17-48 Melfield Gardens

5. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability Sustainability is measured against nine categories: • Energy & C02 emissions • Water • Materials • Surface water run-off • Waste • Pollution • Health and wellbeing • Management • Ecology

a) Water Saving Features Your home is fitted with water saving devices, these include: • Flow restrictors to basins • Hand wash basin taps with flow restrictors and aerators

b) Energy Saving Advice These tips will help you reduce your energy use, C02 and running costs: • Keep your home warm all winter rather than switching it on and off. This is the most efficient approach in a Passivhaus. • Turning down the heating thermostat by one degree Celsius can save up to 10% of heating costs. • Avoid placing furniture in front of radiators or heaters, this will stop heat from circulating around the room. • Always turn off the lights when you leave the room. Adjust your curtains or blinds to allow as much light as possible throughout the day. • To save energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily – check the operation manual to make sure this will not reset the appliances’ memory. • Wait until you have a full load to use the washing machine. • Don’t leave your fridge door open for longer than necessary and allow hot food to cool before putting it in the fridge.

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