The PRL Blog

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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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…
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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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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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19 Apr 2024
By Carl Dodd

Protecting your home: weatherproofing tips for all eventualities

affordable warmth, Carl Dodd, damp, draught-proofing, Droughts, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, Floods, floor insulation, furniture, Heatwave, housing, humidity, loft insulation, mould, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, sustainability, sustainable living, weatherproof
Our unpredictable weather With the UK's weather continuing to shift from being intensely cold to predicted April/May heatwaves (with talk of snow flurries in between) we thought that now would be a good time to post some tips that could help you to protect your home... whatever the weather. Preparing for cold weather Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm and energy-efficient during the cold weather. Whilst the autumn-winter season is ordinarily the perfect time of the year to take care of these fixes, it's never too late - or too early - to put things in place.…
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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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