Reducing Water Consumption

Freerain is a UK based company that specialises in what is called Rainwater Harvesting.

This is quite simply collecting the rainwater that falls onto your roof in a suitable tank for later use. The water passes through a primary filter before entering the tank, and is then pumped back out of the tank by a submergable pump when required.

Along with the environmental benefits and the cost of water steadily increasing in the UK, this is something that should not be overlooked. Freerain have completed many installations including contracts for the MoD. They have also recieved a water efficiency award from the Environment Agency in 2003, so are in a perfect position to advise or help you plan a suitable rainwater harvesting system for your chosen project.

Several different installations are available, depending on whether it is commercial or domestic property, the roof size, anual rainfall in the area, and for what purpose the water is needed. Water can even recieve additional filtering and UV sterilisation to provide drinking water in areas that may be remote enough to warrent such a set up.

Some of the benefits to yourself and the environment include not having to rely entirely upon the mains supply, and therefore cheaper water bills. The incidents of flooding can be reduced with more installations, as storm water does not all go back into circulation therefore swelling rivers to flood point. Drought conditions or water shortages (global warming?) also become less of a problem, and the reduced amounts of water to be 'processed' means less strain and demand on treatment plants.

Properties with such a system installed not only become more self-sufficient, but more economical to run, they also gain eco-homes rating points, which in turn can increase the value of the property.

If you are about to build a property or this interests you for an existing building then please visit the Freerain website and find out more. If you are, then this is certainly something worth considering right from the planning stage.

Sustainable Energy - Education

With Christmas just around the corner, how about an educational toy/building kit as a gift? Suitable for 11 years to Adult, and teaches you (amongst other things) about sustainable energy ... I'd love one!


The Power House stocked by Mindware has 20 building projects, and 70 experiments to complete. This mini eco house project includes solar panels, windmill, water heating, a greenhouse, and much more. This is truly an educational piece for any child or adult who may have an interest in ecological issues, and/or sustainable energy. What a fantastic idea, and a novel way to learn about alternative energy!

Sorry I couldn't put a direct link to the product here (kept getting an illegal URL error?), as it looks like the product is no longer available. But, you could try going to mindware.com and doing a search.