House With Grass

Eco Projects How To Build An Eco House

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Contents:

Date Published:
29/05/2008
Timber house frame

The Association for Environment Conscious Building, an independent membership-based organisation, already has its own set of energy standards and offers a handy, impartial check list to would-be eco builders. But design aspects to consider include:

* Insulation, throughout the house; make sure it is not compromised too by building construction, eg the accidental creation of 'thermal bridges' allowing heat to travel out; design should also include airtightness and ventilation.
* Water: conserve and minimise use of water. The average person uses 140 litres per day but should aim to reduce this.
* Energy: includes using natural materials such as wood for burning to heat water while renewable energy systems including wind turbines and solar panels.
* Lighting: should maximize the use of natural light, while energy efficient lighting is used throughout.
* Electrical appliances: eliminating the need for some eg providing a clothes natural drying space, while ensuring A++ energy efficient standard for others.
* Materials: consider those which are natural and from a renewable source; use locally grown timber or that accredited by the Forestry Stewardship Council (ensuring you support responsible forest management worldwide); also more durable wood such as heartwood of English oak reduces the need for preservatives. Look at the energy involved in production/transportation, and use manufacturers which can provide such information. Avoid PVC.
* Recycle or reuse where possible.

Useful Links

Government Better Building Report and DEFRA
Association for Environment Conscious Building
University of Plymouth School of Engineering
The Green Building Store
Explaining Climate Change
Current and Proposed UK Environmental Regulations

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Comments

  1. i need some thing to put on a eco home besides solar pannels
    Posted by bob on 21/10/2009 20:36:51
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  2. I want to help build an eco house, is there any websites or volunteer organisations that'd take me on for the summer? (with little experience)
    Posted by Xani Byrne on 27/05/2009 13:04:55
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  3. i love this website. How can i make my house lalalala??
    Posted by Isabella Pioneer on 27/04/2009 18:44:03
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  4. Where can I access environmentally friendly builders in South Africa who will understand the concepts I want to incorporate into my new home
    Posted by Tanya Ritchie on 26/02/2009 06:53:09
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  5. Hi Louise, This is a great article - thankyou! I have been helping some people with an eco homes development in Cornwall called Fairglen - a lifestyle place near the beach. One of the residents is now paying NOTHING for his electricity, thanks to his insulation, eco heat pump, solar panels, and the meter that pays him to put electricity back into the mains. I gather our electricity payment rates are very stingy compared to some other countries, but no bills has to be a good thing! Anyway a few more articles like yours will be great for encouraging people to use this sort of technology. All the best, Pete
    Posted by Petere Graves on 31/12/2008 16:12:12
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  6. Hi I am an a-level graphics student at the Ravenscroft school and im currently doing a project on eco homes. I am going to make a prototype for an eco friendly house, I was wondering what research could i do to have enough information to make my protype? Any information on eco homes will assist me in my project. Please could u you send any valuable information that you have asap Thanks Dirushan
    Posted by Eco homes on 03/10/2008 11:52:24
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