Sustainable tourist accommodation
Climate change and high energy costs: Thinking about the sustainability of your home
Extreme temperatures and water scarcity are the biggest challenges of climate change, the consequences of which we are already experiencing. This is compounded by the high costs of fossil fuels and the global need to accelerate the pace of the energy transition towards more energy savings and renewables.
We cannot change the course of time, but we can adapt to some extent to prevent and be prepared. There are easy recipes, and there are more complex ones.
Thermal insulation, use of solar energy (photovoltaic and thermal for hot water), ceiling fans instead of air conditioning,energy-efficient heating appliances or wood or pellet cookers are easy and affordable solutions. In addition, with moderate heating costs, your home will be more in demand for longer stays in winter. With the savings in electricity costs and the extra income in winter, your investment will pay for itself in a short time.
Changing water management is another unfinished business, but perhaps more complex. A higher level of self-sufficiency will be welcome when wells run dry and when water supply restrictions are imposed. Here are some ideas:
- Rainwater can be collected with gutters and filled with cisterns.
- Greywater (wastewater minus sewage) can be treated to irrigate the garden.
- Transform the garden and replace lawns with "dry garden" areas with succulents and cacti instead of large areas of grass. This can reduce water consumption by up to 90%.
Get advice from architect Nieves de Ceuster, a specialist in sustainable architecture, to find the best solutions for your home: 617 179 464 / nieves.dca@gmail.com