Thinking of building a new house? Or converting an old one? It’s one of the most exciting things you can do – especially with all the opportunities to make your new home greener without adding greatly to the cost.
Use solar panels to heat your water and ensure you have enough south facing windows. Insulation and double glazing are a must. Why not even half-bury your house underground to save energy and reduce its visual impact.
Some house designs are so ingenious they require very limited heating and have sophisticated water recycling systems.
The Centre for Alternative Technology sells many publications on environmentally friendly building. And The Association for Environment Conscious Building publishes a regular magazine and runs an online bookstore.