Enviromentally Friendly

It only took 100 years, but it seems that Chicago city planners are finally taking the last major recommendation from Daniel Burnham's plan for Chicago's lakefront. Burnham's 1909 vision is being realized in an effort to "go green." Essentially a 2-mile long breakwater surrounding Monroe Harbor, the proposed 'Eco-Bridge' will provide; more parks & recreational space, skyline views, and much needed 'green' electricity for Chicago. Raised in Chicago, famed architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham has contributed immensely to the shapes and sights of the Chicago we all know today. He's to thank for the Rookery and Monadnock buildings, The Museum of Science and ... Read Full Story

An expert has observed that loft conversions are the "number one home improvement" for Brits at the moment.While considering converting a loft, homeowners should consider improving their loft insulation to maximise the efficiency of their home and save money on energy bills. Jason Orme, editor of Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine, is not surprised that Brits have shifted their attention away from moving and towards improving, given the current economic downturn.Regarding space requirements for new parents, he commented that "people's circumstances don't just stop because of the recession". Mr Orme said: "Loft conversions are slightly easier to do now due to planning regulations."When people look ... Read Full Story

Electric bills are outrageous, we all know that. After moving into our new apartment, my fiancee and I discovered a few easy things that will literally screech your electric meter to a halt. You can even test the results and see for yourself right this second! Do this: Locate your electric meter - what the electric company is supposed to read every month. Start turning things off that you don't need! You won't believe the difference flipping a few switches can make to your monthly electric bill. Why waste your hard-earned money when you don't have to, right? How will you know it's working? ... Read Full Story

Question: I'm selling my house and have got someone coming round to do a HIPs assessment next week - what should I expect? Answer: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a crucial part of the Home Information Pack assessment, which all houses on the market are now legally required to have. They tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G, similar to white goods, with the most energy efficient homes (which in turn should have the lowest fuel bills) in band A. The Assessor will inspect all your heating appliances and will assess how much installed insulation you have in ... Read Full Story

news source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk Every year for the next 40 years, half a million UK homes will need extra insulation , new windows and other energy saving features if we are to fight climate change and fuel poverty. The vast majority of our homes were built decades, if not centuries, ago and leak hot air. Eight-five per cent of these draughty, leaky homes will still be standing in 2050, by which date we must have cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent. Now it's hard to believe that under the cool new white render and French grey-painted woodwork there lurks a plain little 60s ... Read Full Story