1: Introduction to The Directionally Good Life Blog

Documenting our progress towards a more sustainable house and lifestyle.

The Directionally Good Life: A Sustainable Home Renovation

Welcome everyone - I’ve finally managed to start this blog which I have been promising for quite a while now!

I'm excited to launch "The Directionally Good Life," which will chronicle the sustainable renovation of our 1930 solid-brick house in Surbiton. This project has been brewing for a while now, and I'm eager to share our journey with neighbours, friends, family, and anyone interested in making their own home more environmentally friendly.

The Inspiration: Necessity Meets Responsibility

The scientific consensus is undeniable: human activity is altering the Earth's climate at an alarming rate. While the scale of the problem can feel overwhelming, we believe individual action is crucial. Renovating our home with sustainability in mind became a way for us to contribute, however modestly, to a healthier planet for future generations.

Burning gas in a boiler is not long-term solution. With existing government plans it is probably only a 10-year option. But we wanted to move much faster than that.

Planning and Research: Laying the Foundation for Success

Retrofitting an older home for sustainability requires careful planning and research. We embarked on a journey to understand the various options available, their effectiveness, and their compatibility with our existing structure. This involved consulting with architects specialising in sustainable design, energy surveyors to assess our home's current energy usage, and contractors experienced in implementing various green technologies.

Navigating the Maze of Information: A Word of Caution

The world of sustainable home improvement can be a confusing one. There's a constant stream of information, often conflicting, about the latest technologies and solutions. We encountered a range of opinions, from enthusiastic promotion of specific technologies to scaremongering about the supposed drawbacks of certain solutions. It's important to approach this information with a critical eye, relying on reputable sources and verifiable data.

The right wing press has unfortunately adopted a stance that often downplays the seriousness of climate change and criticises efforts towards sustainability. We believe it's essential to base decisions on scientific evidence, not on agendas or misinformation.

Striving for "Directionally Good": Perfection is Unrealistic, Progress is Key

We understand that achieving perfect sustainability in a home renovation is an unrealistic goal. There will always be trade-offs and limitations. However, we firmly believe that striving in the right direction is crucial. This philosophy is reflected in the blog's title, "The Directionally Good Life." It's a nod to the classic BBC sitcom, "The Good Life," set right here in Surbiton. Just as the show's protagonists, Tom and Barbara Goodman, embarked on their self-sufficiency journey with optimism and a willingness to learn, we too embrace a continuous learning process.

Our goal is to make informed decisions that significantly reduce our home's environmental impact. We're open to exploring a variety of solutions, from tried-and-true methods to innovative technologies, while keeping an eye on practicality, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits.

A Glimpse into the Coming Episodes

In the following installments of this blog series, we'll delve deeper into the specifics of our renovation project. We'll discuss the solutions we've chosen, including potential renewable energy sources like solar panels, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and strategies for water conservation. We'll also share the thought process behind these choices, outlining the research and considerations that went into each decision.

Furthermore, we'll explore the technologies and options that we considered but ultimately didn't implement. Sharing these "what-not-tos" can be just as valuable as highlighting successful solutions. It allows readers to understand the complexities involved and navigate their own renovation journey with greater confidence.

An Invitation to Join the Conversation

Finally, I encourage you to join the conversation! Whether you're a seasoned green living veteran or someone just starting to explore sustainable practices, your thoughts and experiences are valuable. Feel free to leave comments, ask questions, or share your own stories. Together, we can learn from each other and make a positive impact on the environment, one home at a time.

With this spirit of collaboration and continuous learning, we embark on this exciting journey of sustainable renovation.