Eco changes at home – worth doing or a waste of energy? Try our sustainability quiz to find out

How effective are windows at insulating your home? Photograph: VELUX

1. Solar panels are pointless if you live in a cloudy country

   1. True

   2. False

2. Windows are less insulating than a wall

   1. True

   2. False

3. Growing ivy on the walls of your home can make it more energy efficient

   1. True

   2. False

4. Collecting rainwater is key to minimising water use

   1. True

   2. False

5. A smart meter can help to save money and the planet

   1. True

   2. False

6. Insulation isn’t as important as people think it is

   1. True

   2. False

7. You can clean your clothes with cold water

   1. True

   2. False

8. Natural cleaning products just aren’t as effective

   1. True

   2. False

9. A dishwasher wastes more water than handwashing

   1. True

   2. False

10. Garden biodiversity isn’t possible at home

    1. True

    2. False

Solutions

1:B - Solar panels work off daylight, not necessarily sunlight – meaning that even if you live in the UK, your home can benefit., 2:A - However, windows also let in a lot of free solar energy. In fact, windows are key to a home’s sustainability and energy balance – how, where and why you build them can make all the difference. In fact, windows can even be rated for their energy performance. Beyond energy, they also play a vital role in keeping air flowing around your house., 3:A - Ivy trailing along the sides of your home doesn’t just look good – it actually produces a cooling effect, reducing your home temperature by up to 7.2C (65F). That means that in the summer, you won’t need air conditioning. It also acts as natural insulation in the winter., 4:A - It’s not all about what goes on inside the home. If you live in the UK, you can cut your use of treated water by collecting rainwater to keep your plants hydrated. It’s actually better for the plants than tap water – and you’ll save money if you’re on a meter., 5:A - By showing you how much electricity you’re using in real time, smart meters can encourage you to switch something off, helping keep your energy costs lower, while also minimising consumption of fossil fuels – what’s not to love?, 6:B - Actually, insulation is the most effective method of cutting down on home heat loss – keeping you toasty, reducing bills, and preventing unnecessary energy usage., 7:A - With the advent of high-efficiency washers and detergents that work even in cold water, it’s no longer necessary to blast your poor clothes in 50C washes., 8:B - Many people falsely believe that, without harsh chemicals, it’s not possible to clean your home properly. However, providing you get the right products, you can still get your home sparkling while being kind to the planet., 9:B - While the virtues of dishwashers have long been up for debate, it’s actually more efficient to use one – providing it’s on an eco setting and you only run it on a full load., 10:B - It’s actually pretty easy to promote a biodiverse garden – by having more plants, you encourage more insects and wildlife. Plus, rotting logs and compost heaps all encourage those good insects that the planet needs.

Scores

1. 10 and above.

   Incredible! While we could always be doing more, you’ve likely got the greenest house on the street – well done.

2. 9 and above.

   Incredible! While we could always be doing more, you’ve likely got the greenest house on the street – well done.

3. 8 and above.

   Incredible! While we could always be doing more, you’ve likely got the greenest house on the street – well done.

4. 7 and above.

   Not bad at all – there’s more for you to learn about sustainability at home, but you’re doing pretty well for the average person.

5. 6 and above.

   Not bad at all – there’s more for you to learn about sustainability at home, but you’re doing pretty well for the average person.

6. 5 and above.

   Not bad at all – there’s more for you to learn about sustainability at home, but you’re doing pretty well for the average person.

7. 4 and above.

   Not bad at all – there’s more for you to learn about sustainability at home, but you’re doing pretty well for the average person.

8. 3 and above.

   Change starts at home, but you need to brush up on your eco knowledge first! It’s never too late to learn.

9. 2 and above.

   Change starts at home, but you need to brush up on your eco knowledge first! It’s never too late to learn.

10. 0 and above.

    Change starts at home, but you need to brush up on your eco knowledge first! It’s never too late to learn.

11. 1 and above.

    Change starts at home, but you need to brush up on your eco knowledge first! It’s never too late to learn.

Learn more about Velux’s sustainability journey