SJG Conserve

Want a gorgeous and energy-saving outdoor space at home to enjoy all summer long? Whether your goal is to be more energy efficient, lower your energy bills, or create a more enjoyable backyard, these simple adjustments can make a real impact. 

From lighting to landscaping, these eco-friendly and economical ideas can help you create and maintain a sustainable, attractive, and energy-efficient outdoor space for your summer itinerary.

• Smart Lighting. Use solar-powered or LED lights to illuminate your garden paths and patios more efficiently. Enhance security and save energy by installing motion-activated lights that only switch on when movement is detected. To further conserve energy, consider using timers for all your outdoor lights, ensuring they operate only when required instead of staying on continuously.
• Water Conservation. Watering plants during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, minimizes evaporation and conserves more water. By installing a rain barrel, you can collect and store rainwater runoff from the roof and reuse it to water plants and flowers. Or repurpose water from dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners for the same purpose.
• Strategic Landscaping. Use gravel, pavers with gaps, or porous concrete to build patios and walkways to let rainwater soak into the ground, minimizing runoff and drainage needs. Add vertical gardens or green walls to insulate, reduce heat gain, and create a cooler microclimate.
• Energy-Efficient Outdoor Features. Install outdoor blinds or awnings to prevent your home from overheating during the day and reduce the reliance on the air conditioning unit. Add an energy-efficient outdoor ceiling or portable fan to your space and use smart plugs to control the electricity usage of outdoor appliances and lights, allowing you to schedule their operation or turn them off remotely. And if you own a pool or hot tub, consider using solar water heaters to significantly reduce energy consumption for heating.
• Composting. Start a compost bin for yard waste and food scraps to reduce the amount of organic material going to landfills, while creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. You can use your compost to build healthier soil, prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and improve plant growth in your garden and yard.

Designing an energy-efficient outdoor space saves money, reduces environmental impact, and creates a more enjoyable living area while fostering a sustainable future.