November 2026 · UK Edition

The Journal

Insight, opinion and reporting on the UK eco-home transition — fresh thinking on energy, home performance and sustainable living.

More from the journal

Windows & Glazing

Mid Century Front Doors and Where to Find Reproductions

Mid century front doors cost £800-£3,000 for a timber reproduction. They are defined by horizontal emphasis, honest materials like teak or oak, and minimal hardware. Expect a quieter, warmer front…

4 min · 11 May 2026
Windows & Glazing

What Composite Doors Really Look Like After Five Years?

A composite door looks better after five years. The handle develops a slight patina, the timber-grain mellowes to an organic finish, and the lock stays crisp. It settles in rather…

6 min · 11 May 2026
Windows & Glazing

Stained Glass Fanlights Are Quietly Coming Back

A stained glass fanlight costs £300-£2,500 fitted. It transforms hallway light by catching daylight from above and casting coloured shapes, unlike flat frosted panels. Privacy and character come together in…

5 min · 11 May 2026
Windows & Glazing

Mullion Muntin Astragal a Short Glossary for Window People

Mullions are vertical posts dividing windows, muntins split a sash into panes, and astragals are decorative bars on the sash face. Knowing these terms helps you specify period-accurate joinery and…

5 min · 11 May 2026
Windows & Glazing

Crittall Windows and Why Britain Fell Back in Love

Crittall windows cost £400-£1,200 per window installed. The slim steel frames let in more light than uPVC and last over 50 years. Request quotes from at least three specialist suppliers.

4 min · 11 May 2026
Windows & Glazing

Sash Window Restoration or Replacement Which Wins

Restoration costs £400-£1,200 per window; replacement runs £800-£2,500. Restoring preserves original timber and crown glass, often lasting 50-100 years, while replacement offers better U-values but a shorter lifespan of 20-30…

4 min · 11 May 2026
Energy Saving Guides

Heating Timer Settings That Cut Your Bills Fast

Heating timer settings can save £120–£160 per year by matching your schedule to occupancy. The one-hour rule prevents heating an empty house, with typical savings of £40-£60 from reducing runtime…

6 min · 30 Apr 2026
Energy Saving Guides

LED Bulb Upgrade Savings for a Whole House

A full LED upgrade saves the average UK home over £110 a year on electricity bills. The upfront cost for 10-12 bulbs is £30-£72, with payback in under six months…

6 min · 30 Apr 2026
Energy Saving Guides

Solid Wall Insulation Grants Available in 2026

Solid wall insulation grants of up to £10,000 are available in 2026 through ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme. Eligibility depends on your EPC rating and household benefits. Check…

5 min · 30 Apr 2026
Energy Saving Guides

Energy Monitor Devices That Actually Help You Save

A home energy monitor saves £52–£156 per year on UK electricity bills, based on 5%–15% reduction of the average £1,042 bill (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Larger savings occur in high-usage…

6 min · 30 Apr 2026
Energy Saving Guides

How Much Does Leaving the Heating On All Day Cost

Leaving the heating on all day costs the average UK household an extra £350 per year compared to using a timer. A timer for 8 hours costs £1.10 daily, while…

5 min · 30 Apr 2026