Saving resources for the future

John Sones looks at more carbon reducing ideas

- John Sones

To conclude our look at resources can be saved or re-used, we turn to other initiatives including waste filtration, grey water and an air changing system. As before, I will be using examples from the zero-carbon performing Pilgrims Barn, as well as smaller installations.

SIMPLY SEWAGE

At Pilgrims Barn, sewage from the house is first treated by an underground full, double in-tandem septic tank system independent of the public system. This then discharges into a reed bed which uses any remaining nutrients and provides a feature which also benefits nature.

Non-potable water i.e not fit to drink is collected from the house roof and stored in a 6,000 litre underground storage tank. It is then filtered and fed back into the house to supply all water for washing and toilet flushing as well as all external use. On a more modest scale, we have a 2,400 litre surface mounted tank which collects water from the barn roof and is fed into a tap which supplies water for the garden. Both systems allow the use of a hose pipe in the event of a ban as they are independent of the mains water supply.