Sustainability is something that homeowners of every kind might be concerned with. A sustainable home will not only have a much smaller impact on the natural world, but it will often be cheaper to run, and better for your mental health, too.

The good news is that big wins are within reach, even if you’re just starting to think about sustainability for the first time. Let’s take a look at a few easy changes to make

Start with the basics: energy, water and waste habits

If you’re wasting energy by leaving appliances on for longer than they need to be, then you can make big gains by getting into the habit of switching them off. This goes especially for big, power-hungry appliances like boilers and dishwashers – but switching from older halogen-based light bulbs to more modern LED ones can make a difference, too.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, loft insulation might save the average home around £20 a year. Similar savings can be made by recycling wastewater (and, say, using collected rainwater to do things like flush the toilet and water the garden)

Furnishings & finishes: choosing greener materials at home

Certain materials are naturally more environmentally friendly than others. The right timber is often preferable to steel and concrete. If the timber has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, then you can be reasonably sure that the supply chain is sustainable. This applies to both structural elements and furniture – though in the latter case, you might want to opt for recycled panels, or second-hand finds at your local charity shop.

Installing bespoke storage furniture, however, can often provide a space-saving benefit that outweighs the environmental cost. If you’re able to store more essential items, you’ll face less clutter, and generate less waste.

Investments that make a difference (and how to prioritise them)

Sometimes, the best way to make your home sustainable is to spend money on it. Insulation will make a difference, as we’ve noted. But so too will more expensive options, like replacing the windows, and installing solar panels. The Future Homes Standard means that many new homes in the UK will come with solar panels and heat pumps. If you want your home to retain its value in the long term, making the same investment might be sensible.

Of course, the costs and benefits of these measures will often vary depending on the home into which they’re being installed. Before you make an investment, you’ll want to think about how long it will take to pay for itself, and what alternative measures might yield a greater benefit at a lower cost. A little bit of thought and planning now might save you from making an expensive mistake.