The ECO choice

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​The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth.

(Native American proverb)

 

Be the change you want to see in the world, said Mahatma Gandhi.

 

The environmental issue is undoubtedly very complex. Without well-coordinated global policies, little can be done to influence the fate of the planet. But a more ethical and sustainable direction exists, and we have chosen to pursue it. Even if it mattered as much as a grain of sand in the desert, it would be enough for us.

 

The Welshman, David W. Griffith, left this prodigious residence as an inheritance to two nephews, a former farmhouse rebuilt from scratch, certainly not sparing on finishes and the quality of furnishings. A real gem, the dark sides of which were essentially attributable to energy consumption. Hence, our commitment to make it as energy-efficient as possible, or rather, as sustainable as possible. In this sense, we have provided for a substantial change in the systems.

 

Energy Efficiency:

 

Driven by this goal, we have:

 

• Replaced the GPL thermal boiler with a highly efficient Air/Water Heat Pump

• Utilized the roof to install photovoltaic and solar panels (17 KW), capable of bringing us very close to energy self-sufficiency - also thanks to storage batteries - for over six months a year.

• Installed an electric vehicle charging station.

• Replaced all incandescent and neon bulbs with LED lights.

 

Water:

 

The founder from Wales, in this case, had been prudent, in fact:

 

• On the north side of the garden, there are two large underground tanks into which rainwater flows, the collection of which is providential for irrigating the vegetable garden and garden.

• Another precaution is the drainage well for excess water, which, thanks to deep canalization work, redirects the drainage water into a deep well, which then - when necessary, by activating an electric pump - pours the recovered water into the collection tanks. A virtuous cycle that avoids the waste of tens of thousands of liters of water per year.

 

ALSO:

 

• We replaced a Diesel SUV with a 100% electric car.

• We reduced the use of plastic bottles to zero thanks to a purification system installed at the kitchen tap that provides natural and chilled sparkling water.

• We carry out meticulous recycling.

• We try to buy local and sustainable products (e.g., La Saponaria bath products)

• We grow seasonal fruits and vegetables in our orchard and vegetable garden.

• We have fresh eggs daily thanks to the chickens in our henhouse.