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Cumbria zero-carbon home to look traditional

20 September 2008

Plans for a 'zero-carbon' home in Cumbria include a high level of insulation to minimise heat loss from the building.

Nielsens Limited is proposing to build the home, which it is hoped will generate as much energy as it uses, in Greystoke, near Penrith.

The timber frame home will feature an array of energy efficient and generating technologies.

It will generate electricity using a wind turbine and solar panels, while a wood pellet boiler will generate the heat.

The heat from the biomass boiler will be kept in by high levels of insulation.

As well as meeting the top standard set by the Code for Sustainable Homes ¿ six ¿ the home is to look like a traditional abode, with a slate roof and local sandstone cladding.

Mathew Nielsen believes the home could be the first of its kind.

He said: "The construction industry has a long way to go to enable government targets to be met. But we hope that this project can be used as an example of how zero carbon standards can be achieved without compromising local architecture. It is going to be a forerunner in terms of sustainable construction technology."

Homes which were not built to such high standards can still become more energy efficient and reduce their electricity and heating bills by installing measures such as loft insulation, double glazing and energy efficient condensing heaters.