Ratcliffe-on-Soar prepares to close on September 30th, marking the end of coal-fired power in the UK. At its peak, coal provided more than…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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24 May 2024
By Carl Dodd

Politics and the circular economy

affordable warmth, Carl Dodd, circular economy, election2024, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, housing, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living, waste less food
Framing the UK's environmental ambition: a pre-election insight As the upcoming General Election approaches, the UK stands at a pivotal juncture to redefine its environmental ambitions for the next half-decade. Despite the 2019 enshrinement of a 2050 Net Zero target, progress towards this goal has faced substantial criticism. Accelerating this journey requires a collective shift in focus, steering the nation towards a sustainable future. Decarbonisation and the circular economy Achieving decarbonisation demands a departure from traditional production models towards a 'circular' economy. This paradigm shift transforms the outdated 'take-make-waste' approach into a 'reuse-recycle-renew' framework, emphasising sustainability and resource efficiency. Both the…
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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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