Renewable Energy - Gore completes mansion''s eco refurbishments

14/12/2007

Eco evangelist Al Gore has backed up his much vaunted green credentials by adding a raft of energy-saving fittings to his home.

Although, recently awarded for a Nobel Prize for his work in raising awareness of climate change, the one-time presidential candidate has of late come in for criticism for failing to practice what he preaches.

The criticism focussed on high electric bills at his Tennessee mansion and the carbon footprint incurred by his proselytising travels around the world.

However, the recent installation of solar panels, geothermal heating and a rainwater collection system in his home, shows that Gore is prepared to act locally - specifically in his own backyard - while thinking globally.

These have been so effective in cutting energy use that the home has been singled out for praise by the US Green Building Council (GBC).

Kim Shinn, of the GBC, said: "One of the things that is tremendously powerful about what the Gores have done is demonstrate that you can take a home that was a dog, an absolute energy pig, and do things to correct that."

Heat and Plumb sell a range of energy solutions through which you can improve the green credentials of your property, including boilers from Trianco and Vokera.

Meanwhile, if you're looking to cut water wastage, why not opt for water-saving taps from Pegler.