There is always so much we can achieve by “doing the simple things well” – it’s a widely used sentiment and it’s nearly always true

How refreshing to see that this was echoed in your “Detox Issue” (16 January).

So much attention has been given to what “exciting new renewable technologies” will accompany the latest “eco-friendly” housing developments, that we seem to overlook what stands to be gained by simply building more energy-efficient homes in the first place.

The “simplicity approach”, one of your “Five Green Gems” (January 16, page 42), refers to Passivhaus. This recognised standard has been around since the nineties and is well established in Germany, but still to gain a real foothold in the UK.

Insulation may not be as exciting as wind turbines or solar cells, but it’s the simple things we need to do better

Martin Taylor

While the full Passivhaus standard is exacting at its core, it has sound principles, such as high levels of insulation, airtight fabric and passive solar gain.

If we were to commit to improving insulation on new-build and existing housing stock, the gains in energy savings could be huge. Insulation may not be as exciting as wind turbines or solar cells, but if we really are serious about having greener homes, it’s the simple things we need to do better.

Martin Taylor, RYB Konsult

Topics