Eco Projects Go Green And Save Money

Date Published:

29/05/2008

If you're house hunting...

Since their introduction in 2007, all prospective homebuyers are now able to see a Home Information Pack (HIP) on properties for sale. This includes an assessment of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of the house.

Like the energy-rating labels found on cookers and fridges, the Energy Performance Certificate rates the property from 'A' to 'G' and give details of the current average costs for heating, hot water and lighting, as well as how to cut costs with energy-efficiency measures.

For houses built to high environmental standards, the Building Research Establishment's Ecohomes assessment is the only whole house environmental assessment. This includes everything from how close a home is to public transport, how thermally efficient it is, how well it tackles recycling to whether it's built with sustainable materials. Homes are then given a pass, good, very good or excellent rating. It covers new, converted or renovated houses and apartments.

- For lots of practical advice on saving energy in your home, and to find out if you could qualify for a grant, contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0845 727 7200 or visit their website at www.est.org.uk.

- The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) has a free information service and can offer advice on everything from renewable energy and environmental building to energy saving. Call 01654 705950 or go to www.cat.org.uk.

- The Low Carbon Buildings Programme replaced the Clear Skies and Solar PV programmes in April 2006 for providing grants to homeowners installing renewable energy technology. However, you must already have certain energy-efficiency measures in place before you apply. Call 0800 915 0990 or visit www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk for further information.

- Donnachadh McCarthy's 3 Acorns ecoconsultancy provides environmental audits for homeowners to advise on reducing energy consumption, among other things. See www.3acorns.co.uk for costs and details.