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Smart guide
Types of insulation
Heating, cooling and insulation
Bulk insulation traps air in still layers.Bulk insulation comes in a variety of materials (glass fibre, polyester, polystyrene, wool, paper) and formats (blankets, segments, rigid sheets or loose fill).Insulation materialsThere are many insulation materials available includ...
Smart guide
Stopping draughts
Heating, cooling and insulation
Stop those draughts
Draughts are caused by air passing from the outside to the inside, or from the inside to the outside, because of pressure differences caused by wind or warmer indoor temperatures. Rather than ventilation, which you can control, draughts cause heat l...
Smart guide
Waterless toilets
Water and waste
The longdrop of the 21st century
A well-designed, well-maintained waterless toilet can be used to turn your toilet waste into compost ready for eventual use in your garden.Waterless toilets do require more maintenance than a conventional toilet and they may be hazardou...
Smart guide
Ventilation and heat recovery systems
Heating, cooling and insulation
Whole house ventilation and heat recovery systems
If you are trying to make your home warmer, the first step is to sort out your insulation, install an effective heating system and tackle any sources of dampness.Causes and effects of high moisture has information about...
Smart guide
Choosing energy efficient appliances
Power, lighting and energy saving
Saving energy, water and money
Some appliances use energy even when you're not using them – drawing power even when on 'standby'. Others use a great deal more than they should because they don't use energy efficiently.By choosing carefully, you can save energy and wa...
Smart guide
Exterior building materials
Construction and materials
Choosing exterior building materials
Exterior building materials include materials for roofing and cladding, walls (including framing), foundations, and window/door frames.Some materials may release emissions which can harm human health, either during manufacture or af...
Smart guide
Insulation materials
Heating, cooling and insulation
What insulation works for you?
You can choose from a wide range of insulation materials, each with different properties and features, and each suitable for different parts of the house.Increasingly, insulation products are available containing recycled material, such a...
Siting and location
These smart tools will help you when you’re deciding where to build or buy....
Smart guide
Other types of construction
Construction and materials
While many people think of framed and solid construction types first, there are a number of less common construction methods that may suit your project better. This list is by no means exhaustive – talk to your designer to find out more.Straw bale constructionWhat is stra...
Smart guide
Concrete construction
Construction and materials
Concrete used for construction
Concrete has been used in construction around the world for over one thousand years. Romans used concrete for many of their buildings and monuments, some of which are still around today.It is a familiar building material for many building...