Part 2 in the Series: ‘Solving the Problem with Roofs’

With up to 80% of heat and energy loss leaving through our roofs, it’s clear that improved insulation should be a priority when attempting to increase the efficiency of our rooftops. A well insulated loft can reduce the carbon emissions of a home by as much as 935kg a year, equivalent to an annual saving of £110. There is also financial assistance available from the Energy Saving Trust for the costs involved in upgrading your roof, depending on where you live.

This simple, inexpensive change has clear benefits, and is one of many powerful tools available to us when attempting to solve the problem with roofs.

Look above street level in any urban area and its obvious that loft conversions are becoming increasingly popular. Even though this change is driven by homeowners looking to increase their square footage without moving house, there is potential for real benefit to the environment. With 75% of the worlds population expected to be living in cities by 2050, this maximisation of unused space could play a significant role in containing urban sprawl.

These changes are crucial to improving the environmental efficiency of our homes, but they are hardly groundbreaking. Rooftops cover a massive area, and the reinterpretation of this often unused space has resulted in some fascinating concepts, with financial and environmental benefits beyond insulation and loft conversions.

The potential of these exciting developments will be explored in Part 3 and beyond.

Image courtesy of sunsetgirl creations on flickr