Renewable Energy - Eco-house project to test new technologies

21/04/2008

A plan to build a replica 1930s semi-detached house and then carry out a 'retro-fit' to make it carbon efficient has been announced.

Energy firm E.ON and the University of Nottingham will carry out the project to show the changes that will be needed to make the UK's homes energy efficient and to test the effectiveness of new technology.

To be built on the university's ground, the 2016 house - named after the date all new houses must be carbon-neutral - will use advanced design techniques, renewable energy and sustainable materials to reduce heating and lighting needs.

Dave Clarke, head of research and development at E.ON, said: "To face the challenges of climate change today, we need to look forward to the energy efficiency measures we'll need tomorrow - and these solutions must be affordable and sustainable."

According to naturalchoices.co.uk, the UK could see a £2.3 billion renewable energy supply market emerge, as homeowners switch to energy from sources such as solar power and biomass boilers.