Cheap energy home built to Passivhaus Standard in Scotland - 23/12/2009
The first home to be built to the Passivhaus Standard in Scotland now overlooks the Firth of Clyde in Dunoon and could help its homeowner tackle high prices from energy suppliers.
In line with criteria set out by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany, homes built to the required standard have a range of energy-efficient features including heat recovery ventilation, solar panels for hot water and a high level of air-tightness, reports Green Building Press.
While the Passivhaus Standard is perhaps more cutting-edge, homeowners throughout the UK could install cavity wall and loft insulation to heat their properties more effectively.
Peter McDonald, director of Fyne Initiative, the developer of the Dundoon property, told the website: "We have always aimed to build low-energy buildings and provide the most sustainable solutions for future generations. However, [Passivhaus certification] is beyond our wildest dreams."
The government plans to insulate every home in the UK in the coming years and the chancellor, Alistair Darling, announced a boiler scrappage scheme in his pre-Budget report recently.
If you want to find out more about your energy options and how you could save up to £378 in minutes, click here.
Save up to £300 on your gas & electricity bills at energyhelpline.com
Compare prices from all energy suppliers to find your best deal