How bike sheds benefit the environment
Most of us understand the need to protect the planet we live on, and the plants and animals we share it with, not to mention our fellow humans. Reducing our consumption and energy use (especially energy from fossil fuels), reusing, recycling and conserving water are all things we’re doing to help. And it’s good to know that a Brighton Bike Shed can benefit the environment too!
A timber shed is naturally greener
Wood is far less energy-intensive in its production than metal or plastic. It’s renewable too, because trees can be replanted after harvesting. As they grow, trees absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We only use sustainably sourced timber from the UK or imported by sea from Canada and Scandinavia. We separate construction waste streams for recycling and minimise waste where possible by ordering optimal timber lengths.
Green roofs and water conservation
We design all our sheds so that they can be used for rainwater harvesting, by simply connecting a water butt to the downpipes. As well as this our green roofs are drought tolerant so require minimal watering. The green roof can also help delay run-off from stormwater. And the vegetation can help to reduce local pollution and urban heat island effect, as well as providing a habitat for wildlife.
High quality products have a longer life span
These days, we should be thinking more about where the products we choose go after they’ve reached the end of their useful life. And the energy and resources needed to replace them. Other bike sheds age prematurely while Brighton Bike Sheds have been designed to last for many, many years. Long-lasting products not only represent better value. They also reduce the need for additional energy in manufacturing and transportation, and the drain on raw materials.
A bike shed will reduce pollution
A good bike shed that keeps your bikes safe and dry right where you need them will soon mean that the car rarely gets a run out. As well as being quicker (during rush hour), healthier and cheaper than driving, cycling is also 100% greener. It saves 3 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually (per 10,000 miles/year). Not to mention reducing carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, hydrocarbons and fine particulates resulting from the internal combustion engine.