No longer bottled up, cork is popping off throughout interiors and exteriors as architects highlight the lightweight material across flooring, cladding, and wall coverings. And while its earthy quality makes it an eye-catching choice, cork’s strongest appeal goes beyond the surface: it's surprisingly eco-friendly.

The renewable resource is harvested primarily in Portugal and Spain from the bark of cork oak trees, which are never cut down or harmed in the process. And as far as natural building materials go, the perks are legion. Cork is sustainable, recyclable, water and fire-resistant – the list goes on. "It ticks all the boxes when it comes to thermal and acoustic performance, but is also breathable, free from chemicals, synthetic resins, and carcinogenic materials, and creates a healthy environment inside the house," says Nimi Attanayake, co-founder and director of London’s Nimtim Architects. No wonder it's such a coveted interior design trend right now.

Beyond function, cork’s composition adds rich visual interest, and its speckled grain brings an organic touch that makes it an interesting alternative to natural materials like stone and wood. What can’t cork do? We’re barely scratching the surface. Here’s a look at some of the many ways architects and designers use cork inside and outside the home.

1. Try cork flooring in your kitchen

Cork is easy on the eyes and easy on the feet, too. Its natural resilience provides a cushioned surface, making cork a smart pick for kitchen flooring, where cooks stand for long periods. For cooking areas, opt for high-density cork tiles or planks specifically made for high-traffic areas. "These varieties are more durable and better equipped to withstand the daily wear and tear typical in kitchens," explains Fiona Ginnett, co-founder and director at HØLTE in Hackney, London. "Additionally, ensuring the cork flooring is properly sealed is essential to safeguard against spills, stains, and moisture, which are frequent occurrences in kitchen settings."

Adding to the appeal, a few extra benefits make cork a suitable match for kitchens. “Its unique cellular structure also makes it resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, which is essential for kitchen environments,” adds Fiona. These perks made cork a superior pick for their recent kitchen project. “The cork flooring complements the island’s rich grain of Elm and the Marmoreal white and Tristone worktop, adding warmth and character to the kitchen," says Fiona.

2. Experiment with mix-and-match shades

With variations in shade and color, cork can be manipulated by manufacturers to look like anything from wood to stone. The ability to match other natural surfaces made it a clever hallway flooring idea in this material-rich project. "Other areas of the upper level have large checkered Italian porcelain pavers in sand and beige tones," says Yasmine Ghoniem, director at YSG Studio, noting how cork was softer underfoot while complementing harder tiles in the bathroom and balcony. "So we chose cork with similar shades in a matching square size to line the main ensuite and general indoor passages to sync with them."

Cork’s extra cushion made all the more sense for this home’s location. "Their softness and gentle spring underfoot creates a sensory pleasure given the location of the home in the tropics of Australia, where the homeowners would most likely be barefoot often," adds Yasmine.

3. Add instant texture to your walls

As a natural material, cork can add loads of visual texture to your interior. That’s especially true for this sunlit project in east London, where expanded cork boards are used as a wall finish, adding dimension throughout interiors. "Cork adds a wonderful texture to the walls, with its color softening slightly with time, so it is wonderful when light bounces off it," says Charles Wu, director at London’s Polysmiths. Better yet? Charles says that cork happens to have a "wonderful woody scent" when installed.

The look and feel weren’t the only reasons Polysmiths chose cork; they also used it, in part, because of its environmental appeal as a "negative carbon" material with insulation properties. “Expanded cork boards were originally used as cavity insulation (within a double-layered wall),” adds Charles. “It is a very environmental material to insulate your home with.”

4. Replace your exterior cladding with cork

In addition to its many interior applications, cork can also be used as exterior cladding. For this Camberwell extension, expanded cork cladding and wallcoverings (fabricated by Portugal’s Amorim) bring a contemporary look that blends well with the brick Victorian and neighboring homes. "The cork will naturally weather over time, and gently change to a softer, slightly gray tone from the original color," notes Alex Raher, architect and co-founder of Delve Architects. "It can be used internally and externally, and can also be used as a thermal insulation for external walls as it is 'vapor permeable’, allowing moisture to escape through it."

While Alex notes that it’s a solid material for the home, it does require some delicate planning. “The cladding boards are quite a fragile material, so they need to be carefully handled on-site, and when used in some spaces, it may need to be treated with an additional coating for fire resistance,” adds Alex.

5. Create zones with the material

Flexing cork’s versatile nature, Brooklyn’s Almost Studio used the material to create soft zones throughout an airy loft. "Here, cork – through variation of tone, texture, grain, and its easy-to-cut shapes – defines without dividing the spaces within the loft," says studio co-founders Dorian Booth and Anthony V. Gagliardi. Cork flooring and cork wainscotting help highlight different spaces, like the seating area pictured here, creating subtle yet visible borders alongside shapely segments of green carpet and white Marmoleum. The effect lets certain areas pop without harsh divisions within the open loft – places to rest your eyes, not to mention your feet.

Beyond mixing up placement, the studio also used a variety of cork materials. “We used several types of Forna Cork throughout the design to help designate more specific uses to areas of the loft,” add Dorian and Anthony. “For example, the cork flooring beginning at the front entry creates a ‘street’ that leads to the main living space – or what we like to imagine as the ‘public piazza,’ looked over by the raised dining area and bedroom. Imagine you are walking through the cork streets of a quaint Italian village, within your own home!”

6. Take advantage of cork's acoustic qualities

In this south London extension, architects chose cork cladding boards for external and internal walls primarily for sustainability. But another chief reason is seen but not heard: cork reduces noise. "The family’s main requirement at Cork House was to have a flexible space that they could all enjoy and be in at the same time whilst doing different activities," explains Nimi Attanayake of nimtim. "Cork’s acoustic performance means it is able to absorb a lot of the sound and reduce echo within a large space. This is perfect for a family."

Of course, it’s not all about function. The speckled cork boards help create an unbroken, beautifully textured surface. "The cork has a pattern and variation in texture that we and the clients love,” adds Nimi. “It seemed the obvious choice to expose it internally as well as externally!”

Ways to reduce bills are a modern preoccupation. As power costs rise and houses become more expensive to run, it's natural to want to employ a few tricks to save money where you can.

Plus, saving energy can help you in your quest towards sustainable living.  By working out what appliances don't need to be on all the time and making smarter choices about what you buy and how you insulate and care for your home, you can help the environment as well as your wallet. 

"Cutting down energy usage has become a core part of modern house design," says Livingetc's editor Pip Rich. "It's a concern that renovators and decorators are now thinking about right at the start of a project. Will purchases be efficient, will they be affordable to run, and will they have longevity? These are key areas that now go hand in hand with decor."

Of course, while it's important to think about ways to save energy when tackling a whole refurb, there are smaller changes you can make to exisiting schemes, too. Some of which are very easy, but can yield big results. 

10 ways to reduce bills

1. Don't dust

“Spiders love dust,” says Dr Chris Jardine, technical director of renewable energy installer JoJu Solar. "They also tend to build their webs where it's drafty because more insects will blow in here.” Refrain from dusting duty for a couple of months, then look for the webs - this will be where the cold air is getting in, and where you need to use some sealant around windows. Making sure windows are fully insulated will save you money, whatever type of heating you've chosen.

2. Get a Chimney Sheep

“If you’re not using your fireplace, you could be letting in a lot of cold air through your chimney shaft," says Joanna O'Loan of the Energy Saving Trust. A “chimney sheep” is like a big felted umbrella that you put up at the base of the chimney to keep the heat in, she explains, adding a new one to our list of small living room fireplace ideas. You can still use your fireplace - just don’t forget to remove the sheep first.

3. Marie Kondo your energy usage

We get how minimising “stuff” helps us value what’s left - so, "Why not do a Marie Kondo on your energy usage?” asks Chris. Think about how many showers you take, how many miles you drive, how much TV you watch or food you keep - then look at reducing your use so you’re only left with the times that you value it. For example, “If you cut TV-watching to one hour, you’d be really selective, rather than watching mindless eye fodder for hours.”

4. Consider annual consumption

When you buy a new refrigerator, or a car, or a washing machine, you’re setting your energy usage for the next ten years,” Chris explains. Most people know that the A-to-G energy rating scale shows how efficient an appliance is. But efficiency is always relative - for example, a massive, A-rated American fridge will use up more energy than a smaller B-rated one. “Buy appropriate to your needs and compare annual consumption figures instead,” he advises. Perhaps you could consider under-counter refrigeration as part of your small kitchen layout ideas, instead of a whole standalone appliance? 

5. Choose radiators wisely

If replacing radiators, you can improve their efficiency by investing in ones with a higher heat output, says Joanna. It’s also a smart move if preparing to install an air source heat pump, says Ian Preston of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, as they need bigger radiators. “Just don’t forget to turn your gas boiler down,” he says (40-50 degrees is enough). Consider also including shelves above your radiators to help the heat tumble back into the room, adds Ian.

6. Monitor your meters

“How often do you check your bank balance?” asks Chris. “Exactly - so why do we not do the same with energy?” Chris recommends taking weekly readings, and then setting yourself tighter budgets: “Any business knows that you can’t change what you're not monitoring.” If you’ve got a smart meter (which have been found to reduce energy use by 5%) and should be part of any automated home, challenge the kids to run round the house to try and turn off the high-use item. “It gives you instant energy literacy,” says Chris. 

7. Use a time switch

There are a lot of devices that use a lot of power even when not in use, notes Joanna: many of the best smart speakers, wifi-routers and game consoles, for example. But does anyone ever use them in the middle of the night, and if so, should they be? No! Install a time switch so that they turn off overnight. It might save your sanity too.

8. Chat to friends

“Word of mouth is a much more trusted source of information than anything marketed or from the government,” says Chris. He advises talking to your neighbors to increase your energy literacy - what changes have they made, how have they adapted to newer, cleaner types of green energy, and has it reduced their bills?

9. Take responsibility

“A lot of narratives on social media imply that the problem lies elsewhere,” says Chris. He calls this phenomenon “othering” - so, for example, you can “other” to different countries, or to the 100 corporations responsible for 71% of greenhouse-gas emissions, as is doing the rounds. “But as soon as you buy from these corporations or countries, it also becomes your responsibility,” he adds. The fact is that the UK is in the global top 15 for emissions: we all need to take responsibility and learn to how to embrace sustainable choices, from the eco flooring we've used which helps keep the house insulated to the amount of lights we keep on.

10. Defrost you freezer

A frosted-up freezer is less efficient and can cost you an extra $100 a year, Ian points out. Defrost it with a bowl of boiling water so that the steam melts the ice, and try not to overfill your freezer, as the more stuff you put in, the harder it has to work to maintain the temperature. Ian also advises against putting a freezer anywhere near a radiator, as it will just have to cool all that hot air down. 

What are 5 ways to save energy at home?

Five easy ways to save energy at home include to defrost your freezer regularly, fix time switches to devices that are on overnight, seal windows properly, plug chimneys to stop drafts and buy a smart meter to help you monitor energy consumption. 

Green energy is a hot topic. In the wake of all the international goal setting, most of us have a general idea what green energy is but with deadlines looming for us to be net zero. Yet we need more clarity and to know what is available to us and - more importantly - which sustainable source will save us money.  So what are the options, which one is best for you, and which is the most achievable?

In a typical household, over half the fuel bill is spent on heating and hot water.

To reduce bills as well as reducing carbon emissions, you need to make sure your home has an efficient heating system that you can control easily. If we are to reach the net zero target, we will need to reduce the carbon emissions from heating our home by a huge 95% by 2050, mainly by reducing carbon dioxide. There will be significant changes ahead in how we heat our homes, but in the meantime there are ways we can save money on fuel bills and at the same time reduce our carbon emissions.

For many years we’ve used natural gas to heat our homes - currently 85% of householders, and 40% of electricity also relies on gas, which comes from oil and gas fields. Methane is the main constituent of ‘natural gas’. We’ve continued to use natural gas because it’s a readily available resource, its cost-effective and it’s a cleaner alternative to coal – the dirtiest fossil fuel we have, and what we used before.

When natural gas is burnt, it provides heat energy. But a waste product, alongside water, is carbon dioxide, which when released into the atmosphere contributes to climate change. ‘So, we have to find new and cleaner ways to heat our homes,’ says John Cook of National Grid ESO. 'Electricity is becoming increasingly low carbon, as more renewable sources are connected to the electricity grid, slowly replacing existing gas and coal power stations. We consider the key generation types in terms of zero carbon – nuclear, wind, hydro and solar, and fossil fuels – gas and coal.’

Green energy suppliers are becoming more commonplace, but to reach net zero heating by 2050, the Energy Saving Trust believes that air source heat pumps will lead the way.

Green energy - the options explained

WIND POWER

We have been taking advantage of the wind for power for thousands of years - sailing vessels to carry cargo to trade and windmills to mill grain for food. Today the major use of wind power is to generate electricity using wind turbines. The turbine consists of a generator in a ‘nacelle’ at the top of a high tower, the wind turns the blades of the turbine, and these in turn spin the generator. It is a popular, sustainable, renewable energy source that has a much smaller impact on the environment than burning fossil fuels. The energy is passed through a transformer that increases the voltage and then goes into the National Grid.

What are the advantages of wind power?

The advantages of wind power are:

1. It’s a renewable source – as long as there is wind to turn the turbines there will be power.
2. It’s cheap to run
3. Wind power is safe
4. It has zero emissions and is a clean fuel source
5. It has one of the lowest water-consumption footprints
6. It creates wealth and jobs

What are the disadvantages of wind power?

The disadvantages of wind power are:

1. There is a high cost of manufacture and in installing wind turbines.
2. Turbines take up land from agriculture and livestock
3. There can be a visual impact on the landscape
4. It can be intermittent depending on the strength of the wind
5. Wind turbines can be noisy
6. They can be a hazard to shipping at sea
7. They can cause bird deaths

Possible annual energy cost savings from using wind power

A well-sited 5KW turbine can generate around 7,500KWH a year which could save you around $500/£340 a year on your electricity bills. The renewable energy generated could also save around 1.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

GEO THERMAL POWER 

Geothermal energy is energy generated and stored in the earth. To produce power from geothermal energy, wells are dug a mile deep into underground reservoirs to access the steam and hot water there, which can be used to drive turbines connected to electricity generators. There are three types of geothermal power plants – dry steam, flash and binary.
Dry steam is the oldest form of geothermal technology and takes steam out of the ground and uses it to drive a turbine.

Flash plants turn high pressure hot water into cool, low-pressure water.

Binary plants pass hot water through a secondary liquid with a lower boiling point, which turns to vapour to drive the turbine.

On a domestic level, this type of energy relates to ground source heat pumps which use pipes that are buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. It circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop, which is buried in your garden. It is usually a horizontal system, but there are vertical systems available. It does use electricity to do this, but the heat energy delivered to your home is more than the electrical energy used to power the system. This makes a heat pump an extremely low carbon heating option, increasingly so as our electricity grid further carbonises. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home. 

What are the advantages of geothermal energy?

The advantages of geothermal energy are:

1. It is renewable and sustainable.
2. It is carbon-free.
3. It provides a continuous, uninterrupted supply of heat and is unaffected by seasonal changes.
4. It will heat your home as well as your water.
5. There is minimal maintenance required.
6. It can reduce your heating bills.
7. Unlike gas or oil boilers, heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much long periods.
8. It could lower your home carbon emissions depending on which fuel you are replacing.

What are the disadvantages of geothermal energy?

The disadvantages of geothermal energy are:

1. There is a high build cost.
2. Your garden needs to be big enough and the ground suitable for a trench to be dug, or a borehole for a vertical system, and you will need access to the garden for digging machinery.
3. In winter, it may need to be on constantly to heat your home efficiently, but radiators won’t feel as hot to the touch as with other types of heating like a gas or oil boiler system.
4. You may need to add extra insulation and draught-proofing in your home for it to be effective.

Solar power

Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat. Both are generated through the use of solar panels, which range in size from residential rooftops to ‘solar farms’ stretching over acres of rural land.

There are two main types of solar panel. Photovoltaic (PV) is used for converting sunlight into electricity, and solar thermal panels generate heat.
Solar PV panels are made from silicon installed in a metal panel frame with a glass casing. Light hits the panel and creates an electric current which is captured by the wiring in the solar panels. The DC electricity is then converted to alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter. AC is the type of electrical current used when you plug appliances into normal wall sockets.

Solar thermal panels are less sophisticated and have been around for longer.  They work by the direct heating of water (or other fluids) by sunlight. For domestic use, solar thermal panels are installed on a roof facing the sun, the water or fluid in the panels is heated, then is pumped to a heat exchanger inside a hot water cylinder in the home before flowing back to the panels for reheating. This then provides hot water and heating in the home and usually works in conjunction with a gas or fuel central heating system that starts working when the temperature in the water tank falls below a certain temperature. These systems can provide hot water all year round, even in cool climates.

A grid-connected system means any excess electricity you create at home can be fed into the National Grid through an inverter and you receive payment for this. Conversely, should you need more electricity than your solar panels have generated, the grid can supply this for a charge. Stand-alone systems are not connected to the grid but instead charge a solar battery. These batteries store the electricity generated by your panels for your own use for lighting, heating and water heating. This system is typically more expensive than grid-connected systems because solar batteries are still quite costly.

Solar power is a fast-moving industry. Increasingly PV panels are used as building materials and integrated into the roof or as facades. In some cases panels completely replace roof tiles. In others, alternative mounting solutions are used, with panels inlaid into aluminium trays. These are easy to install and a single panel can be replaced if necessary, without affecting the entire roof. The streamlined designs can make for quite stunning visual effects. 

‘We are now producing panels which are like a glass ‘sandwich’ with the solar cells laminated between two pieces of super-strong glass,' says Pol Spronck of Solarwatt. 'They’re designed to last for up to 50 years, rather than the usual 15 to 20, which is obviously better for the planet as they last longer and don’t need replacing so often.’

All of which goes a long way in helping in our quest towards sustainable living.

What are the advantages of solar power?

The advantages of solar power are:

1. Solar energy is renewable, it is free and doesn’t damage the environment.
2. It is limitless as long as the sun keeps shining.
3. It is emission-free.
4. It has low operating costs
5. It is a clean source of electricity
6. It is flexible – it can be deployed on an industrial scale or it can power a single household
7. The carbon footprint of solar panels is small, as they last for between 20 - 50 years with no loss in efficiency. The materials used in the panels are increasingly recycled, so the carbon footprint will continue to shrink.
8. You may have reduced electricity bills.
9. You can receive payment from the government by giving excess energy back to the National Grid.

What are the disadvantages of solar power?

The disadvantages of solar power are:

1. It has a high initial cost.
2. It can be an intermittent energy source.
3. Solar panel farms take up a lot of space and have a visual impact on the landscape
4. There is a small amount of pollution during manufacture, transportation and installation.
5. They are not ideal if you are thinking of moving house.
6. Installing solar panels on your roof means you can't have a green roof, which aids biodiversity.

BIOFUEL 

Biogas and biomass are both biofuels which can be burnt to produce energy. Biomass is a solid, organic material and has been used as an energy source since humans first discovered fire and burnt wood, plants and animal manure to create energy.  Biogas is a renewable fuel produced by the breakdown of organic matter such as food scraps, animal waste, municipal rubbish, plant material and sewage.  
Biogas is also known as marsh gas, sewer gas, compost gas and swamp gas.  Put simply, biomass is the raw material and biogas is the end product.

The organic matter is broken down by micro-organisms in a process called anaerobic digestion. For this to take place, the waste material needs to be enclosed in an environment where there is no oxygen. It can occur naturally or as part of an industrial process to intentionally create biogas as a fuel.  Biogas consists mainly of methane and carbon dioxide. It can also contain small amounts of hydrogen sulphide, siloxanes and some moisture, depending on the type of waste being used. It can be used in a variety of ways including vehicle fuel and as a replacement for natural gas. If biogas is cleaned up and upgraded to natural gas standards, it is then known as biomethane and can be used in a similar way to methane, including heating and cooking.

Today many power stations run by burning a biomass of compressed wood pellets – a by-product of timber and furniture-making. This enables renewable electricity to be produced which is greener.

In the UK there are 118 biogas plants in operation, while the US has over 2,200 sites in 50 states producing biogas.

What are the advantages of biogas?

The advantages of biogas are:

1. It is a naturally-occurring and renewable source of energy.
2. It is sustainable and biodegradable.
3. There is no contamination of soil or underground water.
4. It has low carbon emissions.
5. Studies show that greenhouse gases are reduced by up to 65%.

What are the disadvantages of biogas?

The disadvantages of biogas are:

1. There is a high cost of production currently.
2. It can take up large tracts of land to produce the crops.
3. Large amounts of water are needed for the crops.
4. It Is labour intensive.
5. Cars have to be modified to use bioethanol

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a clean alternative to methane, also known as natural gas. It is the most abundant chemical element, estimated to contribute 75% of the mass of the universe. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biogas and renewable power like solar or wind. The challenge is harnessing hydrogen as a gas on a scale to fuel our homes and businesses. The good news is that hydrogen can be transported through gas pipelines, minimising disruption and reducing the amount of expensive infrastructure needed to build a new hydrogen transmission network. There would also be no need for a culture change in our home lives as people are used to using natural gas for cooking and heating, and hydrogen equivalents are emerging.

There are also cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells. Japan, Germany and the US are leading the way with public hydrogen refuelling stations.

The National Grid is committed to preparing to change our gas usage over the years between now and 2050 and one of the ways of doing this is through hydrogen

What are the advantages of Hydrogen fuel?

The advantages of hydrogen fuel are:

1. When hydrogen is burnt the only waste product is water vapour.
2. There are no emissions.
3. It could add value to houses in areas less suited to electrification.

What are the disadvantages of hydrogen fuel?

The disadvantages of hydrogen fuel are:

1. There is, as yet, no blueprint for a conversion of a gas grid to hydrogen anywhere in the world.
2. Producing hydrogen at a scale required to decarbonise heating will not be easy.
3. It is expensive to produce
4. Most of the hydrogen produced right now is not low carbon

HYDROPOWER 

Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, or water power, is one of the largest sources of renewable energy. Water is held behind a dam in a lake or reservoir at a high level. Rivers or rainfall fill the reservoir then when the energy is needed, the water is allowed to run down through pipes to another lake lower down. As the water runs through the pipes, it spins turbines that are linked to generators to produce power. The water is pumped back up during the night when electricity is cheaper.  Hydroelectric power stations are used to provide additional electricity to the National Grid at peak times of the day.

What are the advantages of hydropower?

The advantages of hydropower are:

1. It's clean and renewable – it will never run out as long as water keeps flowing.
2. It is affordable, providing low-cost electricity and durability over time compared to other types of energy.
3. It is a clean and non-polluting source of energy.
4. It is reliable and adjustable -the plant can produce more energy when it is required or reduce the energy when it is not needed.
5. No fuel is required, water is the source of energy and it does not consume water.
6. It provides flood control and irrigation support.
7. It is emission-free – it does not produce greenhouse gases.
8. It creates lakes and reservoirs which are beautiful, attract wildlife and create leisure opportunities which could help the local economy.
9. It complements other renewable energy sources – pumped storage hydropower can be used in tandem with wind and solar power when demand is high.

What are the disadvantages of hydropower?

The disadvantages of hydropower are:

1. It has an environmental impact and can displace people.
2. Plants are expensive to build and there are limited locations which means that the plants are not always near to major cities that could benefit from the energy.
3. There is the potential for droughts affecting energy production. As climate change continues to warm up the planet, this will become more common.
4. There are limited reserves.
5. It has an impact on fish travelling to breeding grounds, as a running water source must be dammed.
6. There is a flood risk – when dams are built at higher elevations, they pose a risk to any town that is below it.
7. Trapped and rotting vegetation can produce greenhouse gases such as methane.

Easy green energy changes to make right now

1. GET A SMART THERMOSTAT

Your thermostat controls 60% of your energy consumption. So if you are not planning to switch your heating system yet, installing a Smart learning thermostat such as Nest or Hive will help to save you money. Part of a fully automated home, it learns what temperature you like when you are home, or not, throughout the day, raising it while you’re in and lowering it when you are out, or overnight. It learns how your home warms up or how draughty it is, so it only uses the energy it needs, saving you energy and money. It also tells how you can further save money, and you can override it if your habits change. They are primarily used to control gas central heating systems, however, in the UK and Europe (not the US unfortunately) the Nest Learning Thermostat ships with a Heat Link Relay, which is controlled wirelessly by the Nest Thermostat to toggle your boiler’s heating on and off. With this device, it’s possible to get your Nest to control an electric heating system too.

2. UPGRADE YOUR INSULATION

One of the other things you can do now is to make sure your home is properly insulated. It’s one of the eco-friendly ways to save energy that isn’t too expensive to do and will definitely make your home warmer. A well-insulated house will have better all-round energy efficiency and minimise heat loss. You can even have eco-friendly insulation installed if you want to be even greener.

3. REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS

Double-glazing is another effective home improvement that will boost your home’s energy efficiency. Upgrading from single glazing to double-glazing will reduce your energy costs and keep your home well insulated. It’s also important to replace double glazing to ensure it’s effective – on average most double-glazing needs replacing every 20-30 years.

4. ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING

An easy, eco-friendly upgrade is to swap to energy-efficient light bulbs. They’ve been around for years, but the quality of the bulbs has noticeably improved, they last a lot longer and have come down in price in recent years, so its an easy win. You can even connect them to a smart home system so they’re even easier to use.

Amazon has a good selection of energy saving lightbulbs here.

Green roof systems are hugely growing in popularity. They look beautiful, adding the softness and calm of a meadow to the exterior of an urban home, and they also help to address the issues of climate change. By creating habitats suitable for wildlife that might otherwise struggle in cities, they help to perpetuate natural cycles. And the benefits don't end there - acoustics and insulation of the home beneath can be greatly improved, too. 

'Green roofs  retain rainwater in the substrate and their plants,' says Mark Noden, founder of the Green Roof Company, showing why they are more and more beloved by anyone interested in sustainable living. 'This water is then used by the vegetation or evaporates back into the atmosphere, which means the localized air quality is improved as the vegetation assists in filtering out both gaseous pollutants and dust particles, effectively purifying the air.’ 

Also known as a sedum roof, these systems are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, and can make a world of difference to your environment.

What is a green roof?

Green roofs create a natural look and help buildings to blend into the surrounding area. They can also help with planning consent as biodiversity roofs help to meet local authority policies towards a sustainable environment. They can increase property values by covering up ugly flat roofs and work well on outbuildings like garden offices. 

They provide a calm, green space and instil a sense of well-being.
Importantly, green roofs provide a natural habitat for flora and fauna and aid biodiversity by encouraging a wider spread of species in the area. They also retain wildlife by providing corridors to support the natural colonization of locally arising plants, birds and insects, boosting the resilience of species in the area.
Green roofs have excellent acoustic qualities and help noise reduction for both external sound (up to 3dB) and internal noise up to 8dB), and can be one of the ways to save energy as they have insulating properties for the home below.

What are the environmental benefits of a green roof?

The enhanced thermal performance provided by a green roof gives a more balanced temperature within the building. This reduces heating costs in the winter and air conditioning costs in the summer, which can lower your energy bills and also reduces the carbon footprint through lowering the building’s running costs - useful if you've spent time considering what type of heating to have from an eco perspective.

 On a new-build, or on commercial buildings, there can be a reduction in construction costs as there is no requirement for a standard roof and all that entails. Green roofs also work very successfully with solar or photovaltic panels as the vegetation provides ballast for the solar panel mountings and allows the plants to grow beneath. It is said that photovoltaic units are up to 5% more efficient when used on a green roof.

There is a reduction in lifecycle costs as the green roof provides protection from the damaging effects of the weather by reducing stormwater runoff. 'A specially engineered outlet on the roof restricts storm water runoff to a predesigned flow rate to stop too much water leaving the site, and because the water is discharged at a controlled rate, it helps to avoid localized flooding,' says Mark Noden, founder of the Green Roof Company.  Additionally, the natural evaporation of water from the plants and soil helps to cool and humidify the air, lowering the ambient temperature and reducing the ‘heat island effect.'

What is the heat island effect?

The urban heat island effect is the difference in temperature between urban areas – towns and cities -  and the surrounding countryside, and is a result of large building surfaces reflecting and radiating the sun, which will not dissipate fully overnight. The substrate of a green roof will absorb some of this heat and lower the temperature.

The green roof structures themselves are generally made up of recycled or waste materials. Like eco flooring, the origination of sedum roofs can sometimes be surprising. Some are made from recycled shredded tires and bound by polyurethane or they can be made from a bonded material made from recycled Polyester clothing and fabric.  Substrates can be made from recycled crushed brick and composted recycled organic material. The foil layer is made from recycled polyethylene granulate. 

What are the different types of green roof?

1. Pre-Grown Vegetation Blankets or Mats 

Pre-Grown Vegetation mats or blankets give instant coverage of the roof. A blanket with a broad mix of between 12-14 mature Sedum species is grown on an all-in-one integrated 100% natural biodegradable coir blanket with a 20mm layer of extensive substrate on top. It is grown for a year prior to installation and is designed to use directly over a waterproofing medium. Sedum blankets are suitable for new buildings or on redevelopment projects, and can be retrofitted on both pitched and flat roofs. The plants are selected to suit your climate.

Wildflower blanket – instead of Sedum this is made up of a blend of British wildflowers, herbs and grasses, that are included on a local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) list. 

2. Wildflower blanket

Instead of Sedum, wildflower blankets are made up of a blend of  wildflowers, herbs and grasses, that are included on a local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) list.

3. Plug Planted Systems

Plug planted systems uses a greater choice of plant species for green roofs and gives you the opportunity to plan the layout. The individual immature plants, or plugs, are planted in the substrate which can then grow on to give good coverage.

4. Seedling roofs

An economical and practical method for larger roofs, seedling green roofs are designed for harsh conditions. Plant establishment can take 18 – 24 months depending on the time of year sowing takes place and the weather conditions during the period of establishment.

Are green roofs heavy?

Most companies use lightweight substrates combined with specially developed water storage and drainage components which means a modern green roof is not heavy, and in fact is only a fraction of the weight of a standard roof. However, the saturated weight of the system should be determined at an early stage before installation.

What is bad about green roofs?

One of the downsides of green roofs is looking after it - it takes more regular care than a regular roof would. ‘The maintenance of a green roof can be tricky as safely working at height needs careful planning,’ says Paul Cook, Curator of RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

How expensive are green roofs? 

The main expense when it comes to green roofs is in constructing the roof and ensuring the roof is able to carry the weight of the plants and substrate, and that it is watertight. On average, for a green roof you can expect to pay around $10-20/£8-15 per square foot.

Are green roofs a good idea?

Green roofs are a great idea! Not only do they increase biodiversity and help cut down your heating costs, but they look fantastic, too. 'As soon as the roof is installed it creates a habitat for wildlife, slows rainwater runoff, cools the environment and looks attractive,' says Paul Cook.

What type of plants should you use for a green roof?

The best type of plants to use for a green roof are drought-tolerant plants that can survive periods of water and heat stress and bounce back. 'There is more choice than just sedum – lots of herbs and alpine plants are adapted to these conditions as well as native plants such as bird’s foot trefoil,' says Paul Cook. 

Why is sedum so popular?

Sedum is popular as once installed it needs little maintenance and is one of the most robust roof plants, surviving dry periods without losing its fresh look.

It's the thought that counts, so the old idiom goes – and we all know how much better it is to give or receive a heartfelt gift, than something bought in a last-minute rush. Or to decorate our homes with treasured baubles and items with sentimental value, rather than last year's sale bargains that have lost their lustre.

Not only do those things give us a warm feeling, they help to cut down on the mountain of waste generated during the festive season.

In that vein, Etsy Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson – and interior designer and warrior on waste, Lynne Lambourne, who has been working with the British Heart Foundation – are offering simple switches for those wanting a more sustainable Christmas this year.

1 Consider reusable wrapping

Using a fabric wrapping that can double as a scarf or tea towel (for example) is a great way to add colour to your gift. Wrapping with cloth is a beautiful way to present a gift and is better for the planet, if it has another purpose.

There is also prettyrecycled wrapping paper on Etsy. Alternatively, use simple brown paper, tied with a pretty reusable ribbon.

2 Buy Vintage

Buying vintage allows you to create new memories without introducing new products to the chain of purchasing. Vintage items are usually one-of-a-kind with a story behind them making a truly unique addition to your home or wardrobe.

Find vintage Christmas decorations like these beautifulbaubles on Etsy or head to a local charity shop and see what treasures you can uncover.

3 handcrafted decorations

Spruce up your home and tree with ornaments made from natural biodegradable materials. There are thousands of handmade decorations on Etsy, frompersonalised painted baublestohand knitted Christmasmotifs. Beautifully made heirloom Christmas decoration will be in your family forever and treasured for years to come.

Check out these Winter Fairs for handcrafted gifts.

4 Grown your own gifts

Get green-fingered and give a plant in a pretty second-hand pot tied with a ribbon for a rustic look. Or take it to the next level and plant a tree for a loved one - as well as helping wildlife thrive, you're doing your bit for climate change.

4 Find the vegan alternative

If you’re shopping for vegan loved ones or trying to buy planet-friendly gifts then Etsy has plenty of vegan alternatives to many classic Christmas gifts. There's a vegangingerbread scentedcandle that will fill your home with festive smells or surprise someone with accessories made from alternative materials such as avegan cork leather bag.

5 Alternative Christmas trees

House plants can be turned into a modern looking Christmas tree by simply adding fairy lights and a few festive decorations. Over 6 million Christmas trees are thrown away in the UK each year, so this is an innovative way to ensure your house looks Christmas ready without having to cut down a real tree.

There are alternative trees like thismini wood tree decorand even the option to rent a Christmas Tree from loveachristmastree.co.uk.

Alternatively, buy your Christmas Tree at Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross in the capital and return it after 4 January – and they'll recycle it and have it turned into (pine flavour) gin by Bloomsbury Distillery.

6 Quality over quantity

Organise a Secret Santa among family and friends, so everyone receives one or two gifts they really like rather than mountains of stuff and lots of plastic. This will cut down on waste and save money for a few truly meaningful gifts.

7 Declutter and Donate

Donate what you don’t need. Having a clear-out before Christmas is always a good idea to make way for new items – take advantage of the British Heart Foundation’s free collection service so you can declutter ahead of the big day.

Take on the British Heart Foundation’s Green Christmas challenge this festive season by shopping second-hand and share your finds on social media with #BoughtAtBHF.

See how to keep your Christmas Tree looking fresh and fabulous.