REH Blog

October saw the biggest piece of energy legislation in the UK’s history come into law. The government’s flagship legislation sets out a raft of measures and regulatory reforms designed to build a greener, more secure energy system. 

The Energy Act 2023 has received Royal Assent and will transform the UK’s energy system by preparing it for an increasingly decarbonised grid to facilitate the net-zero transition, strengthening energy security, and ensuring household bills are affordable in the long term.

The Energy Act has laid the foundations for an energy system fit for the future and has been welcomed by the UK’s largest group lobbying for low-carbon power. The Act will deliver a more energy efficient energy system in the long term which will help to keep energy costs low. It will achieve this by increasing competition in the UK’s onshore electricity networks, through a new tender process that will reduce costs for network operation and development. The new model is anticipated to save consumers up to £1 billion off their energy bills by 2050. 

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology represents about 500 firms in low carbon power and has actively lobbied for the new law’s reforms. Frank Gordon, its director of policy, welcomed the statute while conceding that it left some measures unaddressed.

Frank Gordon said:
“The Energy Act 2023 is a major piece of enabling legislation for our sector, and the REA warmly welcomes today’s confirmation as law.”

A specific merger regime for energy networks will be created under the Competition and Markets Authority to minimise the risk of mergers between energy network companies having adverse effects on consumers. The government predicts that an estimated £420 million will be saved by households over the next decade.  

Described as the biggest shake-up for a generation in energy regulation the government says that the Energy Act “will help unlock £100 billion private investment in energy infrastructure and scale up jobs and growth”.

Reforms include the establishment of a Future Systems Operator for better-coordinated planning in strategic energy systems, the application of a Net Zero Mandate to Ofgem’s operations and responsibilities, the regulation of heat networks for the first time, and giving powers to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (D-ESNZ) to deliver government-supported business models for both hydrogen production and Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS).

John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid, said:  

“We welcome the passing of the Energy Act into legislation. This is a crucial next step in delivering a secure, affordable, and clean energy future, establishing the needed policy and governance foundations to deliver on the UK’s net zero ambitions.  In particular, establishing a Future System Operator will be critical in delivering strategic, whole-system energy planning and oversight as we continue to transform our energy infrastructure. Only by working together as an industry, with the regulator and government, can we hope to achieve an energy transition that delivers for everyone and an energy system that is clean, fair, and affordable for all”.

The Energy Act’s legislation is wide-ranging covering the entire energy landscape, introducing fresh measures for the renewables, domestic fossil fuels, hydrogen, nuclear, heat pumps, heat networks, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and the energy efficiency sectors, as well as reforms to regulators Ofgem and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

CCS is another significant feature of the act with legislation put in place to provide for a new regulatory framework, licensing regime, and revenue support mechanisms for the transport and storage of carbon dioxide captured from future industrial clusters. The government aims to have enough CCS capacity in place to capture and store up to 30 million tonnes of CO2 from the industry by 2030.

The legislation includes provisions for the establishment of a new public company, Great British Nuclear (GBN) to oversee the government's ambitious targets to ramp up nuclear capacity from today's 6GW to 24GW by 2050. 

The act also lays out the groundwork for establishing a new mandate for boiler manufacturers to produce a minimum proportion of heat pumps each year, following similarly the Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate for carmakers which aims to drive up electric vehicle (EV) production.

There are also new measures for Energy Smart appliances to prioritise safety and boost consumer protections to give consumers the confidence to transition to smart products. There are measures to accelerate the UK’s smart meter rollout to help consumers manage how much energy they consume and reduce their bills. A smart electricity system could reduce system costs by up to £10 billion a year by 2050.

It has been 18 months since the government published its Energy Security Strategy which presented increased targets for offshore wind, solar, nuclear, both blue and green hydrogen, and North Sea oil and gas, and prepared the way for the first version of the Energy Bill to come out before Christmas 2022. 

The fate of onshore wind which has faced a de-facto ban since 2015, is still unclear though the government has promised to adjust planning rules in an attempt to make it easier for developers to secure planning approval.

The energy security strategy for the UK was updated and published shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and the Energy Act 2023 provides a framework for implementing the targets set out by the government for this strategy. The strategy aims for the UK’s energy demands to be met by a mix of energy sources but specifically focuses on domestic growth in renewable and nuclear energy generation.

Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

"The Energy Act will boost investment in clean energy technologies and support thousands of skills jobs across the country. It lays the foundations for greater UK energy independence, making us more secure against tyrants like Putin, and helps us to power Britain from Britain," 

"The Act also supports our new approach to make sure that families don't feel a disproportionate financial burden as we transition to net zero and forms a central part of our efforts to keep people's bills affordable in the long-term."

The government recently said that building a smarter more flexible energy system would not only help to reduce emissions but could also cut energy system costs by £10 bn a year. 

Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of trade body Energy UK, has declared the Energy Act to be “a welcome step” towards greater policy and energy regulation that should help the UK bring much-needed investment for decarbonising the electricity system.

"As the world shifts its focus towards net zero, the energy sector needs long-term certainty to remain internationally competitive and attract private investment. The broad-ranging measures in this Act are part of a collaborative effort between government, industry, business, and consumer groups to deliver a modern energy system fit for the changing needs of the 21st-century energy market. More work remains to establish frameworks that these powers enable, but this Act will be the foundation upon which the new energy system will be built."

 

The Energy Efficiency Movement (EEM), founded by Switzerland’s ABB and made up of a global forum of more than 400 organisations worldwide has published a new report titled “The Case for Industrial Energy Efficiency.” The report aims to translate a “playbook” published by the group last year into a strategic framework for driving investment in energy efficiency measures.

The industry group which brings together organisations like Sweden’s Alpha Laval Germany’s DHL group and Microsoft from across the buildings, energy, and technology sectors has set out a series of ‘mature and concrete’ energy efficiency measures it claims could save up to 10 and 5.3 gigatons of carbon emissions a year by 2030.

Tarak Mehta, executive committee member at ABB, said it was vital to show that "mature and concrete" technology solutions are easily available to rein in global energy use.

"Since renewables can only provide a part of the answer, the critical role energy efficiency plays in accelerating the energy transition toward reaching net zero emissions by 2050 is undeniable. The urgency is for the private sector to act now. This new report is designed to help speed the adoption of best practices by showing businesses how to realise the full potential of environmental and financial benefits.”

According to the Energy Efficiency Movement (EEM), key energy efficiency actions such as the use of smart building energy management systems, switching to EV fleets, shifting to cloud-based data systems, and using heat pumps when applied across industry have the potential to reduce global carbon emissions by 11% to 2030. This is the equivalent of 4 gigatonnes with potential annual cost savings of $437bn.

The report states that a Building Management System (BMS) can be used to control 70% of a building's energy load if lighting is included as well. Modelling undertaken by EEM indicates that widespread use of building management systems (BMS) could yield annual electricity savings of between 994TWh and 1.5PWh a year by 2030 while cutting annual gas use by 126 to 252TWh. This could deliver between 593 and 901 MtCO2 emissions savings a year. If you take a mid-point estimate, this could create almost 3.5 gigatons of savings between 2024 and 2030. If you combine artificial intelligence with a digital BMS you can cut HVAC emissions by as much as 40% and reduce energy costs by 25%.

A smart BMS can also save considerable proportions of a building’s energy use costs through detection, diagnostic, historical analysis, and predictive capabilities. The report cites at least three reasons why cloud data centre operators will tend to have greater efficiency savings. For one, cloud computing and co-location facilities usually operate at a much higher level of efficiency compared to smaller, on-premises servers. Also, energy use accounts for a significant percentage of a cloud operator’s overall operating expenses, so there is a strong financial incentive to optimize the operational efficiency of IT equipment. Furthermore, advanced infrastructure technologies in hyperscale data centres reduce the energy for lighting and cooling the facility.

The Case for Industrial Energy Efficiency outlines energy efficiency actions across three strategic pillars, driving efficiency returns, gaining efficiency insights, and building an efficiency foundation.  The report claims that if companies doubled down on efficiency measures four gigatonnes of carbon emissions could be saved by 2030 each year which would be the equivalent of taking 60% of the world's internal combustion vehicles off the roads.

The report offers corporate leaders insights into ten measures that leverage mature technologies to reduce costs and emissions without complex projects as swiftly as possible. For example, companies are advised to build an ‘efficiency’ foundation through regular energy audits, the “right-sizing” of infrastructure, and connecting physical assets through the “internet of things”, all measures that would improve energy efficiency. According to the analysis, the connecting of physical assets through the "internet of things" has the potential to cut emissions by a third in many organisations. It also urges companies to ‘drive energy efficiency’ by investing in high-efficiency motors, variable speed drives, electric vehicle fleets, efficient heat exchangers, and a transition to heat pumps which is a move with the potential to cut emissions by 18%.

According to ABB data cited within the report, significant benefits can be achieved by integrating industrial assets into an Internet of Things (IoT) network.
The EEM estimates that bringing connectivity to currently unconnected industrial assets could save 10% of their electricity and 5% of their natural gas consumption under a low-efficiency scenario, and 22% and 11%, respectively, in a higher growth outlook.
Most industrial enterprises waste large amounts of energy but don’t realise it. This is due to oversized machines, assets on standby, and poorly maintained hardware which all contribute to ghost loads that use power without any useful output.

In order to locate these ghost loads an energy audit needs to be conducted usually by an established energy service company. An energy audit gives companies a way of measuring progress on efficiency as well as potentially contributing to the company’s broader aims such as the achievement of ISO 50001 certification. Audits should be carried out at regular intervals and if accompanied by a sensor deployment program can lead to continuous monitoring of energy use across the enterprise, allowing savings to be achieved in real time.

The EEM says that most industrial assets tend to be oversized for a range of reasons such as building in safety margins or allowing processes to cope with peaks in demand. The report states that significant improvements can be made by right-sizing equipment and cites the example of a company that was able to remove an entire packaging line, saving $1 million a year.

EEM ‘s report says that heat pumps are extremely efficient, effectively giving back more energy than is put in to operate them. EEM predicts that in time it is likely that all low-temperature and many mid-temperature industrial applications, such as drying, and ethylene processing will use heat pumps. The EEM’s report also says that heat exchangers, which are used widely in building heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, and data centre and fuel cell cooling, are rarely maintained sufficiently.
This lack of maintenance in EEM’s view, could account for up to 2.5% of global carbon emissions which is roughly the equivalent of the entire airline industry. New heat exchangers can be up to 25% more efficient than the old ones.

According to the report around two-thirds of electricity consumption likely relates to powering motors in pumps, fans, compressors, and other equipment within industrial enterprises. It adds that if the 300 million-plus industrial electric motor-driven systems operating today were replaced with optimised, high-efficiency versions, worldwide electricity consumption could be cut by up to 10%. The Energy Efficiency Movement also says that global commercial and industrial sectors could save up to $68.8bn a year by 2030 from improved motor efficiency and reduced electricity use.

In its analysis, the EEM found that less than a third of industrial drives have variable speeds that adjust the power consumption, and emissions, to the load required. This level could be roughly doubled in most industrial settings, cutting electricity costs and emissions while saving on maintenance and reducing downtime by helping the drives last longer.

When it comes to electrifying industrial vehicle fleets, the report says that electric vehicles can cut emissions by about 17% on traditional grids and 30% on electricity from mostly renewable sources. By 2050, emissions could be reduced by 70% under a decarbonised grid. 

According to the International Energy Agency doubling energy efficiency by 2030 could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by almost a third. The EEM estimates that if the 10 measures were applied across industries, a midpoint scenario could be reached with 1.5 gigatons of carbon emissions being saved annually by 2024 and under a more ambitious scenario 2030 savings could reach 5.3 gigatons, equivalent to around 15 percent of the world's projected emissions for that year.

Furthermore, in the case of the five actions where financial savings can be meaningfully calculated, the report argues that industry could save $172bn a year in 2024 rising to $437bn annually by 2030.
The analysis covers the steel, aluminium, chemicals, paper, and cement sectors, as well as those sectors classified as "light industry" by the International Energy Agency (IEA), such as food, machinery, textiles, vehicles, timber, construction, and mining.
The report underlines the urgency for the private sector to take up energy-efficient practices to expedite the energy transition toward net-zero emissions by 2050 in alignment with COP28 discussions and IEA recommendations for increased annual energy efficiency progress and investment.

Mike Umiker, managing director at the Energy Efficiency Movement, said the group hoped the report would help to communicate important information for the discussions at the COP28 Climate Summit. The UAE hosts of COP28 would like to see countries agree to a new target to double the global rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030.

"The IEA has said that Net Zero will require a doubling of the rate of progress on efficiency and a tripling in annual efficiency-related investment. To that end, we are furnishing executives with data and insights to help build their companies' business cases for energy efficiency improvements. The report demonstrates how investments in efficiency can serve as a valuable hedge against energy and carbon price volatility while making a true, needle-moving impact on emissions. Energy efficiency is the industry's biggest emissions ally this decade."

 

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is on the rise around the globe. Demand for EVs grew from 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022 and is expected to leap a further 35% in 2023. This increased demand will cut the need for 5 million oil barrels per day by 2030 and will help millions live a net-zero life. 

However, EVs are still extremely expensive. The new tech they carry sells for a premium in the car market, and most EV forecourts feature luxury manufacturers like Tesla and BMW. Even “budget-friendly” manufacturers like Kia sell their EVs for upwards of £32,000 — roughly £12,000 more than their base petrol range. 

Fortunately, buying and maintaining an EV is becoming more affordable. EV plug points are now compulsory and you may be eligible for a plug-in grant from the government. You can also consider buying a used model today, as many owners are looking to sell EVs that are still in great condition.  

Buying Used EVs
The EV generation has finally arrived. Modern manufacturers are capable of building durable, long-lasting batteries and 90% of Europe’s new power comes from renewable sources. This has driven high demand for eco-conscious consumers who want to sidestep the pump and reduce their carbon footprint. 

The number of used EVs on the market is rising, which may equate to options at a price point that suits your current budget. When buying a used EV, consider: 

●    Battery Health: 2% battery degradation per year is entirely normal. Anything above that rate may indicate heavy use and higher-than-average wear and tear. Look in the car’s settings yourself or bring in an expert dealer who can help you determine the health of the EV you’re looking at. 
●    Battery Warranty: Be sure to read the fine print when buying an EV. Many dealers sell their cars with a warranty, but the EV landscape is a little different. Find out how far into the typical 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty your car is and speak with the manufacturer’s customer service agents if you’re concerned. 
●    Depreciation: You may want to sell your used EV in the future. However, EVs have a steep depreciation curve due to the speed of innovation in the electric car market. Look for models that are already 3 years old to avoid the worst depreciation hit. 

Buying a used EV isn’t like picking up a used petrol-engine car. EVs will degrade over time and there is little value in “classic” EVs. Get a clear picture of the situation by bringing in expert help when viewing EVs and assessing your budget to avoid future disappointment due to depreciation. 

Charging Stations 
The cost of charging an EV is considerably lower than filling up a petrol engine car. If you’re charging at home, filling up your electric car costs around £17 while a 30-minute rapid charge will cost around £22. 

You may even be able to sidestep charging fees altogether if you work for an employer that allows you to charge on-site. Similarly, some supermarkets offer free charging while you shop in their store. This makes charging your EV far more budget-friendly than filling up with a tank of diesel or petrol. 

If you decide to charge your EV at home, you should look into the different types of charging stations available today. Most vehicles come equipped with a level 1 charger that plugs straight into a regular outlet. These take upwards of 24 hours to fully charge and are usually used as a backup. 

Regular commuting with an EV will almost certainly require a level 2 charger. You’ll need to call out an electrician to equip your home, but these chargers will fill your EV up in 4 to 5 hours. These chargers typically come with a timer, too, meaning you can leave the car to charge overnight when electricity is cheaper. 

Buying Incentives 
The EV market typically has a high entry cost. However, the U.K. government is making it easier to buy an EV by incentivizing electric car ownership. Today, you’ll get 35% off when buying a low-emission, plug-in vehicle thanks to a nationwide government grant. This deduction is sent directly to the manufacturer, meaning the 35% saving is already included in the price you see on the forecourt. 

You’ll also be exempt from some road tax following your purchase of an EV. Provided your EV is new and entirely battery-powered, you do not have to pay road tax for the first year and are exempt from the standard rate annual vehicle tax. This can help you save a few hundred pounds while running your EV. 

Conclusion 
EV cars are great for the environment and recoup their higher costs after a few years of ownership. However, you may find that the high entry cost is enough to put you off. Rather than turning your back on EVs altogether, consider opting for a used model that fits your budget. Continue to reap the rewards of EV ownership by strategically filling up via free stations at work or grocery stores. 
 

Sustainability and energy efficiency have become important considerations for tenants when selecting a rental property. With a growing focus on reducing, one's carbon footprint, many tenants, especially demographics like millennials, want to live in homes that allow them to live more sustainably. 

As a landlord, investing in energy efficient features and technologies can help attract desirable tenants, reduce operating costs, and increase your property's value. Focusing on efficiency upgrades can be a win-win — tenants get to live in greener homes that lower utility bills, while landlords reduce expenses and maintenance costs down the line. Read on to learn more about how to tap into tenant demand for sustainability and create rental properties fit for the future. 

Why sustainable features are in demand
In addition to open-plan layouts, gardens and a prime location, tenants are seeking out sustainable features thanks to a growing environmental consciousness, especially among younger demographics like millennials and Gen Z. Tenants want to reduce their carbon footprint and are actively seeking out homes that allow them to live more sustainably through energy and water savings. 
Beyond environmental motivations, energy efficient upgrades help reduce utility bills, saving tenants money each month. With rising energy costs, renters find properties that lower their utility expenses highly attractive. 
Renters often feel they are contributing through their housing choice, and a greener home offers many advantages. Additionally, government tax incentives and rebates for efficiency upgrades motivate landlords to seek out sustainable properties to maximise savings.

Benefits for landlords
Upgrading rental properties for greater energy efficiency requires some investment upfront, but it pays dividends for landlords in the long run in several key ways. First, reduced operating costs are a major benefit, as energy efficient improvements directly lower monthly electricity, gas, and water bills. Smart building upgrades like insulation, LED lights and efficient appliances can cut utility costs by 20% or more, saving landlords and tenants money each month.
Energy efficient, sustainable homes also often command higher rents and sale prices. Environmentally conscious tenants are frequently willing to pay more in rent to live in a property that allows them to reduce their carbon footprint. Features like solar panels also boost a property's value. Another advantage is attracting higher quality tenants in a competitive rental market. Tenants increasingly seek out energy efficient, green rentals in their housing search. 
Landlords also benefit from reduced maintenance requirements and costs over the long run. Newer systems and appliances break down less frequently, decreasing maintenance calls, while smart devices also provide alerts for issues.
Ways for landlords to create energy efficient rentals

Conduct an energy audit
One of the first steps landlords should take to increase the energy efficiency of their rental properties is to conduct a thorough energy audit. This allows you to identify areas where efficiency can be improved. When auditing, look closely at insulation levels in lofts, exterior and basement walls, and floors. Insufficient insulation leads to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. 
Likewise, an audit gives landlords an opportunity to assess windows for air leaks, rot, and inefficiency, evaluate the age and condition of heating systems, and look for air gaps and leakage spots in the building itself. Conducting a thorough energy audit and identifying hidden areas for improvement will provide a blueprint for efficiency upgrades to reduce energy waste.

Consider renewable energy options
In addition to efficiency upgrades, landlords may want to explore integrating renewable energy sources into their rental properties. Two popular options to consider are solar PV panels and heat pump systems.
Installing solar panels is a great way for landlords to reduce electricity costs. The panels generate clean energy from sunlight during the day, directly lowering the amount of grid electricity needed and reducing utility bills. Tenants will appreciate these lower electricity expenses each month, while visible solar panels also show tenants that the landlord is serious about using green technology and promoting sustainability.
Heat pumps are another renewable option worth considering. Available as air or ground source systems, they work by efficiently transferring heat between indoor and outdoor air to provide heating and cooling. Landlords who incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels and heat pumps take a major step towards improving the sustainability of their properties. Tenants seeking to reduce their environmental impact will be attracted to these green features.

Improve insulation
One of the most impactful steps for increasing energy efficiency is improving insulation. Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow, keeping warm air inside during winters and preventing hot air from entering in summers. It's essential for controlling indoor temperatures.
Often properties built more than 20 years ago have insufficient insulation due to outdated building standards. Landlords should prioritise topping up insulation in lofts, as heat rises and escapes through the roof, and use insulation types like fibreglass batting, rigid foam boards or blown-in cellulose depending on the location. When installing insulation, eliminate any gaps or air pockets that allow heat transfer. 
Beyond insulation itself, ensure windows and doors have weatherstripping to seal air leaks. Replace any rotting weather stripping around movable joints, and caulk gaps and cracks throughout the property where air infiltration can decrease insulation effectiveness. Simple steps like these improve air sealing and complement insulation upgrades. Improving insulation is critical for tenants' comfort and utility cost savings, and they will appreciate the warmer winters and cooler summers that proper insulation provides.

Install smart thermostats
Installing smart thermostats is an impactful upgrade landlords can make to simultaneously increase energy efficiency and provide more convenience for tenants. Smart thermostats go far beyond basic programmable thermostats. They utilise Wi-Fi connectivity and learning algorithms to optimise heating and cooling.
A key advantage of smart thermostats is remote accessibility. Tenants can adjust temperatures anytime from their smartphones, even when away from home. Landlords also benefit from being able to apply settings and schedules remotely. The thermostats can automatically follow customised heating and cooling schedules tailored for when occupants are home or away, preventing energy waste when not needed. Motion detectors enable useful occupancy sensing abilities, auto-adjusting temperatures up or down when residents come and go, avoiding heating or cooling empty spaces.

As energy costs continue rising and tenants increasingly prioritise sustainable living, focusing on efficiency and green upgrades is becoming essential for landlords. For tenants, green features allow them to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on bills, while for landlords, efficiency upgrades make properties competitive, profitable, and environmentally friendly. With modest investments in sustainability now, landlords can reap significant dividends for years to come while also contributing to the environment and tenant satisfaction. 

 

Swimming pools are a quintessential part of summertime for many of us. However, the environmental impact of these ubiquitous garden oases is starting to raise concerns. Between water consumption, energy use for heating, and chemicals needed to keep pool water clean and sanitised, pools have the potential to be quite taxing on the environment. This has led some to question – is it possible to have an eco-friendly swimming pool?

While pools have their drawbacks, the reality is that with some thoughtful adjustments, pool owners can dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of their pools. Here, we'll explore some of the main concerns around pool sustainability, as well as solutions pool owners can implement to swim a little greener this summer. 

Why are swimming pools believed to be harmful?

Swimming pools require a lot of water, chemicals, and energy to keep them clean and usable. This leads many to view pools as detrimental to the environment.
Pools lose thousands of litres of water each year to evaporation and backwashing filtration systems. This is water that essentially goes down the drain and is continuously refilled, wasting a precious resource. The average pool loses anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 gallons of water annually. With countless pools across the country, this usage soon adds up.

The chlorine, algicides and other chemicals used to sanitise pool water can also contaminate groundwater if allowed to leak or spill. These chemicals are quite toxic and improper pool maintenance can lead to runoff issues. Even in low concentrations, the chemical soup found in pool water can be harmful if it makes its way into local waterways or the water table.

Heating pools requires a tremendous use of energy too, most often from gas or electricity produced from fossil fuels. This effect is amplified in cooler climates where pools need to be heated for a greater portion of the year. The electricity used to power pumps, filters, lights, and heaters makes pools energy hogs.

Tips for a sustainable pool

Keep it natural
For the ultimate in pool sustainability, some homeowners are opting to build natural swimming pools. These pools rely on plants, beneficial bacteria, and other natural systems to clean and circulate the water with minimal chemical use.
Natural pools contain zones with aquatic plants that filter out contaminants just like in a wetland ecosystem. The plants absorb nutrients in the water that would otherwise feed algae growth. Gravel beds provide surface area for helpful bacteria to grow and balance the microbial ecosystem. The plants also oxygenate the water, creating a healthy environment.
This natural biological filtration removes the need for harsh chemicals like chlorine. Any occasional sanitisation relies on non-toxic methods compatible with plants and wildlife. Natural pools use no power and need less maintenance than traditional pools, and they offer the added benefit of providing a natural habitat for local wildlife and birds.

Use saltwater chlorination
One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of your pool is to switch to a saltwater chlorination system for water sanitisation, rather than conventional chlorine. So how does this method work?
Saltwater systems use dissolved salt as the main agent to sanitise pool water. A device converts the salt into chlorine through an electrolytic process, eliminating the need to directly add concentrated liquid or tablet chlorine. The chlorine produced is still effective at killing bacteria and algae but gets used up quickly and doesn't build up to high levels in the water.
This approach is gentler on the environment in a few key ways. First, as we’ve discussed, it reduces chemical use and results in healthier water for you and your family. But it’s also lower maintenance because the system does much of the sanitisation for you. While saltwater systems have a higher upfront cost, they pay back over time through easier maintenance. Similarly, your conscience can rest easier knowing your pool has less impact on the local environment.

Use a pool cover
One of the simplest ways to increase the eco-friendliness of your pool is to install a pool cover. When not in use, covering the pool surface significantly reduces evaporation of water into the air. This conserves water and reduces the energy needed to continually replenish and reheat evaporated water.
Solar covers float on the surface and are made of plastic bubbles that absorb and retain heat while limiting evaporation, which also lowers heating costs. Safety covers, meanwhile, completely seal the entire pool surface and are anchored around the perimeter to prevent anything from entering the water. This provides maximum water conservation.

Make use of solar heating
Heating swimming pools accounts for a significant portion of their energy use. Traditionally, pools are heated by natural gas or electric heat pumps. For a greener alternative, solar heating is an effective way to harness renewable energy from the sun.
You can heat your pool using solar PV panels or with a solar pool heating system. Both use sunlight to create energy but in different ways. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that can then power a heat pump, whilst a solar water heating system uses solar collectors to absorb heat from sunlight and then heat the water. 
Solar collectors are very efficient and can raise pool temps up to 10°F. They contain tubes of water or other heat-absorbing medium like silicone, and once the sun's rays contact the tubes, they warm the liquid inside. The heated liquid is then pumped through a heat exchanger to transfer thermal energy into the pool water, thereby increasing its temperature. 

Design with low maintenance materials
The materials used to construct and maintain a swimming pool can also have environmental implications. Conventional pools use materials that require a lot of energy and chemicals for upkeep. Prefabricated fibreglass shell pools are an increasingly popular low maintenance option. The sturdy fibreglass construction resists cracking and deterioration better than concrete. It’s easier to clean without heavy-duty detergents and is more energy efficient, retaining heat better than other materials.
Adding a mineral sanitiser system also helps keep water crystal clear and reduces chlorine use. Minerals like silver, zinc, and copper inhibit bacteria and algae growth while being safe for swimmers and the environment. As mentioned earlier, using a saltwater chlorination system also generates chlorine from salt on-site to reduce chemical use.

Exploring energy-efficient and low-maintenance materials can make your pool construction more sustainable. The choices you make in building materials impacts how "green" your pool will be over its lifetime.

Having an eco-friendly swimming pool is indeed possible with careful planning and by implementing sustainable options. While traditional pools have raised concerns about overconsumption of water, energy, and use of harsh chemicals, today's technology provides effective solutions.