Renewable Energy - ''Super green'' home boasts renewable energy sources

16/05/2008

Barratt Developments has unveiled what it claims to be the first zero-carbon house offered by a mass market housebuilder, with renewable energy sources at the projects centre.

The Barratt Green House, which is on display at the Buildings Research Establishment in Watford, uses the latest technology, such as solar water heating, to reduce its level of carbon emissions.

Contained in the prototype house are solar photovoltaic cells, an air source heat pump and rainwater collection tanks, while domestic hot water is provided by a solar water heating system.

Super insulation and triple-glazed windows also help to retain heat, reducing the need to turn on the boiler and ensure heating controls and radiators can be kept at low levels.

Housing minister Caroline Flint applauded the Green House as conforming to the strict zero-carbon standards that all new housing in the UK will have to meet after 2016.

"The UK housebuilding industry is at the forefront [of zero-carbon homes] - not only signing up to the target but coming up with the innovation that will make this happen," she commented.

Barratt Developments, founded in Newcastle, builds and sell around 21,000 homes a year and has claimed a commitment to reducing the impact on the environment.