A prime ingredient of sustainable architecture is durability. If a building doesn’t last, it would be a waste of a lot of embodied energy, from both a human and a resource perspective, not to mention the economic loss.

Building to last is partly a matter of consciousness; we need to value old architecture and its concepts.

Architectural styles change, building materials change and family needs change, but a well-designed and constructed house should last for decades, if not centuries.

2. USE LOCAL MATERIALS
Local materials require little processing or transporting, and the environmental and economic costs are low. One of the benefits of building with local materials is that they fit in well with the local environment. Local wood has now become a rare commodity in Crete, but stone has been
used by villagers for many years and is still very popular today.

3. INSULATION
We consider the use of correct insulation materials of supreme importance. Good quality well-placed insulation that will keep the house warm in winter but cool in summer is essential. We pay special attention to the use of insulation and fully comply with Greek energy conservation recommandations (K.En.A.K.). The requirement for an Energy Efficiency Certificate is also helping drive forward the use of good quality insulation and reduce energy consumption.

All our conventionally constructed houses are built using good quality column, cavity and roof insulation to retain heat and prevent water penetration. In addition, we are now working with new advanced products to further improve the overall thermal efficiency of the house. Our stone houses have the traditional 50cm thick walls which are natural insulators. Together with roof insulation, this type of construction complies with or exceeds the current legislation regarding insulation criteria.

4. WORK WITH THE SUN AND PASSIVE COOLING

Solar-heated water has been commonplace in Greece for many years, but the use of solar energy for heating remains relatively new in Crete. However, new technology is gradually emerging and, working with specialists in this field, we are able to offer solutions in this area. Examples of where natural renewable energy can be used for both cooling and heating are:

• Photo-voltaic cells and systems
• Air and geothermal heat exchangers
• Wind turbines
• Insulation of aluminium frames on windows and doors
• Glass which can be reflective, double- or triple-glazed. Also available are the latest technological advances in glazing materials which use reflective materials, inert gases and other techniques.

5. SAVE OUR FORESTS

While wood is ostensibly a renewable resource, many countries have gone way beyond sustainable harvesting and have ruined enormous ecosystems.

It is difficult to get away from timber in making certain roof styles, but these can be constructed with certified sustainably harvested trees. This means that the forests where the trees are harvested are carefully monitored to make sure that the health and character of the forest is maintained. Certain trees are culled periodically, leaving the remaining trees to grow and contribute to a better environment.

Crete Island Construction has a policy of retaining and conserving the flora and trees on any new sites where possible. Often, trees can be removed and replanted either on-site or at other locations.

6. CONSERVE WATER

The average European person uses around 150 litres of water a day. The use of low-water capacity toilets, flow restrictors on shower heads and tap aerators are fairly common now and may contribute to a substantial reduction.

More sweeping conservation approaches include:

• Recycling and cleaning wastewater for irrigation
• Diverting grey water from bathing, clothes washing and bathroom sinks to irrigate plants
• Capturing and storing rainwater from roofs and paved areas for domestic use
• Landscaping with drought-tolerant, indigenous plants
• Use of drip irrigation systems rather than hose pipes for watering plants

All are effective means of water conservation. It is important to remember that one of the best methods of conserving water is to respect the fact that it is a finite resource. Although water is relatively inexpensive in Crete, it should not be wasted. Being aware of the water you use can help.

• Report leaks
• Do not leave taps running
• Fit filters

7. USE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Using the sun or wind to produce electricity is a good way to conserve fossil fuels. Choosing this option will force you to think about how you use electricity because it is in limited supply. Whether you get your electricity from alternative sources or from the grid, it pays to choose energy-efficient appliances. For example:

• Choose “A” rated or above energy-efficient electrical appliances
• Front-loading clothes washers use much less electricity, water and soap than top loaders
• Many appliances use electricity just by being plugged in, known as phantom loads, so be sure to avoid them
• Appliances on standby use considerable amounts of energy
• Compact fluorescent lights use about a third of the electricity of standard bulbs and last much longer

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Our company policy is to constantly investigate, innovate and initiate change and improvement in our buildings and designs to provide the best quality homes with the least environmental impact on our beautiful island. Crete Island Construction provides a way to communicate with, and learn from, a variety of experts in many fields. More in-depth consulting is also available for specific energy-saving products. 

 So please contact us and we will be happy to assist.