
Tim Pullen
Tim is an expert in sustainable building methods and energy efficiency in residential homes and writes on the subject for magazines and national newspapers. He is the author of The Sustainable Building Bible, Simply Sustainable Homes and Anaerobic Digestion - Making Biogas - Making Energy: The Earthscan Expert Guide.
His interest in renewable energy and sustainability was first inspired by visits to the Royal Festival Hall heat pump and the Edmonton heat-from-waste projects. In 1979
this initial burst of enthusiasm lead to him trying (and failing) to build a biogas digester to convert pig manure into fuel, at a Kent oast-house, his first conversion project.
Moving in 2002 to a small-holding in South Wales, providing as it did access to a wider range of natural resources, fanned his enthusiasm for sustainability. He went on to install renewable technology at the property, including biomass boiler and wind turbine.
He formally ran energy efficiency consultancy WeatherWorks and was a speaker and expert at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows across the country.
Latest articles by Tim Pullen

Is insulating a conservatory roof a good idea? We weigh up the pros and cons and warn when it's not always the right choice
By Sarah Harley last updated
Insulating a conservatory roof might seem like an energy-efficient choice, but is it always the best one? We explore the different methods and which is best

Renovating your home? Make sure you understand how to insulate your home so you can save energy and boost your bank balance
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
Improving your home insulation is part of most renovation projects, but how do you do it and do you need to insulate everywhere? Experts share their best advice

Not sure whether you need boards or batts? We explore the main types of home insulation, how to choose them and where to use them
By Tim Pullen, Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated
Home insulation is essential for a warm and energy efficient house. We explore the main types, where to use them and why it's so integral to a build

How to insulate a loft for a more energy efficient roof space
By Tim Pullen last updated
Insulating a loft well will bring benefits whether you're converting it for habitable use, or upgrading it as a storage space. We explore how to insulate a loft well to help you save on bills and prevent heat loss

Considering underfloor heating? How to choose the right system for your project
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
An increasingly popular option, underfloor heating systems are suitable for lots of different projects, whether you're building from scratch, renovating or extending. We explore the options and how to pick the best solution for your home

An expert guide to MVHR: everything you need to know about this ventilation system
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
MVHR – mechanical ventilation with heat recovery helps to improve airflow and energy efficiency, experts explain what's involved

Eco houses: An expert guide on what it means to build an eco home
By Sarah Harley, Tim Pullen last updated
Considering building an eco house? There are several ways to approach your project depending on what you want to achieve. We explore the options

An expert explains why adding external wall insulation to a home can reduce energy bills
By Ian Rock, Tim Pullen last updated
Introducing external wall insulation will increase the energy efficiency of your home and reduce energy bills. Here we reveal what you need to consider before you make a start

Bioethanol fireplaces and stoves — how good is this renewable alternative to log burners?
By Sarah Harley last updated
A bioethanol fireplace or stove can add the look and feel of flames without the need for chimneys or flues. But can it provide enough heat? We take a look at this alternative heating choice

Biomass boilers — An expert guide to this renewable energy option
By Tim Pullen, David Hilton, Sarah Harley last updated
Biomass boilers are a popular source of renewable energy but may not be suitable for every home. Find out what they are and if one could be right for you

Ground source heat pumps: Our guide to this low carbon heating option
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
A low-carbon alternative to gas, ground source heat pumps offer a long-term energy efficient option for heating your home. Here's everything you need to know

SAP calculations: A guide to current and future regulations
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
SAP calculations are critical in order to meet Building Regulations requirements. But what exactly are they and how will they be determined in the future?

Future Homes Standard: Our complete guide to the new targets
By Tim Pullen, Joseph Mullane last updated
The Future Homes Standard will ensure that new homes built from 2025 produce 75-80% less carbon emissions

Expert reveals the best acoustic insulation for homes — and why to avoid soundproofing
By Tim Pullen published
Energy efficiency expert Tim Pullen takes a closer look at the best forms of acoustic insulation to absorb noise and put a stop to sound pollution in your home

What is cellulose insulation? It's green but is it any good?
By Tim Pullen published
Why is cellulose insulation still shunned by so many people? Made predominantly from paper, cellulose insulation is viewed as an eco-friendly choice, but is not a go-to option. Is it time we woke up to the idea?

Sheep wool insulation: How good is this eco-friendly option?
By Tim Pullen published
Is sheep wool insulation is just a woolly idea or has it got legs as a good insulator? Sustainable building expert, Tim Pullen, takes a look

What is airtightness and why does it matter?
By Tim Pullen, Paul Testa last updated
Just what is airtightness? In this guide we explain why it is a key ingredient in creating an energy efficient home, what is it and how it is measured

Underfloor heating in bathrooms: What are the best options?
By Tim Pullen published
If you’re thinking about fitting UFH in your bathroom, we're here to explain the options and installation and running costs involved

Insulating a garage: How to insulate the walls, ceiling and floor
By Tim Pullen last updated
Insulating a garage is an integral part of any garage conversion. Find out how to do it, plus when it's necessary with this guide

Internal wall insulation: What are the Pros and Cons?
By Tim Pullen last updated
Internal wall insulation can improve your home's thermal efficiency and reduce your heating bills, however, if it's not specified carefully, it can cause issues too

How to choose a heat pump: The different types of heat pump explained
By Tim Pullen last updated
Heat pumps require specialist installation and expertise to get right — this introductory guide explains what you need to know

Passivhaus: How to Build to This Low Energy Standard
By Mark Brinkley, Tim Pullen last updated
Passivhaus is the gold standard in low energy eco homes. This guide looks at how to meet these standards and if it's worth it

Draught Proofing: 11 Ways to Eliminate Draughts
By Tim Pullen, Hugh Metcalf last updated
Draught proofing is a quick and cost-effective way of improving your home's thermal efficiency. Here's how to vanquish draughts for good
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