Rediscovering Old Construction Materials – Natural Cement

Have you ever heard about natural cement? Well, I haven’t until recently and was really surprised about it. This seems strange as at some point in time this type of cement was not only the only type of cement available but also in high demand.

In recent years there has been an increased awareness of sustainability and green building practices. This has led to many new innovations in this area, including bioclimatic design principles and green materials to offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cement-based construction materials.

But some things don’t need to be reinvented as they have been around for hundreds of years before the time of our modern cement. We are talking about natural cement which, due to lower levels of pollution, is a wonderful alternative.

Other, even simpler, construction materials – such as rammed earth even has been around since the very beginning of mankind. This topic we cover in another article.

The History of Natural Cement

Natural cement is a type of cement made from natural materials, such as limestone and clay. It is used in the construction industry because it can be more environmentally-friendly than other types of cement.

The use of natural cement dates back to the Roman Empire, when builders would use a mixture of volcanic ash and lime to make their buildings. This mixture was called pozzolanic cement. Today, we still use pozzolanic cement for many projects, but it is now often combined with Portland cement for better durability and strength.

How do they make it?

Natural cement is a type of hydraulic cement that is made from natural mineral sources. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement, which requires more energy to produce and emits more carbon dioxide.

The process of making natural cement starts with the heating and burning of limestone or chalk in a kiln. The heat causes the limestone or chalk to break down into calcium oxide, which then reacts with water.

What are the Benefits of Building with Natural Cement?

Building with natural cement has many benefits, including, it is:

– a sustainable material that is recycable.

– more durable than concrete and other traditional building materials.

– be used to build homes, roads, bridges and other structures.

Natural Cement on Facades – Use in Decoration

Natural cements are a great way to add decorative elements on the facade of a building as it is very easy to work with. They can be used to create different ornaments, such as leaves, flowers, and vines.

So, if you are seeking a quick way to pep up the facade of your property – this is for you. We all know that beauty counts and the “wow-factor” is important for a buyer to fall in love with your real-estate. It doesn’t matter if you have blocks of flats for sale or seeking to speed up your villa sale in turkey. This works everywhere. Just make sure to get a plasterer that knows the material.

If not applied directly, the cements can also be casted into moulds and then applied to the facade of the building. This is done by attaching them to the surface of the facade with some kind of adhesive.

In the past even bigger elements were used in the construction of decorative facades, such as complete window frames. Depending on the mixture and added pigments the natural cement can have a very stone-like appearance.

A Buildable & Sustained Product

Natural cements are a natural product that is made from limestone and clay. They have been used in construction for centuries but they are not as common as concrete or other man-made materials.

The future possibilities for natural cements are still being explored. There is a lot of potential for this kind of cement. The only question is, whether or not the market demands it and if there will be other sustainable alternatives to cement.

The Advantages of a Turn-Key Home

A turn-key home is a new construction that includes all the finishing touches and is ready for occupancy.

It is easier than ever before to find the perfect turn-key finish home for your needs. There are many different styles of homes available, from traditional to modern, and you can customize the home to suit your tastes. You can also find a turn-key finish home with a yard or without, depending on what you’re looking for in the perfect property.

With so many options available, it’s no wonder that this option has become increasingly popular over the years.

What is a Turn-Key Home?

A turn-key home is a house that is ready to move into or occupy without any additional construction. It has all the necessary components, such as plumbing, electricity, and heating already installed.

The term “turn-key” can also be used in the context of a business, where it means that the business is fully operational and ready for customers. In this article we will concentrate on the advantages of a turn-key finish home.

What are the Benefits?

Buying a turn-key home is a great way to enter the real estate market, with minimal hassle. You can find turn-key houses in many different styles and sizes, so it is easy to find one that fits your needs.

A turn-key home may be built from modular or prefabricated parts. In this case the house has already been constructed in a factory and then transported to the site where it will be put together like a puzzle.

A turn-key building is usually cheaper than buying an existing house because the contractor does not have to pay any additional labour costs for constructing it on site.

A Turn-Key Home – Traditional Construction

The architect designs the layout of the house, and the builder builds it according to the design. The builder then hands over the keys to the homeowner, who can move in right away.

There are many benefits to building a turn-key house, such as having all of your needs met in one place without having to worry about finding separate professionals for every job. But there are also disadvantages, like not being able to customize your home as much or living with someone else’s design choices.

But the good news is that usually you can decide how much you like to get involved in the project. Most builders would let you choose colors, tiles, flooring etc. within a certain price range.

A Turn-Key Home – Prefabricated

A turn-key finish house that is prefabricated, is made in a factory and then assembled on site.

Prefabricated homes are also known as modular homes. These are assembled in a factory and then delivered to the construction site where they are put together. You can buy these houses from catalogues or from companies that specialize in this type of housing.

The process of picking from a catalogue means you have to find the house that fits your needs, order it, and wait for it to arrive to the construction site before you can start building it.

Prefabricated houses and modular houses have their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to understand these differences before you make your decision of buying one of them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a turn-key building is great for people who are looking for a home that has everything they need and want. They don’t have to worry about the hassle of finding different contractors to install different things in the house.

Higher Interest Rates, Higher Prices for Materials – What it Means for the Construction Industry

This article will provide an overview of the current state of the construction industry, as well as what to expect from it in the future.

Construction projects are a major source of employment and economic growth, but they’ve been lagging in recent years due to a number of factors. It’s important that we take a closer look at these factors so we can better understand how they affect our economy and what we can do about them.

The construction industry is a crucial part of the economy. Construction jobs are projected to grow by 10% through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s also one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation.

How Higher Interest Rates Affect the Construction Industry

Construction is a cyclical industry, and the market is currently in a period of expansion. However, higher interest rates can affect the construction industry in two ways. Firstly, they can lead to higher mortgage rates which will increase the cost of home ownership. Secondly, they can lead to decreased demand for homes which will decrease new construction starts.

Age Effect

The age effect is a factor that can cause the demand for housing to change. The changing of the factors in the population over time can impact on what people are looking for when they look to buy or rent a home. For example, older people typically want larger homes with more space and amenities due to their health and declining mobility. Younger people, on the other hand, want single-family homes with smaller spaces. Market conditions can also impact home values, meaning a property may be worth more during a boom or less during a bust.

How Expensive Material Affects the Construction Industry

The construction industry is a business that is highly dependent on materials. The cost of these materials can have a significant impact on the profitability of the company.

The price of materials has skyrocketed in recent years due to inflation and scarcity. This has made it difficult for companies to keep up with demand, especially smaller companies that cannot afford to pay higher prices.

The prices of these materials are not expected to change anytime soon, so companies will need to find ways to work around this problem if they want to remain competitive in the market.

One idea that is to build with cheaper materials, for example rammed earth houses. It is environmentally friendly, usually available on site and available at very little cost.

How to Prepare for a Future with Higher Interest Rates and Expensive Material

The conclusion is that the future of the economy is uncertain. We can’t predict the future and we don’t know how it will change. It’s up to us to prepare for any possible scenario – for example to consider alternative construction methods – and be ready for anything.

Thinking to buy a house? Have a look at our listings: https://www.listproperty4free.com/houses-for-sale

Rammed Earth Houses

Rammed earth houses are a type of construction that has been used for centuries. It is a sustainable building technique that uses locally-available materials and has low environmental impact.

Rammed earth, or some may also call it Adobe Construction, is a technique of building with natural, local materials, such as clay, sand, straw or water. The mixture is compacted to form walls and other structures. Rammed earth houses are durable and long-lasting; they require little maintenance and they provide excellent insulation against heat and cold.

How to Build a Rammed Earth House

Rammed earth is a type of construction that is done by packing earth, sand, and clay together to form a solid mass. The mix is poured into a formwork, compressed and allowed to dry. The mortar that binds the solid mass is either a clay mix or lime putty, and can be made from natural ingredients or manufactured. The Wikipedia article on “Rammed earth” is here.

Rammed earth is one of the oldest building techniques in the world. It dates back to at least 2500 BC with evidence found in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The technique was used to build many famous landmarks including the Great Wall of China and parts of the Egyptian pyramids.

Nowadays, rammed earth houses are still being built around the world but they are not as common as they once were.

What are the Benefits of Building with Rammed Earth?

Building with Rammed Earth is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to build structures. This technique has plenty of benefits, such as being energy efficient and carbon neutral.

In addition to the environmental benefits, Rammed Earth is also an energy efficient building technique. It’s a carbon-neutral building method that can be used in both warm and cold climates.

Rammed earth houses have excellent sound insulation and are fire and pest resistant.

The benefits of using this material for building are numerous. It’s strong, durable, easily available and inexpensive. The only downside to using rammed earth is the amount of time it takes for construction to be completed.

What are the Drawbacks of Building with Rammed Earth?

Rammed earth is a type of building material that is made by compressing layers of soil, gravel, sand and clay into blocks.

The drawbacks of building with rammed earth are primarily related to the high water content in the soil. When it’s used to build with, it will have an adverse effect on the stability of the structure. It also has a low thermal mass which will cause it to heat up quickly and cool down quickly.

Why You Should Consider Building Your Next Home With Rammed Earth

Rammed earth is a type of construction that is made by packing soil, clay, sand and other materials into a formwork. It has been around for centuries, but it is making a comeback due to its sustainable and cost-effective nature.

Conclusion:

Building your next home with rammed earth will be the best decision you have ever made. It will not only save you money on construction costs but also leave behind a legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Buyer Vs. Seller: Who Has The Upper Hand in Phoenix Multi-Family Real Estate

Phoenix is a great city with plenty of fantastic places to live, and it has so many great features. Metro cities have been known for being some of the best places to invest in multi-family properties but is that true for Phoenix? Keep reading to see if the multi-family real estate market is better for buyers or sellers in Phoenix.

What is the multi-family real estate market like in Phoenix?

Phoenix has one of the best multi-family home markets in the entire country, and it was one of the few that managed to thrive through the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts believe the fantastic location and ever-growing economy are the main factors that have led to such steady income growth. 

In early 2022, the market slowed down slightly, and there was also a decrease in construction, which means there will likely be fewer units delivered this year. A reduction in construction could be due to many factors, but things like high inflation rates, rising gas prices, and a high cost of building materials are the likely reasons. Experts predict that these issues won’t be resolved anytime soon, which means the units on the market right now might end up being in high demand next year. 

Another factor that has helped the Phoenix market is its great employment rate. The unemployment rate has continued to decrease slightly over the last few years (just 2.4% in March, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%)as more and more jobs come to the city. The extra jobs have also brought in people from other parts of Arizona to the area, and the employment rate is likely going to keep rising, which means homes will be in high demand.

Multi-family real estate has shown an increase over the last year, but there could be a slight hiccup with the planned interest rate hike that has many investors worried. This hike will likely affect those who have riskier investments (such as a multi-family building in town with higher homeownership percentages or low rental rates) or those who want to unload their properties in poorly performing markets. Luckily, the housing market in Phoenix has held such a steady rate that the interest rate hike won’t hit as hard as it will in other cities. 

What does the market look like for the rest of 2022?

According to the statistics for Q1 and Q2, the market will likely level itself out, but the current rising inflation rate (which has hit Phoenix hard with about 11% CPI) will make it harder for people to finance a house. This means rental rates could end up rising as people sell off their homes for a less expensive place to live. 

The current average mortgage rate sits around $2,100, which is much lower than the average rental price of about $1,600 for a two-bedroom apartment. The median household income is about $67k, while the amount needed to afford an average mortgage is about $87k. With rising inflation costs and gas prices, it’s unlikely that the median income rate for the city will have a significant jump anytime soon.

It’s becoming much harder for people to afford a new house or maintain the mortgage payments on their existing homes, so apartments and condo sales could possibly see a boost in the last half of the year. Over twenty percent of millennials (who are reaching the age where homeownership is usually achievable) have said that they don’t expect to own a home within their lifetime. 

Buyers or Sellers: Who has the upper hand?

When it comes down to it, those who are buying multi-family homes have a significant advantage right now. The prices are much lower in Phoenix than in many other cities around the country with a similar size. The city is going to continue to grow and thrive, so your investments are less likely to turn sour and end up costing you money. 

Apartment buildings in the area vary quite a bit when it comes to price and size, but there are quite a few available. People in Phoenix are looking to rent over buying, so now is one of the best times to get into the multi-family property game.  

Rental rates have also risen over $100 in the last year, with rates being around $1400 in 2021 and now hitting close to $1550. Another good sign for investors is that the percentage of renters renewing their lease has also risen, which shows that people are choosing to rent for a longer time. Overall, the Phoenix market is as hit as its summer temperatures, and it’s one of the best times for investors to take a good look at some of their exceptional multi-family real estate properties. 

Multi-family real estate is a great way to earn a bit of extra income while building your investment portfolio. Phoenix has become a great place for investors, and the market is excellent right now for anyone who is looking to buy. Have a look at some of the great multi-family homes on the market right now to see which one suits your investment needs. 

Author: Shannon Quantock

3D Printing Houses: The Future of Home Construction

3D printing is a technology that has been around for many years. However, it is only recently that the potential of 3D printing has become apparent. 3D printers have moved beyond being able to just print three dimensions, and are now capable of printing pretty much anything. With this in mind, one team of architects has come up with a new way to use 3D printers to construct homes – instead of building them from traditional materials like wood and concrete. The firm is called New Story and they’re about to use a new type of 3D printer to build the world’s first printed-and-collated houses. Their plan? To use 3D printers to build homes from dirt at a fraction of the cost and time it takes to construct a home using traditional methods. Let’s take a look at how this will work…

3D Printed Homes: The Basics

Essentially, New Story’s 3D printed homes will work in two ways: the company will first construct partially underground modules using a combination of earth and recycled materials. The partially underground modules are then transported to their destination and finished off, with the earth and recycled materials used to fill in the gaps between the modules. The result is a fully habitable house. The modules themselves will be constructed using a combination of the latest 3D printing technology and a technique known as “contour crafting.” Contour crafting involves a robotic arm that sprays concrete and earth inside a custom-built frame. The combination of 3D printing and contour crafting will allow New Story to construct these partially underground modules with minimal human involvement.

What will New Story’s homes look like?

New Story’s 3D printed houses are expected to be made from a mixture of soil and recycled materials. This will result in houses that are much cheaper to construct than traditional homes, and that are much more environmentally friendly. There even some penthouses for sale, the dirt used to build these homes will come from excavated ground up to 100 feet beneath a given site. This dirt is expected to be rich in minerals, including potassium and calcium, which are essential for growing crops. The harvested soil will then be mixed with a combination of recycled materials (such as repurposed plastic), to create a soil mixture that is suitable for building.

Will People Be Able to Live In These Homes?

The short answer to this question is yes, absolutely. The longer answer is that the dirt used for these homes has been tested and is safe to live in. The dirt used to build New Story’s 3D printed houses has been tested to make sure it’s free of pathogens and other harmful substances. It has been found to contain a relatively high amount of potassium and calcium, which are essential for the growth of crops. The dirt itself is completely harmless, but New Story will be mixing it with recycled materials. So, while the houses themselves will be completely safe to live in, it is necessary to test the soil/recycled mixture thoroughly before it is used to fill the gaps between the modules.

Why Build Homes With 3D Printed Dirt?

New Story has come up with the idea of using 3D printing to build homes from dirt as a way to tackle the global housing crisis. More than 100 million people are without a home, and many of those are living in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. The New Story team has come up with a solution to the housing crisis: 3D printing. By 3D printing homes from dirt, New Story is able to construct fully habitable houses for a fraction of the cost and time required to build a traditional home. Dirt is cheap, and it is also quick to work with. This means that New Story can construct fully-finished houses in a short space of time, and at a much lower cost than if they were constructing from more traditional materials.

Where Will These 3D Printed Homes Be Built?

New Story is planning to build their first printed-and-collated houses in El Salvador, where many residents live in dangerous, unhygienic conditions. The team at New Story has partnered with the staff at Fundación Hábitat para el Desarrollo Sostenible (FHDS), a nonprofit organization that specializes in sustainable building practices. FHDS will help New Story to identify a site for their first 3D printed homes.

3D Printed Homes Are Affordable and Eco-friendly

When it comes to building houses, the first thing that comes to mind is the cost. However, New Story’s 3D printed homes are expected to be very affordable. As previously mentioned, dirt is cheap, and there are no hidden costs with the construction of these homes. This means that New Story can keep the costs down for their clients. These printed-and-collated houses are also eco-friendly. By using dirt to construct the homes, New Story is able to avoid using natural resources that are in short supply. The team at New Story is also careful to use the correct proportions of recycled and natural materials when constructing these homes.

Final Thoughts

For many years, architects and engineers have been itching to get their hands on 3D printing technology. Now that 3D printers are more advanced than ever, they have the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. New Story’s 3D printed homes are expected to go a long way toward solving the global housing crisis. The printed-and-collated houses are expected to be very affordable, and they are also eco-friendly. We can expect to see the first printed-and-collated houses begin construction in El Salvador later this year.

Author: Laura Watson

7 Best Tips for Residential Property Investment

When you invest in a rental property, it becomes your source of income. But, to get that kind of return on your investment, you need to take certain measures. Residential property investment is not easy at all. There are many risks involved and one needs to keep that in mind before they start their investing journey. This article will give you some insightful and useful tips on how to invest wisely in residential properties so that you get the most out of it.

Know about the market and its requirements

Before you start investing in residential properties, you need to know what the market demands, what are the demographics of the area, etc. This will help you evaluate the real estate and find out the right price that you can invest in. Such factors as the supply of the property in the market, the demand for it, the condition of the property, the location, etc. will help you decide the best area to invest. You can get information on such facts from the government’s website, or you can hire a real estate agent / consultant to find out the market trends in your area. However, there are many real estate agents in the market but you should only go for the best real estate consultants.

Define a budget and research well

Before you start investing in residential properties, you need to define a budget. You can choose any type of property for your investment, but it has to be within your budget. Make a research on the location, rental income, maintenance cost, etc., so that you can predict the future of your investment. There are many ways to calculate your budget. If you are a newbie in the market, it is advisable to use a rental cash flow calculator, so that you know how much profit you will get from your investment. Also, keep in mind that you might have to spend a little more than you expect to repair or maintain your property. It is always better to set aside a little more money for your maintenance cost, as you never know when you might need it.

Don’t just look at the ROI

Don’t just look at the rental income and ROI. You have to take in account other things like repairs, utility bills, etc. You have to be ready for all of them. Your property might incur a few damages, and you have to repair them. You also have to pay for your utility bills, i.e., water, electricity, internet, etc. So, don’t just look at the rental income as your profit. In order to avoid such financial problems, you have to have a contingency fund. It is better to keep 10% to 15% of your total investment in your contingency fund. That way, you will be able to take care of any expenses that might arise while you are managing your investment.

Check your lease agreement before signing

Before you sign a lease agreement with your tenant, you have to make sure that the terms and conditions are in your favor. This is the most important thing while investing in a residential property. If you want to get an advantage out of your investment, you have to make a lease agreement with your tenant. You have to be very careful while making a lease contract with your tenant. You have to make it clear that they have to pay you a certain amount at a certain time. You have to put some consequences in your lease agreement if they fail to pay or violate the terms and conditions of your agreement.

Hire a trustworthy property manager

You can find out about the best residential property management company in your area say property dealer in DHA Islamabad etc. If you want to get the best out of your investment, you have to hire a trustworthy property manager. They will help you manage your investment, i.e., collect the rent from your tenant, make necessary repairs, and maintain the property. You have to make sure that you hire a property manager who is reliable and trustworthy. Also, you have to make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. This will help you get the most out of your investment and avoid any problem while managing your property.

Be cautious while signing the lease contract

Lease agreements are valid for a certain period of time after which your tenant has the right to renew it or end the agreement. You have to be very careful while signing a lease contract with your tenant. Make sure that they are reliable, they have a good credit score, and they are capable of paying you the rent on time. Always check their references, so that you can be sure about their credibility. If you are dealing with a new tenant, you have to be very careful. Make sure that they have the capacity to pay their rent on time. You can ask them to pay the first month’s rent and the security deposit.

Be flexible with your investment plan

No one knows when there will be a slump in the market. So, it is better to be flexible with your investment plan and ready to take a hit or a loss. You have to be prepared for the worst situation, as with every investment, there will be certain risks. There will be times when your investment might not be doing well, i.e., the market might be slow, tenants might not be paying their rent on time, repairs might be necessary, etc. But, if you are ready to take a hit or a loss, you will be able to tackle the situation in a better way.

Summing up

These are some of the best tips for residential property investment. If you follow these tips, you will be able to get the most out of your investment. Residential property is not easy to manage and requires a lot of patience and effort. But, once you manage to get the best out of it, it becomes your source of income for the rest of your life.

Author: Laura Watson

How to Fight Silverfish in Your House

We’ve all probably encountered them already at some stage, these small, wingless insects that are nocturnal and eat paper, fabric, and other organic substances. Yes, we are talking about silverfish. They are not exactly harmful but if they are too many it can be disturbing. So, let’s see how to fight silverfish infestations.

One way to fight silverfish is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. You can also use a dustpan or a broom to sweep them up. The next step is to place the silverfish in a plastic bag and seal it tightly before throwing it away in an outdoor trash bin.

The Best Way to Control an Infestation of Silverfishes

Silverfish are one of the most common household pests and can be difficult to get rid of. However, there are a few tried and true methods that will help you get rid of silverfishes for good.

Don’t let an infestation of silverfish take over your home! Follow these simple steps to control them and keep them away for good.

There are two main ways to control an infestation of silverfish: physical removal or chemical treatment. You can use store-bought chemicals like boric acid or diatomaceous earth, or you can use natural substances like vinegar, dish soap, or boiling water.

You can buy traps or make your own traps to capture silver fish and kill them off. Some people use an empty cereal box with sugar or potato peels as a bait to make a simple trap. Others smear some honey on a paper – when the silver fish comes to feed on the honey it gets glued to it and is trapped.

How To Prevent A Silver Fish Infestation In Your Home

Silverfish are famous for their ability to eat through paper, clothes, and other organic materials. They can also survive in areas where there is little water. If you have a silverfish infestation in your home, it can be difficult to get rid of them. However, there are some preventative measures that you can take to keep them from coming back.

You should start by looking for any sources of moisture or food that attracts the silverfish. You should also make sure that your home is well ventilated so the silverfish will not have too much moisture to feed on.

Conclusion: How To Fight Silverfish

Silverfish can be a hard pest to get rid of because they are very resilient. They can go weeks without food and water. Also, they are not deterred by chlorine or most other common household poisons.

To prevent an infestation of silverfish, it is important to clean your home thoroughly. This includes vacuuming all carpets, removing cobwebs from ceilings, and cleaning up all spilled food in the kitchen. Silverfish are attracted to these areas so it is important that you make sure these areas are clean at all times.

One way to fight silverfish is by using a borax-based product in the cracks of your bathroom or kitchen tiles. This will dry out the silverfish eggs and kill them before they hatch. Another way to prevent an infestation of silverfish is by using an organic insecticide, such as neem oil or rosemary oil.

Three green energy sources and why they are better for the planet

As the world continues to heat up, the effects of climate change are becoming more and more evident. One of the most noticeable changes is the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, as well as rising sea levels, which are threatening coastal communities and ecosystems. It’s clear that we need to take action to reduce the harmful effects of climate change, and do everything we can to protect our planet for future generations – but how can we do it?

One way to make a difference is to consider where our energy is coming from. There are many ways to generate electricity, but some are better for the planet than others. In general, green energy sources are renewable, produce little or no emissions, and have a smaller ecological footprint than their fossil fuel counterparts.

Here, we take a look at three green energy sources and explore why they’re crucial to saving the planet.

Solar

Solar power comes from the sun, and is captured using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal collectors. It is a clean energy source that can be used to generate electricity or heat, and is good for the planet because it doesn’t produce any emissions or pollutants during generation. Solar power is renewable, meaning it will never run out.

In addition, solar power is an efficient way to generate energy, and it can be used to meet a wide range of needs including powering homes, businesses, and even cars. It’s a great way to save money on your energy bill, and it can help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Wind

Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, wind power is a clean and sustainable source of energy. In addition, wind power is one of the most efficient forms of renewable energy. On average, a modern wind turbine produces electricity around 70-85% of the time. This means that wind power can meet a significant percentage of global energy demand. 

In addition, wind power is one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy. The initial cost of setting up a wind farm may be high, but the price of wind energy is very stable, making it a reliable option for powering homes and businesses. As the world looks for ways to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, wind power will become an increasingly important part of the global energy mix.

Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity is a type of renewable energy that is generated by water. The movement of water creates kinetic energy, which is then converted into electricity. It’s renewable, clean and efficient.

Hydroelectric power plants can be built in a variety of locations, making it a versatile source of renewable energy. They are usually built near dams, using the water from the dam to rotate turbines that generate electricity. This makes it a very reliable source of energy, as dams can store large amounts of water to generate electricity even during times of drought.  In addition, hydroelectric dams can help to control flooding. Given all these advantages, it is no wonder that hydroelectricity is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy in the world.

Author: Hubert Day

What can landlords do to reduce water waste in their properties?

Being a landlord has always meant treading a fine line between having happy tenants and also keeping costs to a minimum. But now, with the rising issue of the climate crisis, there is the environment to consider as well. 

Whilst it might feel like water waste is a minor problem compared to fossil fuels, every bit of water that goes through the treatment system requires energy to power that factory, as well as chemicals to clean the water. By reducing the amount of water we’re wasting in the first place, it cuts down on these other elements further down the line.

But as a landlord, you’re unable to control how much water your tenants use. So how can you cut down on water waste in the properties that you manage? We take a look.

Install low-flow systems

Reducing the water flow of the biggest culprits like showers and toilets is a good way to reduce water usage at the source. Whilst your tenants might initially grumble a little about the reduction in water pressure, they’ll soon get used to it, and will enjoy the decrease in their bills too. If they’re very reluctant, you could negotiate a trial basis, and ask them to let you know after 6 months if they really aren’t happy. 

There are two different types of low-flow showerhead: aerated and non-aerated. The aerated option adds air to the water stream, creating a soft, misty flow. Non-aerated uses smaller spray holes, reducing the amount of water coming out, but increasing the pressure by forcing it through the smaller gaps.

Maintain the pipework

Whilst a dripping pipe might seem more like an annoyance than a big water waste issue, more than 3 billion litres of water is lost due to leaky pipes. By completing regular maintenance checks, and encouraging your tenants to report any issues to you, you can keep the pipes working as they should. As a landlord, keeping the property in good working order is ultimately your responsibility – be sure to encourage your tenants to let you know if there are any problems so that you can act swiftly.

Between tenancies, make sure that the taps, shower and other water-using items are turned off, and then check the water meter. If it’s still going up, then you may have a leak somewhere.

Consider a dishwasher

Whilst dishwashers seem like they will use vast amounts of water, the truth is that they can actually be very efficient when they’re used effectively. In fact, some dishwashers are four times more efficient than washing by hand, so installing one in your rental property might go some way towards reducing your water usage.

However, you’ll also need to account for the extra energy that a dishwasher uses. Remember that even though it feels like this machinery will use more than running the tap, you’ll still need to use some form of energy to heat up the water that comes into the sink. Overall, dishwashers are still an efficient choice, even if you only have the space to install a slimline model.

Author: Hubert Day

Photo by Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash

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