Renewable Energy - Carbon figure ''will be status symbol''

06/02/2008

Homeowners will soon start to see the size of their property's carbon footprint as a status symbol, a developer has predicted.

Huntsmere specialises in converting expensive homes in Cheshire villages and likes to install plenty of green technology to go alongside the luxury interiors, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Director Chris Oakes admitted there is more than just his conscience behind the policy - he also expects demand for green homes to grow as people become more aware of environmental issues.

"I think that instead of the latest sound system, or whatever, people will talk about how efficient their home is, how small its carbon footprint is and how it is not polluting the planet," he told the newspaper.

The Prestbury mansion he is currently working on will include underfloor heating powered by a ground source heat pump, a solar heating system to provide hot water, and a ventilation and heat recovery system in place of air conditioning.

People with smaller budgets who want to install renewable energy measures in their homes may be able to obtain grants from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform in order to help fund the purchase of solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps.