Making Your Home More Sustainable
Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and the choices we make at home have a significant impact on our collective carbon footprint. In the UK, homes account for roughly 20% of total carbon emissions, primarily through heating, electricity use, and inefficient building design. The good news is that making your home greener does not have to mean expensive renovations or dramatic lifestyle changes. Small, practical steps can reduce your environmental impact while saving you money on energy bills.
At Nationwide Building Society, we are committed to helping our members live more sustainably. From green mortgage products to partnerships with energy efficiency experts, we are making it easier for homeowners to invest in a greener future.
Start with an Energy Audit
Before making any changes, it is worth understanding where your home currently stands. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates your property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and provides specific recommendations for improvement. You can find your property's existing EPC online for free, and commissioning a new assessment typically costs between Β£60 and Β£120.
Common findings from an energy audit include poor loft insulation, single-glazed windows, an outdated boiler, and draughty doors and windows. Addressing these issues in priority order gives you the best return on investment.
Insulation: The Foundation of Energy Efficiency
Up to 25% of heat in an uninsulated home escapes through the roof, and another 35% escapes through the walls. Improving your insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption:
- Loft insulation β Adding or topping up loft insulation to the recommended 270mm depth can save you around Β£355 per year on heating bills. DIY installation is straightforward and materials typically cost Β£300-Β£500.
- Cavity wall insulation β If your home was built after the 1920s, it likely has cavity walls that can be insulated. Professional installation costs Β£500-Β£1,500 and saves approximately Β£395 annually.
- Floor insulation β Insulating ground floors can save Β£70-Β£100 per year. Suspended timber floors can often be insulated from below without disruption to the room above.
- Draught-proofing β Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and letterboxes is one of the cheapest improvements, with DIY draught-proofing strips costing as little as Β£10-Β£20.
Heating and Hot Water
Heating accounts for around 55% of domestic energy spending. Upgrading your heating system can deliver substantial savings and emissions reductions:
Heat pumps are increasingly popular and can reduce heating costs by 30-50% compared to gas boilers. Air source heat pumps are the most common type for UK homes and are eligible for the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides grants of up to Β£7,500 towards installation costs.
Smart thermostats such as Hive or Nest let you control your heating remotely and learn your schedule to avoid wasting energy when you are out. Installing a smart thermostat typically saves Β£75-Β£150 per year.
Hot water cylinders should be insulated with an 80mm jacket if they are not already, saving approximately Β£35 per year for a minimal one-off cost.
Renewable Energy at Home
Installing solar panels has become significantly more affordable in recent years, with typical installations costing Β£5,000-Β£8,000 for a 4kW system. Solar panels can generate 40-50% of a household's electricity needs and often pay for themselves within 10-15 years through energy savings and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for surplus electricity sold back to the grid.
Battery storage systems, which store excess solar energy for use in the evening, are an increasingly practical addition, with prices falling steadily as technology improves.
Everyday Habits That Make a Difference
Beyond physical improvements to your home, simple daily habits can reduce your carbon footprint:
- Wash clothes at 30Β°C instead of 40Β°C β modern detergents work effectively at lower temperatures.
- Switch to LED bulbs β they use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
- Reduce standby power β turning off appliances at the plug rather than leaving them on standby can save Β£65 per year.
- Use a water-saving showerhead β reducing your shower time by just one minute can save Β£75 per year on water and energy bills.
How Nationwide Can Help
Nationwide offers green additional borrowing options for members looking to fund energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Whether you are installing solar panels, upgrading your boiler to a heat pump, or improving your insulation, Nationwide can help you access the finance you need at competitive rates. Speak to a mortgage adviser at your local branch or explore our options online to find out how we can support your journey to a greener home.