We all know that Edinburgh’s historic charm is undeniable. Its rich past has left a mark on the city’s infrastructure, our homes, and our way of life. However, there’s also no denying that the world is changing quickly, especially when it comes to climate and weather conditions.
So, in keeping up with the needs of our time while still prioritising the historical beauty of our city, it’s worth giving some serious thought to how we can future proof our homes in the face of climate change. Stick around to find out what you can do for your Edinburgh home!
What does future proofing your home mean?
Essentially, future proofing means taking measures that allow your home to adapt to the needs of an ever-changing world by anticipating upcoming trends. It involves innovative and creative thinking, as well as planning ahead.
Most often, future proofing is about making sustainable adjustments to your home. Think for instance of the construction materials you use, of blending design and efficiency, and of your energy systems.
Considering these aspects ensures that your home can remain comfortable, as well as functional, for years to come. By future proofing your property, you can keep up with the accelerating changes we see unfolding around us, as well as enjoy all the benefits of investing in your home in the present.
Why does future proofing matter?
Future proofing your Edinburgh residence is about creating a comfortable, sustainable, and resilient space for the years to come. As weather conditions and climate around the world are changing drastically, preparing ourselves for the future and doing our part for the environment in the present are crucial steps to take.
At the same time, when considering the sustainability aspect of future proofing, making some changes to your home can help you play your part in reaching Scotland’s ambitious zero-net targets. Currently, Edinburgh is at the forefront of this movement, but there’s still a lot to do until the set deadline of 2045.
How can you future proof your home?
There are several strategies you can employ to prepare your Edinburgh home for future global changes. These include:
- Prioritise sustainable materials
When constructing or renovating your home, you can anticipate your future needs and address them when it comes to the materials you use. In this case, prioritising sustainability is the way to go.
By using recycled or locally-sourced materials in your home improvement project, you can reduce your current environmental impact, allowing for a healthier living environment within, as well as outside of your house, for longer.
Some materials that are both sustainable and can offer a timeless and elegant look to your home include recycled steel, sustainably produced timber, or low-carbon concrete.
- Upgrade your energy systems
One of the surest ways to prepare your home for future trends is by upgrading your energy systems. As Edinburgh is steadily paving the way towards reducing Scotland’s carbon emissions, energy systems that rely on fossil fuels are slowly being replaced with renewable sources.
Who knows, maybe in a few years gas boilers will be a thing of the past, in which case it’s worth investing in renewable heating systems such as air or ground source heat pumps.
For your electricity needs, installing solar panels is a sure way to reduce your current emissions and prepare for a future in which people will be less and less dependent on the grid to power their homes.
- Invest in insulation
With climate change looming over us, making adjustments to your insulation can prepare your home for changing temperatures, both hot and cold.
Properly insulating your home can help you keep the warmth generated by your energy systems inside during the winter and reduce the amount of heat entering during the summer.
Next to insulation, you’ll also want to consider installing energy-efficient windows. Double and triple glazing can play a large role in the comfort of your home and help you reduce the amount of energy you need to use to warm up or cool down your home.
That said, insulation doesn’t come cheap. So, before moving forward with it, you’ll want to look into things like the cost of double glazing a 4 bed house in the UK or how much insulation costs, depending on your situation.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what future proofing means. Maybe you’re even inspired to make some of the changes mentioned above for your home.
Whether you choose to install a heat pump or upgrade your windows, it’s important to remember that making these choices can help you maintain the comfort of your Edinburgh home and ensure that it remains a valuable space for your family generations to come.
