These days, everyone seems to be talking about cutting their carbon footprints. However, as the old adage goes, actions speak louder than words. If you’re determined to limit the environmental harm that your actions and lifestyle cause, there are some quick and simple steps you can take. One key area to focus on is your property. Bear in mind that domestic and business premises are responsible for around 40 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions. The following tips should help you to boost the efficiency of your property.

Harvest rainwater

Brits are notorious for complaining about the weather, and you might find that your heart sinks every time the heavens open. However, if you’re savvy, you can twist this feature of the weather to your advantage. By investing in rainwater systems from Alumasc, you can capture, store, filter and reuse rainfall.

Collecting water at your premises like this is much more efficient than relying on mains provisions, which may have to be pumped a considerable distance before reaching your property.

Invest in improved insulation

It’s also important to take a careful look at insulation, and a good place to start is your loft. Bear in mind that on average, a quarter of a building’s heat is lost through its roof. Loft insulation is typically effective for at least 40 years and it can prove to be a savvy investment. Roofs also have insulation panels beneath them to keep in the heat, so call a roofer, similar to this renown roofing & construction company, to check your roof is well insulated and there are no gaps or holes in which heat can escape your house.

Depending on the design and age of your property, you might also be able to install cavity wall insulation. While most properties dating from the 1990s onwards benefit from in-built wall insulation, older premises often lack this feature.

Blocking draughts around windows, doors, loft hatches, suspended floorboards and other areas where gaps are common can also help to trap heat and mean you need to use less energy to keep your property warm. Furthermore, if you are to ignore any damage in your property (such as a roof that needs replacing by a company similar to Division Kangaroof – visit their website here) you can actually waste money and energy finding quick fixes rather than having a professional come to fix or replace what is wrong.

Use energy efficient technology

Another way to cut your carbon footprint is to invest in energy efficient technology. There is an increasingly eclectic range of goods on the market designed to reduce energy consumption. From condensing boilers to water saving shower heads, LED lights and more, there are plenty of items available to help you refit your property. If you don’t want to blow your budget by buying all these products at once, you can introduce them to your premises gradually. For example, each time you need to replace an appliance or gadget, simply opt for an energy efficient version.

You might also benefit from getting an energy monitor. These gadgets are available from energy suppliers and they show you in real time how much electricity is being consumed in your property. You can use them to see which appliances cause the biggest spikes in energy use.

It’s also important to take a careful look at insulation, and a good place to start is your loft. Bear in mind that on average, a quarter of a building’s heat is lost through its roof. Loft insulation is typically effective for at least 40 years and it can prove to be a savvy investment. To really ramp up your efforts in heat loss reduction, consider a roofing overhaul with Allstate Roofing.

Change your habits

Last but by no means least, changing your behaviour could reduce your carbon footprint. Simple things like taking shorter showers, switching lights off in rooms you’re not using and ensuring you turn appliances off rather than leaving them on standby can do wonders to lower your energy usage.