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Zero carbon house planned for Penrith
Posted: 19/09/2008
A locally based Cumbrian building company has submitted plans for a 'zero carbon' house in the village of Greystoke, near Penrith. Nielsens Limited say their proposed dwelling will be traditional in appearance, with cladding of local sandstone and recycled slate roof. However the timber framed property will aim to generate as much energy as it uses, and will include a wind turbine, solar panels and a wood pellet boiler.
Other green building techniques such as south facing orientation, sunpipes on the shady north side, high levels of insulation, and heat recovery will be included. Rainwater harvesting and reed bed sewerage systems are also planned.
Company boss Matthew Nielsen believes that his project could become the first of its kind to be completed.
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."
In 2006, the Government launched its Code for Sustainable Homes to rate the energy efficiency of new homes from one to six, with six being the most efficient.
Two other buildings have been built which match the top specification, and also conform to building regulations but so far they are confined to the BRE Innovation park in Watford. A variety of low impact structures across the country are also technically 'zero carbon', but not usually of traditional appearance or materials.
Mr Nielsen said: "Eden Council has got the chance to back something that is going to help not only us as a business, but our customers, architects in the area, and Eden as a whole to lead the way in carbon zero homes." The planning application has been submitted and is currently in the consultation stage.
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