Eco-homes Set to Debut

Monday, 08 February 2010 09:26

The next step in smart energy is the development of eco-towns, environmentally-friendly communities built to leave a minimal carbon footprint. This week, UK Housing Minister John Healey is expected to announce the start of construction on 100 eco-show homes fitted with smart meters, electric car charging points, solar-heated water tanks and water-saving and composting systems to demonstrate a green lifestyle of the near future.

The Minister’s prepared speech states: “This is a massive boost for the first wave [of] eco-town sites so they can get their ideas off the ground and introduce green living to thousands of residents in the local areas. Building green homes and preparing communities for the eco-living will not only teach us valuable lessons for how we plan, design and build for our new towns, but contributes to our national crusade to drive down emissions and tackle climate change.”

The notion of green towns has been met by skepticism by some critics but government officials are confident the public will be supportive once they can see firsthand how green homes will save both money and natural resources.

The show homes will be built near four sites designated to be the first zero-carbon developments in Britain – Whitehill-Bordon in Hampshire, St Austell in Cornwall, Rackheath in Norfolk and North West Bicester in Oxfordshire. – where it is expected 10,000 eco-homes will be available for purchase within five years. A third of the eco-homes will be designated affordable homes.

In addition, approximately 90 existing homes, and a selection of schools and libraries located near the eco-town areas will be upgraded with insulation and green technology. All the homes will be within a short walking distance of public transport links and shops. The expected price tag for the project is £60m. In late 2009 the government announced a second phase of eco-tons with a completion date of 2020.

Within the next several months local councils will present master plans for the green towns which will then be subject to public approval and planning permission. All of the homes will be built by local workers trained to construct eco-friendly technology.