Ready to Get Serious About Going Green? Here’s How
Check out these savvy ways to save money on your household bills – sustainably
Population growth and climate change mean water-saving is now a hot topic. We can cut our use of this precious resource in small ways, such as turning off taps when brushing our teeth or choosing a showerhead with an eco setting, but how can we make a real impact? Our panel of experts outline how solar thermal heating, rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling can lead to long-term benefits – for us and the earth.
Professional advice from:
Martyn Bridges of Worcester, Bosch Group
Ian Woodcock of RainWater Harvesting
Will Shearer of Aquaco
Professional advice from:
Martyn Bridges of Worcester, Bosch Group
Ian Woodcock of RainWater Harvesting
Will Shearer of Aquaco
How much does solar thermal heating cost?
Bridges estimates that installing a solar thermal heating system costs between £3,000 and £5,000, depending on the installation. “Ongoing maintenance costs for solar thermal are low and installation can be carried out quite quickly, too,” he adds. Planning Permission is rarely required to fit a solar water heating system; however, you should check with your local authority before starting work, particularly if you have a listed building.
“There is a misconception that solar panels can look obtrusive, particularly on an older property,” says Bridges. Fortunately, this doesn’t need to be the case. He recommends Greenskies Solar Lifestyle “in-roof” panels: these look like skylight windows and discreetly blend the solar technology into your roof.
Want to know some smaller steps you can take instead? Try these 11 simple things you can do to be greener every day
Bridges estimates that installing a solar thermal heating system costs between £3,000 and £5,000, depending on the installation. “Ongoing maintenance costs for solar thermal are low and installation can be carried out quite quickly, too,” he adds. Planning Permission is rarely required to fit a solar water heating system; however, you should check with your local authority before starting work, particularly if you have a listed building.
“There is a misconception that solar panels can look obtrusive, particularly on an older property,” says Bridges. Fortunately, this doesn’t need to be the case. He recommends Greenskies Solar Lifestyle “in-roof” panels: these look like skylight windows and discreetly blend the solar technology into your roof.
Want to know some smaller steps you can take instead? Try these 11 simple things you can do to be greener every day
Do solar thermal panels work on cloudy days?
Yes – but make sure the panels are fitted by professional installers who can recommend the most suitable products and ensure the system is safe for maximum efficiency.
“Just as every property is different, every solar installation is unique and location does make a difference. Your installer will have to consider the orientation and pitch of the roof to obtain the best performance from the collectors,” Bridges explains.
Yes – but make sure the panels are fitted by professional installers who can recommend the most suitable products and ensure the system is safe for maximum efficiency.
“Just as every property is different, every solar installation is unique and location does make a difference. Your installer will have to consider the orientation and pitch of the roof to obtain the best performance from the collectors,” Bridges explains.
What is rainwater harvesting and how is it beneficial?
Rainwater harvesting involves filtering water off the roof, storing it below ground (which is a cool, dark environment inhospitable to algae and microbial growth) and then reusing it. “By harvesting rainwater, you’ll save up to 50 percent on your water bill,” says Ian Woodcock of RainWater Harvesting.
Rainwater harvesting involves filtering water off the roof, storing it below ground (which is a cool, dark environment inhospitable to algae and microbial growth) and then reusing it. “By harvesting rainwater, you’ll save up to 50 percent on your water bill,” says Ian Woodcock of RainWater Harvesting.
What can harvested rainwater be used for?
Harvested rainwater can be used for all non-potable applications: think toilet-flushing, washing machines and watering the garden. It may not sound like much but, as Woodcock explains, the water savings add up. “Toilets account for a staggering 35 percent of our daily water usage, washing machines 15 percent and irrigation 5 percent. Keeping the maths simple, approximately 50 percent of your water usage could be supplemented by harvested rainwater,” he explains.
Harvested rainwater can be used for all non-potable applications: think toilet-flushing, washing machines and watering the garden. It may not sound like much but, as Woodcock explains, the water savings add up. “Toilets account for a staggering 35 percent of our daily water usage, washing machines 15 percent and irrigation 5 percent. Keeping the maths simple, approximately 50 percent of your water usage could be supplemented by harvested rainwater,” he explains.
Can I drink, shower or wash dishes with harvested water?
If you want to use rainwater for showering, dishwashers and drinking, it must be put through a UV filter. Woodcock points out that this tends not to be cost-effective. “In the majority of cases, once we’ve calculated the amount of collectable rainwater and then deducted the amount that would be used for all non-potable applications, there doesn’t tend to be much left.”
He advises weighing up the cost benefits carefully, given that you’ll need 24-hour electricity for a UV filter.
If you want to use rainwater for showering, dishwashers and drinking, it must be put through a UV filter. Woodcock points out that this tends not to be cost-effective. “In the majority of cases, once we’ve calculated the amount of collectable rainwater and then deducted the amount that would be used for all non-potable applications, there doesn’t tend to be much left.”
He advises weighing up the cost benefits carefully, given that you’ll need 24-hour electricity for a UV filter.
What do I need to think about when planning for rainwater harvesting?
The secret to successful water saving is in the planning. “Designing the system early means your architect can work out the drainage runs to ensure as much roof water as possible is filtered to the underground tank,” Woodcock says.
The type of system needs to be considered, too. The good news is there are only three available: garden only, direct pumped or gravity-fed rain director (the latter being the most economical system to run). “Our systems use standard UK pipework and fittings, so a competent plumber can fit one,” says Ian. “We also supply comprehensive installation guides with plumbing and electrical schematics.”
The secret to successful water saving is in the planning. “Designing the system early means your architect can work out the drainage runs to ensure as much roof water as possible is filtered to the underground tank,” Woodcock says.
The type of system needs to be considered, too. The good news is there are only three available: garden only, direct pumped or gravity-fed rain director (the latter being the most economical system to run). “Our systems use standard UK pipework and fittings, so a competent plumber can fit one,” says Ian. “We also supply comprehensive installation guides with plumbing and electrical schematics.”
Can a rainwater harvesting system be retrofitted?
It’s best to install rainwater harvesting systems during a renovation or new build, but they can be added later. This may restrict your options, however. “If a system is to be retrofitted, it’s likely only to be plumbed to a downstairs toilet, washing machine and external tap, as these are generally easier to plumb in without too much internal replumbing,” Woodcock explains.
It’s best to install rainwater harvesting systems during a renovation or new build, but they can be added later. This may restrict your options, however. “If a system is to be retrofitted, it’s likely only to be plumbed to a downstairs toilet, washing machine and external tap, as these are generally easier to plumb in without too much internal replumbing,” Woodcock explains.
What is a grey-water recycling system?
A grey-water recycling system is a filtration and treatment system that collects and treats water that’s been used in showers, washbasins and baths.
Once the water is treated, it can be used for non-potable applications, most commonly flushing the toilet and watering the garden. “Some manufacturers will say it’s also suitable for washing machine use. However, we would advise against this as it will most likely void the manufacturer’s warranty, and the water savings are often not worth the extra hassle,” explains Will Shearer of Aquaco.
A grey-water recycling system is a filtration and treatment system that collects and treats water that’s been used in showers, washbasins and baths.
Once the water is treated, it can be used for non-potable applications, most commonly flushing the toilet and watering the garden. “Some manufacturers will say it’s also suitable for washing machine use. However, we would advise against this as it will most likely void the manufacturer’s warranty, and the water savings are often not worth the extra hassle,” explains Will Shearer of Aquaco.
Can grey-water recycling reduce bills, and how expensive is it to install?
Grey-water recycling not only reduces the amount of water used, it also leads to significant savings on your water bills,” says Shearer. “You can claim back the waste water charge on the portion of water that has been reused, as it’s being used twice but only being discharged to drain once,” he explains.
Aquaco’s most basic domestic grey-water systems start at £2,394. They’re designed to be simple to install and don’t require specialist knowledge. That said, if you’re not DIY savvy, call in the professionals.
“Installation can be done by any plumber and electrician, and will probably add about £1,500 to a new build,” continues Shearer. “This size system will treat up to 420 litres a day, so will accommodate almost all domestic environments.”
Grey-water recycling not only reduces the amount of water used, it also leads to significant savings on your water bills,” says Shearer. “You can claim back the waste water charge on the portion of water that has been reused, as it’s being used twice but only being discharged to drain once,” he explains.
Aquaco’s most basic domestic grey-water systems start at £2,394. They’re designed to be simple to install and don’t require specialist knowledge. That said, if you’re not DIY savvy, call in the professionals.
“Installation can be done by any plumber and electrician, and will probably add about £1,500 to a new build,” continues Shearer. “This size system will treat up to 420 litres a day, so will accommodate almost all domestic environments.”
Can a grey-water recycling system be retrofitted?
Grey-water recycling systems are far better suited to a new build, unless the building is having a complete refit.
TELL US…
What’s your experience of these systems? Are you tempted to fit any? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Grey-water recycling systems are far better suited to a new build, unless the building is having a complete refit.
TELL US…
What’s your experience of these systems? Are you tempted to fit any? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Still one of the quickest and cheapest ways to bring renewable energy to your home, a solar thermal heating system consists of panels that absorb solar energy, like the ones fitted to the roof of this Passive House. This is then used to heat the water stored in a solar-compatible, twin-coil, hot-water cylinder. By law, your solar thermal system also needs to be linked to a boiler.
“Solar water heating can provide up to an impressive 60 percent of your home’s hot-water requirements each year,” explains Martyn Bridges at Worcester, Bosch Group. “The average household could see a reduction of around £65 on their annual fuel bills.” You can even switch your boiler controls off in the summer months – essentially giving you your hot water for free.
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