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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26 Jan 2024
By Carl Dodd

Water neutrality: what it is and how you can achieve it

Carl Dodd, damp, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, heat pumps, KLB – Scottish NZC, low impact, low carbon living, one planet living, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, recycling, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living, water neutrality
Understanding water neutrality In an era of increasing concern about water scarcity and environmental sustainability, the concept of water neutrality has gained prominence. But what exactly does it mean, and how can individuals work towards achieving it? In this Blog post, we'll delve into the concept of water neutrality, exploring its significance and providing practical guidance on reducing water consumption to minimise your water footprint. Water neutrality is a concept aimed at balancing the amount of water consumed, with the amount of water returned to the environment, through conservation and restoration efforts. Essentially, it involves striving to ensure that the…
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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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10 Nov 2023
By Carl Dodd

A breath of fresh air: home ventilation and sustainable living

Carl Dodd, damp, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, heat pumps, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, mould, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living
As winter draws in… Although you may feel like closing the curtains tight and shutting all windows to keep the cold air out, this practice could be harming your home - and yourself. It's only natural as the air outside gets colder, to want to cosy-up indoors - but in doing so, we are also in danger of blocking out the fresh air that we need so much. With sustainable living, we often focus on energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly materials. However, one crucial aspect that is sometimes overlooked is home ventilation. The air we breathe within our…
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06 Sep 2023
By Carl Dodd

The many benefits of choosing to live in a tiny home

Carl Dodd, circular economy, energy efficiency, housing, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living, tiny homes, tiny houses
The draw of tiny home living In an era characterised by environmental concerns, economic realities, and a growing desire for minimalism, the concept of tiny home living has gained remarkable popularity. Tiny homes are compact, efficient living spaces that prioritise functionality, sustainability and a simplified lifestyle. For those considering a shift towards this unique way of living, the benefits extend far beyond the reduced square footage. Embracing sustainable living through tiny homes Sustainability is at the forefront of global consciousness, and tiny homes provide an ideal platform for putting eco-friendly principles into action. Tiny homes inherently have a smaller carbon footprint due…
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09 Jun 2023
By Carl Dodd

The importance of energy sufficiency in achieving a sustainable future

Carl Dodd, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, Heatwave, housing, hydroelectricity, KLB – Scottish NZC, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, wind power, wind turbine
An introduction to energy sufficiency The term "energy sufficiency" refers to the societal need for access to enough energy resources that don't cause environmental damage. In order to achieve a sustainable future, it is important to become energy efficient and use renewable resources. Many individuals and businesses are now beginning to understand the importance of energy sufficiency in order to achieve sustainability. Achieving energy sufficiency will require a major shift in how we produce and use energy. It is essential that we move away from our dependency on fossil fuels and towards using renewable energy sources that are environmentally friendly.…
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