Homes and Property

Modern eco-homes can save money

One London council proves green homes save money - at a price, says Ruth Bloomfield
Victorian home in Camden
Experiment: Victorian home in Camden
An experiment to see if a typical Victorian terrace in central London could be transformed into a model eco-home has been hailed a success after its carbon emissions were cut by up to 70 per cent.

The £330,000 project saw the five-storey family house, in Camden, north London, upgraded with green gadgets as part of a pilot scheme to test which technologies cut the most carbon.

The property had solar panels installed on the roof, and an advanced air-conditioning system to control heating costs. Its insulation was upgraded and windows were draught proofed, and a rainwater harvesting system was installed for use in the garden.

Today, Camden council, which is leading the Government-funded pilot project together with academics from University College London, announced that after eight months emissions from the property had been slashed by between 50 and 70 per cent. Household bills have also fallen.

The council has now won funding from the Government’s Retrofit for the Future scheme to fit out two more properties. A council spokeswoman said: “Sustainability is a high priority for the council.”

Critics have pointed out that the huge cost of fitting out the eco-house will put it out of the reach of most homeowners and many councils.



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