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New standards and new habits for sustainability
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United Kingdom
New standards and new habits for sustainability
Households contribute 40% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, and habits like temperature preferences and window use impact energy consumption, underscoring the need for both sustainable home design and resident education.
Luca Papapietro
Households account for 40% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, emphasising the need for sustainable home practices.
Next year, the UK government will ban gas boilers in new homes and aim for an 80% reduction in operational carbon emissions.
Research at the Centre for Future Homes involves studying 12 new Birmingham homes built to these standards, using local materials, heat pumps, and solar panels. Real-time data air quality and energy use is collected, revealing how residents' habits—such as preferred indoor temperatures, window usage, and cooking practices—affect energy consumption.
The study highlights that educating residents and maintaining homes are crucial for energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.
