Green Energy Award Given – Energy News
A family in Berkeley Crescent, North London will be enjoying a 50% reduction in energy bills after their council house underwent a major green renovation. The property was announced as runner-up in the Big Green Home Improvement category at the National Home Improvement Council’s annual awards ceremony.
The improvements done on the terraced home include all new low energy appliances, sheep’s wool being fitted as insulation under floorboards and in the loft and new solar panels. The solar panels now supply all of the building’s hot water.
Other green living changes included the creation of a sun pipe to light a dark landing area, a composter in the garden which will reuse waste and the arrival of a water butts to collect and recycle rain water.
Richard Cornelius, Barnet councilor, cabinet member for community services, said: “I am so delighted that the eco-house has been recognized nationally. It shows lots of ideas as to what can be done with a typical house to minimize carbon pollution and save on expensive electricity and gas bills.”
The methods used to improve a home’s green credentials are assessed, with every appliance in the Berkeley Crescent property rated as grade A, the highest level of energy efficiency possible.
The new boiler converts 90% of energy into heat, comfortably outscoring rival models which could typically make use of just 60%.
The local council hopes that since such energy efficiency is achievable in a modest terraced house, then homeowners across the borough will realize what they can do to make a difference.
The Co-operative Bank released its Ethical Consumerism Report which stated that British homes are gradually going green, with spending on energy-efficient technology now averaging £251 a year.