If you are building a new home or
extension, specify energy-efficiency standards
that exceed the regulation requirements and use
environmentally friendly materials.
Building as sustainably as
possible often requires professional advice –
balancing environmental performance with cost can be
tricky – but there are many imaginative ways of
building or materials to use. Make sure your
architect and builder share your environmental
concern –
AECB, the sustainable building
association lists specialists in this area.
If you are buying new
timber or
wood products, look for the
FSC (Forestry
Stewardship Council) or
PEFC (Programme for
Endorsement of Forest Certification) logos, showing
that it has come from forests that are managed with
minimal ecological damage and consideration for the
rights and conditions of workers. Better still, use
local hardwoods…
Avoid PVC if possible, as
it creates environmental problems from production to
disposal.
Try to use water-based paints
and stains, avoiding solvent based products (and
creosote) that contain volatile organic compounds
that smell strongly and have a greater effect on our
environment. Some
Earthborn paints carry the EU
Ecolabel.
The Sustainable Building Centre
in Cardiff (www.rounded-developments.org.uk) has been set
up to help people to reduce the environmental and
health impact of their building projects – and it
need not always cost more.
 Torfaen Council have an
Eco-building at Cwmbran to demonstrate the use
of sustainable materials and building techniques.
Remember that it is your
responsibility to check that anyone taking
waste
away from your home is licensed to do so.
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