More and more people are becoming aware of the harmful effect that human activity is having on the environment, and are attempting to reduce the impact by making alterations to their lifestyle and homes. The concept of energy saving ‘eco garages’ is also becoming increasingly popular, not only do they conserve energy but also save money. You can build large concrete garages that will shelter your pride and joy cars but also get on the green band wagon.
Concrete Can Be Cheap and Eco
Some may already have concrete garages, which is a great start. Concrete is an incredibly cheap and sustainable material. Pervious concrete allows water to drain back into the ground on which it is laid when it rains. In terms of using it for roofing, it is waterproofed using Hydrophobic Pore-Blocking Ingredients (HPI’s), to repel water and blocks out dampness and leaks and is extremely hardy, therefore cutting down on future repair costs. Green concrete offers a variety of cost effective options for building an environmentally friendly garage.
Of course you’ll also need a garage door. There is a range of recycled and recyclable materials available in all colours and styles so there is no need to compromise on the appearance of the garage. They are weather resistant and designed to effectively insulate the building to prevent heat loss. This is particularly useful if the garage is attached to the home and saves not only energy but unnecessary extra cost to the owner. To add to this, you could provide power to the garage by installing solar panels in the roof.
Electric Car Charging Point
The ultimate eco-garage would obviously house an electric car and domestic charging point for the vehicle.
It is thought that by the year 2020, ten per cent of vehicles purchased will be electric cars. With the commencement of various schemes across the UK, not only are charging points being installed in public places such as supermarkets and car parks, but people are now being encouraged to have them fitted domestically.
UK Energy Saving Trust
In Scotland, The Energy Saving Trust are offering grants to residents to install a completely free 32 amp domestic charging point, with all installation costs covered as well, and with numbers of electric car sales estimated to increase this year in the UK, similar schemes will be offered elsewhere. So why does it make sense to have a charging point at home?
Well, for a lot of people that return home for the evening night, their electric vehicle can be charging whilst they sleep. Off peak electricity is far cheaper and with no fuel costs to pay this means the running of the car will be extremely cheap. Not only is this beneficial to the owner, but will do wonders for reducing carbon emissions. If you consider the predictions that there could be 700,000 solar powered homes by 2020, this will mean extremely good news for the environment. In New York, there’s actually a pilot program which allows electric cars to recharge when parked using wireless induction via charging docks that look like manholes.