Eco Projects Zero Carbon Homes

Date Published:

29/05/2008

Proving that eco-homes know no geographical boundaries, Ecostessey Park, three miles from Norwich city centre, is a development of 22 zero carbon 'eco-chic' town houses, set on a private estate on the banks of the River Tud. Eco-features include solar and PV, rainwater storage and reuse, and dedicated recycling and composting areas. Solar panels and photovoltaic panels will deliver one kilowatt back into national grid.

Similarly bucolic, Spring Fields near Ifold, West Sussex, is a small community of three remaining homes for sale in a development of six. Incorporating contemporary design and environmentally conscious materials and construction - particularly renewable energy, high levels of insulation and triple glazing and the extensive use of sustainable materials.

In keeping with many eco-developers, Spring Fields is built by a local housebuilder, but the big boys are gaining ground. Barratt's NU@D2 at Upton, Northamptonshire, incorporates eco-technologies and cutting-edge design that's part of the housebuilder's vision to create a sustainable and healthy living environment, where residents are encouraged to walk and cycle to amenities, rather than rely on cars, via urban landscaping.

Sustainable housebuilding is not confined to large multi-nationals or enthusiastic local developers. Self-builders are constructing some of the most eco-friendly properties nationwide. The esoterically named Brighton Earthship - constructed from rammed earth and insulated with discarded tyres - is a zero-carbon development that is completely off-grid. All its energy requirements are self-generated from wind and solar power.

More conventionally, but no less environmentally friendly (in fact it achieves level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes) Potton Homes lighthouse model can be purchased and erected on a suitable plot of (brownfield) land. Designed in line with Lifetime Homes and Scheme Development Standards (SDS), every building material and component used for this net-carbon zero show home has been specified for its ability to optimise the house design's overall sustainability credentials.

What Green Home features independent reviews and ratings of eco-friendly homes for sale abroad and in the UK, and provides news, opinion and features about sustainable development worldwide.

One Brighton
The Wintles
Ecostessey Park
Spring Fields
NU@D2
Brighton Earthship
Potton