Builders developing low carbon homes
(13 March 2007)

A housing development company has begun trialling new low carbon homes, which contain numerous energy-saving features.

Linden Homes is taking advantage of technology such as solar panels and low-energy lighting to reduce the carbon footprint of the homes, as part of its bid to slow down climate change.

The houses also contain a ground-source heat pump, while rainwater is harnessed to irrigate the gardens.

Meanwhile, the company is also pioneering new triple-glazed windows and wall insulation to help maintain the ambient temperature and cut the amount of energy being wasted.

Peter Armfield, technical director of Linden Homes, said that with greater investment in new technology, making all new homes zero carbon properties in ten years time is achievable.

Speaking to the Buckinghamshire Free Press, he added: "The homes we build are currently 40 per cent more energy efficient than building regulations require, but they will need to be 145 per cent more energy efficient to meet the new challenge."

Mr Armfield also stated that if all the available technology goes into the building of new homes, emissions of harmful greenhouse gases would be reduced by half.