Sustainable development is concerned with creating a sustainable build that should be exactly that i.e. “sustainable” and lasting. It should really be about ‘less is more’. Therefore, in order to create your ideal living space without going over budget, it’s important to bear these thoughts in mind when you get to the initial stage of planning.
Planning Essentials
No building project which involves money should be undertaken without careful planning first, if you want to keep within a budget. When considering financing sustainable development projects, you need to do your research. Check out the basics of green building, the internet is a useful resource for this, and read through some case studies of others who have undertaken similar projects and how they were able to stick to budget and make economic savings, which is, after all, what sustainable development should be all about. It’s not simply about installing energy efficient and environmentally friendly appliances, some of which can be expensive and where the paybacks may not materialise for some time but also about recycling and making the most use out of natural materials and other materials which may have been discarded or dismissed. You also need to set out your own individual environmental goals and tailor them to suit your own personal budget.
Stick to Your Philosophy!
You’ve made the decision to create a development which is sustainable and have formulated a plan. Now that it’s time to put the plan into action, you need to keep hold of your philosophy throughout the duration of the project so remember, it’s all about ‘less is more’ and ‘recycle, recycle recycle’. Visit construction and demolition sites to see if it’s possible to obtain any unwanted items which can help save you money. Things like discarded doors and window frames could come in very handy and even old carpets can be used for insulation purposes. If you need to call in expert help from a tradesperson, obtaining a number of quotes and choosing the least costly one will also save you money. However, it’s also important to remember that anyone you bring in to help needs to also be reputable as well so don’t just rely on price alone as it could end up costing you even more money.
There are many UK sustainable development websites which feature tradesmen and women who are also sympathetic to the sustainable build cause. Try to find out if there is one not far from where you live. They might not only do the job well, but you’re bound to be able to pick up some useful advice and tips that could even save you money which you hadn’t bargained for.
Useful Things to Consider
Check out what financial assistance might be available to you. Other articles in this section tell you about some of the grants, loans and subsidies that are set aside for both individuals and companies who are looking to build a sustainable development. There are also certain banks and building societies who have begun to market certain financial products specifically to those who have an interest in sustainable living.
Attending educational workshops which will teach you more about the practicalities of sustainable developments and knowing more about the uses and features of natural building materials such as earth, stone, straw and wood can come in very handy and also help you reduce costs.
Ultimately, the bottom line is that you will get out far more than you put in to creating your very own sustainable development as it’s not just a structure you’re building for living or working in but you’re building a whole way of life which inspires you and which demonstrates your commitment to creating a more sustainable future for yourself which entirely fits in with your environmental values and your vision of how you want your world to become.
first of i am a member of a project in dimanda senior secondary school, there at school we are fighting against pollution.people of South Africa need awareness about the dangers that mit happen and South Africa people are the caurse of pollution but its just that they dont know anything so thats why i say we need to make our people aware
hi i am going to build an extension to my family home and we are working to a tight budget. We are very concious about our carbon footprint and want to do all we can to make our enxtension and hopefully the whole house as eco friendly as possible. This does not come cheap so i am wondering if any funding may be available to help us achieve this. Thank you very much.
Can you tell me if I am able to get financial help with a sustainable development in Scotland?
I am soon to inherit some land that I think will be great for a sustainable affordable housing project , how do I get started ?
@Bee. Firstly you need to discuss this with your local planning officer to see if it’s likely that planning permission would be granted.
I have 31 acres I would like to develop tiny straw house community for loq income housing. I donated 157 acres to Center for Youth and they would like to build them for,youth camp,also.
Just waiting to see the responses to people’s questions.
Hi, I have low impact arts business and developing a not for profit in environmental education….desperately wanting to live sustainably but not enough funds for land so looking for options. Any ideas, informations, suggestions would be welcome.