Where are the UK’s most eco-conscious homes?

As environmental concerns continue to rise, sustainability has become an increasingly popular topic in the UK. One of the areas where this trend is particularly noticeable is in the creation of sustainable homes. People are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and create an eco-friendlier living space.

We wanted to find out which cities in the UK are pushing the hardest for more eco-friendly homes and sustainable initiatives for their city – find out which are the UK's most sustainable cities and how they're leading the way in sustainable living in our latest guide.

The rising interest in sustainable homes

The rising interest in sustainable homes can be attributed to several factors. First, there is a growing awareness of the impact our lifestyles have on the environment. People are becoming more conscious of the need to reduce their carbon footprint and are looking for ways to live more sustainably.

Second, the cost of energy is rising, and people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. Sustainable homes can be much cheaper to run than traditional homes, as they rely on renewable energy sources such as solar power and geothermal heating.

Finally, advances in technology have made it easier to create sustainable homes. Homeowners can generate their own green energy using solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable sources. Products that are sustainably created, such as recycled materials, are also becoming more widely available – our guide to the best eco-friendly floorings has lots of info on sustainable flooring options you could have.

Here at Tapi, we’re also committed to sustainable business practices. We’ve reduced our energy consumption and carbon footprint through initiatives such as using energy-efficient lighting and reducing paper usage. We also encourage our customers to recycle their old carpets, rather than sending them to landfill, and we’ve created a new eco-friendly carpet collection called TreadKindly.

TreadKindly is a collection of selected carpets and underlay that’s better for the environment, and great value for money, too. They’re made with gorgeous, soft yarn, created from reclaimed clothing waste and plastic bottles. It’s a step in the right direction that doesn’t cost the Earth.

Which city has the most eco-conscious home initiatives?

We wanted to find the cities doing the most for eco-conscious housing and green energy production. We researched key words relating to sustainable home interior choices, ie, eco-friendly carpets, as well as the percentage of homes fitted with green initiatives. From this, we’ve made an index to rank the cities to find the top 10 sustainable cities in the UK:

1. Cambridge: Cambridge has a strong focus on sustainable building practices and offers various eco-home initiatives for homeowners. With a strong focus on cycling, Cambridge has created a network of bike-friendly routes, installed new bike parking facilities, and even launched a bike rental scheme. The city has also established a community-owned solar farm, and a program to increase energy efficiency in local buildings.

2. Peterborough: Peterborough is home to the UK's first eco homes project, which has set an example for many other cities. Known for its green energy park, Peterborough is a leader in renewable energy. The park uses a variety of sources, including solar, wind, and hydro power, to generate electricity. The city has also implemented a scheme to retrofit homes with energy-efficient measures and has a recycling and composting program.

3. Northampton: Northampton offers various eco-home initiatives, such as sustainable insulation, solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, to encourage residents to adopt sustainable living practices. Additionally, the city has a program to fund eco-friendly improvements to homes and has implemented recycling and composting schemes to reduce waste.

4. Manchester: Manchester has made significant strides in eco-home initiatives, including a plan to retrofit 3,500 homes with energy-efficient upgrades. Manchester's focus on electric vehicles is a unique feature of its sustainability initiatives, with the city installing EV charging stations and promoting car-sharing schemes.

5. York: York eco-home initiatives include green roof schemes and sustainable building practices, as well as encourage sustainable living practices. York has a solar panel project that provides renewable energy to the community via solar panels installed on public buildings and the city also promotes sustainable transport with its bike rental scheme.

6. Milton Keynes: Milton Keynes promotes sustainable insulation, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient heating systems. Milton Keynes' council home solar panel program is a standout initiative, providing renewable energy to residents through solar panel installations.

7. Oxford: Oxford is committed to eco-home initiatives, offering various schemes such as insulation grants and funding for renewable energy installations. Oxford's zero-emissions zone is a unique feature of the city's sustainability initiatives, restricting access to high-emission vehicles in the city centre. The university city also promotes sustainable transport with its bike rental scheme.

8. Newcastle upon Tyne: Newcastle upon Tyne offers various eco-home initiatives, including schemes to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Newcastle also implemented recycling and composting schemes and has a program to retrofit homes with energy-efficient measures.

9. Norwich: Green roofs and energy-efficient building practices feature in Norwich, encouraging sustainable living practices. Norwich's program to retrofit homes with energy-efficient measures, including solar panels and insulation, is just one of the initiatives the city has rolled out – they have also promoted sustainable transport with its bike rental scheme.

10. London: The capital promotes a programme to retrofit homes with energy-efficient upgrades and a scheme to promote the use of renewable energy sources like solar panels and insulation. Additionally, the city has implemented a congestion charge to reduce emissions in the city centre and promotes sustainable transport with its bike rental scheme.

Sustainable ways to decorate your home

If you're looking for ways to make your home more sustainable, there are plenty of things you can do. Here are some tips:

Use sustainable materials: Look for products that are sustainably created, such as those made from recycled materials. This could include building materials, furniture, and décor. You can also find increased heat retention and insulation using different types of flooring – we explain more in our guide to flooring that helps reduce your energy bills.
Choose energy-efficient lighting: Use LED light bulbs, which use much less energy than traditional bulbs.
Reduce water usage: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets and consider using a dual-flush toilet to reduce water usage in your home.
Opt for natural cleaning products: Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Opt for natural alternatives such as vinegar and baking soda – our guide to the best carpet cleaners has plenty of eco-friendly options to choose from.
Use plants as decor: Plants not only add a natural touch to your home, but they also help purify the air and provide oxygen.
Buy second-hand: Buying second-hand furniture and decor items is a great way to reduce waste and save money. You can find unique pieces that will give your home a unique look while also being environmentally friendly.
Incorporate renewable energy sources: Consider installing solar panels or a wind turbine to generate your own green energy.

If you're looking to make your home more sustainable, there are plenty of things you can do, from using sustainable materials to incorporating renewable energy sources. By taking small steps towards sustainability, we can all make a difference and help protect our planet for future generations. Tapi are also taking steps to promote sustainability, with initiatives like our TreadKindly collection, which you can shop today. Find more eco-conscious décor ideas and inspiration in our Ideas Hub.

Book a Store Appointment

Book a Home Visit

Published: 27-04-2023