Porches

When building or redesigning your porch, sustainability considerations should be a top priority. 

Below are some key sustainability considerations: 

• Materials selection - choose sustainable building materials to construct your porch. Consider using locally-sourced, recycled or reclaimed materials. If using wood, you can look for certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council¹ (FSC) to ensure the wood has been sustainably sourced. 
• Natural ventilation and lighting - design the porch to maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial lighting cooling systems – this can be achieved using windows, skylights, and other well-placed openings. 
• Landscaping and permeable surfaces - incorporate native plants and landscaping that supports biodiversity and reduces water demand where possible. Using permeable surfaces for paths or flooring can allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground rather than creating runoff.  

You can consider using renewable energy to power your project - find out more here².

It's also essential to ensure that all waste materials from the project are recycled wherever possible.

You should discuss sustainability considerations with the tradespeople working on your porch before starting work. Use our ‘find a professional’³ tool to find the right people to bring your project to life.

1. https://uk.fsc.org/
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/sustainability-and-planning/home-energy-generation/introduction
3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional