The Residence at the award-winning Gwel an Mor resort in Portreath

Combining leading-edge sustainable design, a boost to the Cornish economy and a shared ownership model which makes 5-star living more affordable, The Residence at the award-winning Gwel an Mor resort in Portreath is an exciting new development designed in harmony with its own and the wider environment.

Green: Each retreat uses timber from sustainable forests, provides hot water courtesy of a heat pump and is fully insulated, delivering energy efficiency to Government code level 4 – 44% better than 2006 BRE (Building Research Establishment) requirements. By swapping flights abroad for holidaying in the UK, owners will also be reducing their carbon footprint.

Affordable luxury: Hot tubs, plush furnishings, scenic views of rugged Cornwall, plus the trappings of a hotel – food delivered from Gwel an Mor’s exclusive restaurant and everything cleaned and ready for your arrival – made affordable thanks to the shared ownership model, where up to 12 people own a piece of the freehold title.

Boosting the local economy: Cornwall has two problems: one that its reliance on tourism leaves its economy struggling in the winter months and two, that a high proportion of housing stock, as much as 60%*, are second homes, and this bumps up prices for locals. The Residence combats both of these issues, employing local staff year-round and providing plenty for guests to do when the sun’s not shining, while delivering an affordable solution for people looking for a second home and one that doesn’t affect local housing.

Year-round destination: With a wood burner to keep warm, a club house with swimming pool, spa and gym, a farm and The Terrace restaurant, The Residence offers something at any time of the year. Soon owners will also be able to enjoy tennis courts, 9-hole golf, fishing lakes, a rock climbing wall, indoor children’s and teenagers entertainment centre, event venue and equestrian school.

Investment opportunity: This is not a timeshare, buying into The Residence means actually owning a slice of prime Cornish real estate which owners are free to sell, transfer or bequeath at anytime.

*Office of National Statistics

For more information, go online at: www.ecoholidaylodges.com

Whether you are building a new home or looking at energy saving measures in an older property, do consider the alternatives

“There are three main microgeneration or renewable technologies suitable for providing heating and hot water for domestic properties: solar thermal, heat pumps and wood biomass. Each technology has its pros and cons and may be more suited to one type of property than another.

Solar Thermal

This technology harnesses warmth from the sun and uses it to heat water. Solar power can provide hot water throughout the year and so reduce the energy needed through conventional methods, such as gas. A traditional boiler or immersion heater will also be required when solar energy is low during the UK’s winter months.

Before choosing solar thermal, you need to consider whether you have a suitable, sunny place to put the solar panels. Five square metres of space, facing east to west through south, and receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day is ideal. The panels don’t necessarily have to be mounted on a pitched roof; they can be fixed to a frame on a flat roof or hung from a wall.

Heat Pumps

Whether buried in the ground and extracting heat from the earth or attached to an outside wall and taking warmth from the air,

every unit of electrical energy put into the heat pump system will generate between 3 and 4 units of heat out, making them extremely energy efficient.

A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, absorbing heat from the ground and concentrating it into a higher temperature capable of heating water for a conventional central heating system. An air source heat pump works along the same principles although does not offer the same efficiency or capacity of heat delivery. Air source is more suited to smaller homes however, as the ground source version does require considerable outside space.

Wood pellets, chips or logs can be burned to power central heating and hot water boilers, or a stove to provide warmth in a single room. Biomass is often an ideal solution for rural properties that may have access to managed woodland and the space to store the boiler and associated equipment.

Key factors to consider are that you need dry storage space for the wood, a flue installed that is specifically designed for wood fuel appliances and a readily available source of wood material. Also, while energy and CO2 emission savings are significant when replacing oil-fired or electrical heating systems, this may not be true when replacing gas or solid fuel systems and could even increase fuel costs.

For all these technologies, you may be able to receive payments for the heat you generate through the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), scheduled for launch imminently, or a grant towards the installation costs through the Renewable Heat Premium Payment Plan. Details can be found on our previous blogs and the Energy Savings Trust website: www.energysavingtrust.co.uk.”

The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies (www.nsaet.org.uk) delivers government approved training for renewable installers, as well as a qualification in understanding the principles of low carbon equipment for anyone interested in making a move to greener alternatives, such as house builders and specifiers.

A technician fitting solar panels

Most of us know about the environmental and energy saving benefits of renewable technology and we’ve heard there are grants available to homeowners to help fund their installation, but how can be we be sure that ‘green’ improvements will be carried out safely? Cathryn Hickey, from the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies, provides tips on how to pick the right installer.

“With a range of incentives to heat and light your home without fossil fuels – the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) for off-gas homeowners, Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) giving cash-back for green electricity and the soon to be introduced Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – now is the time to consider technologies such as solar thermal, heat pumps or micro-wind turbines.

“As with all home improvements, it can be a time-consuming and head-scratching task to select a reputable and reliable tradesperson that you can be confident will treat you with respect, recommend the appropriate products for your property and carry out the job efficiently to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

“A key consideration is that, to access any of the Government grants and payback schemes, you must select an installer and equipment that has been Microgeneration Scheme (MCS) accredited. Its website, www.microgenerationcertification.org, is an ideal place to start your search as it contains a wealth of information on relevant products as a well as a list of approved and accredited installers throughout the UK.

“Look out for the Real Assurance Scheme logo. This scheme has been set up by the Renewable Energy Association to ensure consumers looking to buy or lease renewables in their home have a good experience. Members of the scheme have to adhere to a code of practice and be MCS accredited. More information about Real Assurance, plus details of installers in your area can be found on the website: www.realassurance.org.uk.

“The Energy Savings Trust, www.energysavingtrust.org.uk, is another source of valuable information with details of grants, tips on saving energy and recommended products – you can apply for the RHPP here too.

“To make sure the trades people you choose for any job around the home are reputable, visit Trustmark, www.trustmark.org.uk, a not-for-profit organisation, licensed by Government, to maintain standards and prevent rogue traders. Trustmark-registered workers will have met the scheme’s stringent criteria giving end-users peace of mind. Through the website you can find tips to spot a good tradesperson, plus search for Trustmarked businesses in your area.

“Going down the renewables route will save you pounds on your fuel bills if they’re installed correctly; badly fitted equipment won’t meet energy efficiency claims and may even be dangerous, plus without an MCS accredited installer, government funding won’t be accessible.”

The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies (www.nsaet.org.uk) delivers government approved, MCS-recognised training for renewable installers, as well as a qualification in understanding the principles of low carbon equipment for anyone interested in making a move to greener alternatives, such as homeowners, house builders and specifiers.

Insulating your home needn't involve spending a fortune altering your property

According to new research from E.ON, one in 10 UK households is missing out on huge savings by not having their cavity walls and lofts insulated, claiming that they simply ‘can’t be bothered’. Other excuses given include having too much clutter in the loft (9%), not having a ladder (3%), and not knowing how to go about it (15%).

Insulation experts at E.ON calculated that the average home can save up to £390 a year on their energy bills by insulating homes with cavity wall and loft insulation, yet over half of the UK (57%) had no idea that such savings are possible.

Surprisingly, 17% of respondents felt they couldn’t afford to insulate their homes when it can cost from as little as £99 and can pay for itself in just four months.

For those unaware of the £99 professional installation offer, DIY-laziness was cited as a major cause for missing out on the huge savings available, with almost one third of men making excuses to avoid the perceived hassle.

Kevin Bryant, Energy Fitness Instructor at E.ON, said: “When we feel the cold, it’s very tempting to turn on or turn up the heating, but there are other long-term solutions which can make a big difference and help you save money on your bills.
“With a quarter of heat lost through uninsulated roofs and a third through uninsulated walls, installing cavity wall or loft insulation is one the best long-term approaches you can make to getting your home more energy fit. It’s easy. Just give us a call and we’ll make sure everything is taken care of from measuring up to the installation itself.”

Breaking a widely-believed myth that insulation only provides vital savings in winter, 60% of respondents didn’t know that as well as keeping their homes warmer in the colder months, insulation also helps keep homes cooler in the summer.

The E.ON Energy Fit Survey offers households a tailored plan to help them become more energy efficient, and most importantly, make valuable savings off their energy bills.

To take a short survey and find out how much you could save, go to www.eonenergyfit.com.

Robert Bartlett, CEO of Chesterton Humberts

Prices typically rise in the summer months as the higher number of daylight hours permit a great number of viewings. However, this should not detract from a noticeable increase in house price stability over recent months, a trend which is expected to continue over the second half of 2011.

CEBR expects that house prices are unlikely to fall much further. A chronic shortage of home building over the past four years combined with a low interest rate environment have sown the seeds for a modest recovery in house prices in 2012.

As growth slowly re-enters the United Kingdom economy, investors will see few safer bets than property in certain parts of the United Kingdom. Despite the recent market correction, average house prices have increased by around eight percent since the beginning of the recovery in March 2009, and nearly fifteen percent in London.

Robert Bartlett, Chesterton Humberts’ CEO, comments: “This month’s Poll of Poll results show the steepest monthly increase since July last year, when house prices rose by 0.9% over the month. Prices in London remain buoyant, with house prices in the capital now only 3.3% lower than their highest ever point, in February 2008., although it is clear that in prime Central London, prices are now considerably above their 2007 peak.

“While house prices do tend to rise during the summer, the fact that they are doing so in the current economic environment highlights the increasing price stability in the housing market and the confidence investors have in the future for the UK economy.

“Financial market turmoil has increased the numbers of private investors looking to diversify, with London property one of the prime beneficiaries of this capital flight. Globally, London and the UK is being seen as a safer haven for investment as it becomes clearer that the tough stance that the Government is taking on fiscal policy is helping to keep the UK out of the crises seen elsewhere in the world. Key to maintaining this slow but gradual recovery will be a continuation of low interest rates and a gradual increase in mortgage lending.”

Douglas McWilliams, Chief Executive of CEBR

Douglas McWilliams, Chief Executive of CEBR, comments: “With the recent volatility in currencies and global stock markets caused by the sovereign debt crisis, investors will undoubtedly be looking for new places to stash their wealth. A smart investor who bought at the lowest point of the UK housing market crash will now have seen a return almost triple that offered by most high interest savings accounts and even more if they have invested in London.

“This month’s Poll of Polls shows that the recent correction in house prices is now seemingly at an end and the market is becoming more stable. We forecast that this stability will persist through the remainder of 2011 with prices recovering modestly next year.”

Please visit www.chestertonhumberts.com for more information.

This report has been produced by Chesterton Humberts and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)

Tallinn, Estonia's capital city

Estonia is no longer Europe’s best-kept secret, with increasing GDP growth, record numbers of tourists and a commitment to renewable energies and eco developments. The smallest of the Baltic countries is certainly making its presence felt.

According to Statistics Estonia, the government agency of the Ministry of Finance, Estonia’s GDP has increased by an impressive 8% in Q1 2011 compared to the same quarter last year, seeing exports of goods rise by 53% with most of the value added growth attributed to manufacturing. Moreover, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) suggests that Estonia’s economy may develop further with a 5.9% increase this year.

Alan Forsyth, director of property investment experts, Property Secrets, which markets investment opportunities in Estonia comments: “Estonia certainly has placed itself on the global investment radar. As well as the welcomed boost in GDP, the National Tourist Board recently announced that Estonia has seen a 41% increase in the number of UK visitors with a record number welcomed in Q1 2011.

“Additionally, more than 259,000 tourists stayed in hotels and other forms of accommodation between January and March this year, a 19% rise compared to the same time last year which could well be attributed to the fact that Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, has been voted European Capital of Culture 2011. In addition, low cost airline EasyJet recently introducing flights to the Estonian capital from Liverpool making it easier to visit the Baltic country.”

Certainly, the growth in visitor numbers is excellent news, not only for the country’s economy but for potential property buyers as Estonia has seen an increase in population growth according to Statistics Estonia with the biggest attraction being the city of Tallinn, which was able to keep net migration positive for the second year in a row.

Of course, as the population of Estonia grows, a greater need for housing becomes more apparent. According to data from The Global Property Guide, property prices in Tallinn rose by 2.5% over the year-to-end Q1 2011 indicating that the housing market is in good shape. This, along with the Estonian construction industry experiencing 34% year-on-year growth in the number of construction projects underway in Q1 2011 (according to Statistics Estonia), paints a positive picture for potential property investors.

Most interestingly, research by KPMG has stated that Estonia is focussing heavily on eco developments, investing much of its European funding in projects with an environmental appeal. For instance, the production of electricity from renewable sources in Estonia in 2009 increased nearly threefold compared to the previous year according to Statistics Estonia and certainly, the government’s approval of the Estonian Renewable Energy Action Plan last year continuing until 2020, by which time the share of renewable energy is thought to have grown to at least 25% of all domestic consumption, will have triggered further eco efforts of housing developers.

Property Secrets has looked into Estonia’s eco housing market and has a truly sustainable development on offer.

Oxford Park

An interior of an eco-property at Oxford Park, just 30 minutes drive from Estonia's capital, Tallinn

Fully planned and carbon negative, Keble House, built in the beautiful residential complex Oxford Park and priced at only €107,307, with 20% covered by the developer, is the first of its type in Europe, offering a 2-bedroom natural wood terrace house with front and back garden and parking only 30 minutes’ drive from the border of the capital Tallinn.

The Oxford Park complex is the only new community development in Europe to plan its own independent renewable heat and electricity source (allowing it an A+ rating), based on clean biomass renewable energy, supplying all the properties through a smart grid and putting it well ahead of similar developments in the UK.

With a five-year rental guarantee at 5% of purchase price this is the perfect opportunity to reap the rewards from Estonia’s emerging market by investing in a beautiful and sustainable eco-friendly property.

For further information Property Secrets at: www.propertysecrets.net.

Cathryn Hickey, from the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies

Cathryn Hickey, from the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies, explains the steps we can take to make a dent in household expenses while doing our bit to cut carbon.

“There’s never been a better time to ‘go green’, with cash-back incentives from government meaning homeowners that choose renewables can save pounds on their fuel bills and even make money in some instances.

“As fuel prices rise and the planet heats up, now is the time to consider the alternative, renewable, options that are available. Apart from saving you money on your utility bills, these ‘environmental technologies’ offer a financially appealing proposition, with cash back from government through Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) for electricity generating equipment, such as solar photovoltaics and the soon to be introduced Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for heat producing ones, including solar thermal and wood biomass.

“Through these schemes, payments are given out over a 20-year period, with the cost of the equipment covered in about five to ten years and a return on investment of up to 12 per cent – much better than putting your money in a savings account. If your property makes more energy than you require, this can be sold back to the national grid or heat network, further increasing the money-making potential.

Solar PV house. Light from the sun is collected in panels on the roof and turned into power

“FiTs has been going since last year and the RHI is already in place for businesses and will be introduced properly for homes from October 2012. Interested domestic customers can take advantage of the RHI now through the Premium Payment, where the government provides money towards the cost of the equipment in exchange for information about how it works and the savings being made.

“These same homeowners will then be put on the RHI’s payback scheme when it launches in the autumn. More information about the RHI and FiTs can be found on the Energy Saving Trust’s website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.”

The main contenders

For electricity generation, the most popular choice is solar photovoltaics (PV) and for heating and hot water the main contenders are solar thermal, heat pumps and wood biomass. Each technology has its pros and cons:

• Solar PV: This works best in the south of the country and it is very important that the roof is not shaded. A back-up electricity supply will be required in the winter months.
• Solar thermal: Warmth from the sun is collected in panels with this method and used to heat water. Like PV this is not a year-round solution and a gas boiler, electric heater or alternate renewable solution is needed.
• Heat pumps: Either buried in the ground – extracting heat from the earth, or attached to an outside wall – taking warmth from the air, heat pumps act like a refrigerator in reverse and can provide heating and hot water even on the coldest of days. Smaller homes are more suited to an air source heat pump, as the ground source version requires a considerable area of outside space.
• Wood biomass: Heating and hot water is supplied through a wood burning boiler, which runs on logs, wood chips or pellets. This is an ideal solution for rural properties which may have access to managed woodland and the space to store the boiler and associated equipment.

“Next year, the Green Deal is being introduced. This is a loan scheme for energy efficiency measures, including renewable systems, where homeowners will pay for the equipment through their utility bills. This can be combined with the RHI and FiTs, making renewables an even more attractive proposition. To access these schemes householders must choose an installer and equipment that have been Microgeneration Scheme (MCS) accredited.”

The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies (www.nsaet.org.uk) delivers government-approved training for renewable installers, as well as a qualification in understanding the principles of low carbon equipment for anyone interested in making a move to greener alternatives, such as house builders.

Silvertree will be visually striking and wrapped with curved aluminum bands on two sides that will provide solar shading and electrical power from embedded photovoltaic panels and solar water heating.

STOP PRESS

Cross Thames cable car news drives ‘new Canary Wharf’

The announcement that constructor Mace has landed a £50.5m contract to build and operate a cable car across the Thames, from the O2 Arena in Greenwich to the Excel Centre in the Royal Docks, has further boosted the claims made for the Royal Docks as being a new Canary Wharf in the making.

The cable car is expected to be opened prior to the 2012 Olympic Games, whose main stadium is located within half a mile of the terminus at the Royal Docks. The cable car project is only one facet of the regeneration of the area. A new Crossrail Custom House station is being built, expansion plans for nearby London City Airport are underway, and a £30m Siemens Expo building is in development.

Silvertree, a landmark 24-storey ‘green’ apartment tower, is spearheading innovative residential development in the Royal Docks. Granted planning approval only last month, the £80m development will commence construction in summer 2011, and will be completed in late 2012.

Set on the waterfront overlooking the Royal Victoria Docks, the eye-catching eco tower will be home to 161 high quality, state-of-the-art one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as retail, office and commercial units, and a café located on the ground floor. The tower will be the most significant new residential development yet in the London Borough of Newham. Apartment prices start from £250,000.

Richard Hywel Evans of Studio RHE, the award-winning architect who has designed Silvertree, said: “The tower is a super cool, post-crunch design that raises the benchmark for living and eco friendly architecture in Docklands. Silvertree’s solar PV panels, use of ground source and biomass to generate heat combined with high levels of thermal insulation mean not only will it feel comfortable to live in but it will also cost residents very little to run. It takes contemporary apartment living in London to new heights.”

Silvertree will also be directly connected with the City of London and beyond to Heathrow.

Silvertree will be situated just half a mile from the Olympic Stadium, and has excellent travel connectivity due to the implementation of several new transport projects. The project will be located near the point where the new Thames crossing cable car, which links Greenwich with the Royal Docks, and the new Crossrail Custom House station are being built. Silvertree will also be directly connected with the City of London and beyond to Heathrow. The existing Royal Victoria DLR station connects Silvertree to Canary Wharf, with Stratford main line station within 15 minutes by rail. London City Airport is two stops away on the DLR.

Set on the waterfront overlooking the Royal Victoria Docks, adjacent to the £35 million Siemens Expo building, Silvertree will have large roof terraces and communal gardens opening on to the dockside. To ensure residents will enjoy a high quality of life, Silvertree will be built to Design for Life standards, as well as to Code for Sustainable Homes level 4, well in advance of statutory requirements to do so.

London Mayor Boris Johnson’s office has endorsed Silvertree as a significant new development for London. John East, Director Planning and Development Services for the London Borough of Newman, said: “We are very positive about the scheme. Supported by CABE, it has the potential to set a new standard for residential design in the Royal Docks, which we welcome.”

When completed it will form one element of a cluster of new buildings, alongside the £30m Siemens Sustainability Centre and the new cable car access point linking The Royals and Greenwich.”

Enquiries: Knight Frank 020 7718 5220 www.KnightFrank.com

The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 24-27 March

Britain’s biggest self-build and renovation event, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to the NEC, Birmingham (24-27 March 2011) with new ways to educate and inspire visitors wanting to build their future. This year’s show is even bigger and more interactive, with a whole host of new and innovative design ideas, practical workshops and hands-on demonstrations and over 100 new exhibitors, all bringing the latest in home building and renovating products and services.

It is also a chance for visitors to meet over 500 of the UK’s leading self-build and renovation companies, see 1000’s of new products and services and attend one of the 64 free seminars or 48 specialist masterclasses, offering a fantastic opportunity to enjoy advice from the country’s leading experts. For visitors requiring more specialist advice, there are 48 free masterclass programmes to address your specific problems and issues. Presented by leading exhibitors, these classes offer a great opportunity to talk one-on-one with the leading companies in the industry.

In collaboration with The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, www.homesandtravel.co.uk has 30 double tickets to give away. Each double ticket is worth £28. To apply, e-mail: stewartandersen@homesandtravel.co.uk giving your name and address. The first 30 entries received will be sent a double ticket.

TEN WAYS TO SAVE MONEY IN YOUR HOME

The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show spokesperson, Jason Orme believes that with spiralling utility bills and the recent increase in VAT, installing energy efficient systems to your new build or renovation can make an immediate and significant difference to your energy bills.

“With energy and fuel prices expected to increase by around nine per cent in 2011, self-builders are becoming increasingly aware that improving energy efficiency and investing in renewable energies in the home will save them money now and in the future.

“As well as making a saving on your home energy bill, installing renewable energy saving technologies in the home can add up to approximately five per cent to the retail value of a home.

“There are a number of ways in which a house can be brought up to average green standards including installing solar panels, heat pumps, under floor heating, biomass fuel and recycling water. However, self-builders and renovators must understand that the job does not end with installing solar panels, and heat pumps. It’s about consuming less energy as well as generating your own, the house must be highly insulated and have low energy appliances and lighting.”

Jason explains ten ways to make your home greener and make both short and long term savings:

1. Insulation

Insulating your home is about the most eco effective thing you can do. Almost half of heat loss in a home is through the walls. Self-builders and renovators can save up to £145 a year on energy bills with effective roof, floor and wall insulation. Good and effective insulation keeps heat from escaping while still allowing the house to breathe and can cut your CO2 omissions. For those renovating their existing home, houses in the UK from the 1920s on were built with a cavity – a gap between two bricks. With up to 33 per cent of the heat produced in your home lost through your walls, cavity wall insulation is something to consider with costs as low as £250.

2. Solar heating

30 per cent of the average household heating bill is spent on heating water.  Installing solar energy can make you a saving of around £65 per year on your energy bill. Solar panels are a great source of heating and use of the sun to heat water. Installation costs between £3,000 – £5,000. Once installed there is little maintenance required – just an annual service to ensure the controls and glycol levels are sufficient. To get the most out of your panels the ideal orientation is due south at an angle of 30-45 degrees, and failing that, a west-facing panel is preferred over east. Each solar system will deliver a different amount of energy but on average panel can deliver up to 1kW.

3. Water recycling

Water recycling methods can save between 30-50 per cent of a home’s water requirements

There are two types of water recycling methods: greywater recycling systems and rainwater harvesting. Greywater recycling systems can cost up to £3,000 and rainwater harvesting systems from £1,800. Greywater recycling collects used water from showers, baths and washbasins and once treated can be used for purposes that do not require drinking-water quality – such as flushing toilets and watering gardens. Rainwater harvesting gathers rainwater from the roof and can be used again for purposes that do not require drinking-water quality.

4. Heat pumps

Though actual savings figures will depend on your exact fuel prices, self-builders can expect to save an average of £250 a year on their energy bill by using heat pumps. Their popularity has increased in the last few years as the cost of heating oil and liquid petroleum have increased hugely. A typical 8kW heat pump can cost between £5,000 – £6,000. How do they work? A heat pump is a device that moves heat from one place to another. They work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring that energy into a smaller volume of water at higher temperatures inside the house. Their efficiency is measured by the coefficient of performance (CoP). This is the ratio of units of heat output for each unit of electricity used.

5. Biomass

Five years ago fuel oil was less than 20p per litre. It is now more than 63p — a rise of 175 per cent. Using biomass fuel can be cheaper. A standalone stove can cost around £5,800 and fuel can cost as little as £35 per tonne of logs bought locally. Using a biomass system can improve your CO2 emissions by up to 9.5 tonnes per year compared to a solid coal fired system or electric storage heating. Biomass is a carbon neutral fuel burning plant material, the CO2 it emits when burnt is the same amount as when it grew therefore the effect to the planet is neutral.

6. Eco lighting

Energy saving light bulbs can last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs.  They cost as little as £3 and can save you up to £40 per year. High wattage lighting is soon to be a thing of the past and is slowly being phased out. 100w and 60w lamps are no longer available as of last year because they are considered to be a waste of electricity. Lighting that is more energy efficient is being promoted such as LEDs and low-voltage lighting.

7. Boilers

Installing the right boiler will also make significant savings; The Energy Savings Trust estimates this to be up to £200 per year for the equivalent of 1.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Prices start from around £400 for a condensing boiler (not including installation) and self-builders can choose from gas, electric or oil fired.

8. Secondary glazing

Renovating period or listed homes can be challenging as regulations will only allow you to make certain changes. Sash windows in period homes have gaps and can be draughty and in some cases they cannot be replaced but their energy efficiency can be improved. Installing a secondary glazing system which can be fitted easily to the window frame is a great way to keep energy from escaping your home. A whole house costs as little as £700 with savings of around 40 per cent to your energy bill each year.

Underfloor heating works from the ground up, making your body feel warm without being aware the area is heated and eliminating drafts.

9. Underfloor heating

Running costs for underfloor heating tend to be between 10-30 per cent cheaper than a radiator based system. The reason is that the emitter (the floor) has a larger surface area then the standard radiator, and it requires the water to be heated to a lower temperature. Installing underfloor heating can cost around £2,000 more than conventional radiators. However, many self-builders lay the piping themselves which helps to keep the cost down. Radiators circulate heat around the room and the air movement can create drafts.

10. Green finishes

Natural finishes are the next step in continuing the eco theme throughout the home. There is little point in installing eco friendly and efficient systems and contradicting your good work by using conventional paints high in toxins and chemicals. Natural or organic paints are non-toxic and are made from natural ingredients such as water, vegetable oils, plant dyes and natural minerals. Conventional paints are based on solvents containing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are emitted when the solvent evaporates. This has been linked to health problems such as allergies and respiratory problems. Eco paints are non-toxic are considered ‘low-VOC’ and are therefore a good eco alternative. A 5lt tin of eco paint will cost around £35.  Although this may be around £10 more than conventional paints, eco paints will only require one coat where conventional paints will require two.

For more information on a greener approach to building, The Eco Home Show at The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show has hundreds of the latest eco-friendly products and developments.

Visitors will also be able to explore The Low Energy House by Oakwrights for the first time. The 130 square metre, full sized oak frame house will showcase the latest energy efficient building materials while still capturing the feeling of a traditional oak framed structure.

Finally, meet representatives from the AECB which is a network of individuals and companies with a common aim of promoting sustainable building. It brings together builders, architects, designers, manufacturers, housing associations and local authorities, to develop, share and promote best practice in environmentally sustainable building.

For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 1377. Tickets are £10 in advance or £14 on the door (children under 16 go free).

Homebuilding & Renovating Shows for 2011

NATIONAL – The NEC, Birmingham, 24 – 27 March 2011

SCOTLAND – SECC, Glasgow, 21 – 22 May 2011

SURREY- Sandown Park, 25 – 26 June 2011

HARROGATE – Harrogate International Centre, 4-6 November 2011

SOMERSET – Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallett, 19 – 20 November 2011

1 Domestic Voltage Optimisation

VPhase voltage optimisation device

Save energy, CO₂ and around 10% off your electricity bills by installing a VPhase voltage optimisation device. The unit costs approximately £250 when installed by a qualified electrician and sits next to your fuse box. It’s simply a matter of fit, forget and save instantly!

2 Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Energy saving light bulbs use 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs and last 10 times as long. Fitting just one energy saving light bulb can save you on average £2.50 a year and by swapping all the light bulbs in your home you could save around £37 per year.

3 Briquette Maker

Recycle unwanted packaging and paper and turn it into a natural and effective alternative to charcoal. A briquette maker will fuel your fires this winter the eco-friendly way whilst saving on heating costs.

4 Upgrade Home Appliances

Home appliances account for a significant chunk of your household CO₂ emissions so take advantage of the New Year sales and treat yourself by upgrading to Energy Saving Trust recommended home appliances.

5 Turn Down Your Thermostat

Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C could save you around £55 a year.

6 Generate Your Own Electricity

Investing in renewable energy technologies like solar panels will not only help reduce your CO₂ emissions but will also be an added financial benefit for the coming year. Renewable energy technologies are a great investment – especially with government feed-in tariffs now in place.

Switch off to save money

7 Switch Off

Leaving appliances plugged in and switched on at the socket means they are still using energy. Turning off TV’s, games consoles and mobile phone chargers at the mains will help save money off your electricity bills.

8 Home Insulation

Did you know around half of heat lost in a typical home is through the walls? Cavity-wall and loft insulation can save you money and make your home warmer and more comfortable.

9 Plug In Energy Meter

Be more aware of how much energy your various electrical appliances consume with an energy meter. You can also check the overall incoming voltage level to your property. Go to www.vphase.co.uk and see how a VPhase can help reduce the voltage and cut electricity costs by up to 10 per cent.

10 Replace Your Boiler

Save up to £225 a year on your heating bills by replacing an old G-rated boiler with an A-rated condensing boiler.

To see how much you can save visit www.vphase.co.uk