Eco-houses
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Eco-houses are a new and green way of living. Find out about the features that make them environmentally friendly, and meet some of the people who want to make them an everyday part of the future.
Green houses
You've probably heard of eco-friendly clothing, which is made with very little impact on the earth's resources; and you may have heard of eco-friendly cars, which use solar power to function, but have you heard of eco-houses?
Recent studies have shown that homes and large buildings are the biggest culprits when it comes to pollution, producing over half of all greenhouse gasses!
Eco houses are designed to reduce energy consumption and waste. They make the most out of natural resources and are constructed using sustainable materials that don't leave a negative impact on the environment.
Imagine living in an eco-house like this one!
Eco-friendly living
There are many features that make an eco-house green.
More space
Most eco-houses aren't very big - you won't find many with large bedrooms or kitchens.
In fact, most eco-houses take up very little space. This leaves more land for plants and flowers to grow around it, which equals fresher, cleaner air.
Sustainable materials
An eco-house is built using sustainable resources like reclaimed wood from river beds, standing dead wood and buildings and homes that have already been torn down.
A lot of the time natural materials are used too. Things like mud, stone, bamboo and straw are used to build different parts of the house.
Natural light
One of the main aims of an eco-house is to make full use of the sun during winter.
Eco-houses are energy efficient. Most are fitted with double glazing which traps 90 per cent of the sun's rays. The air inbetween the two windows is a really good insulator.
Designers also cleverly plan the house so that all windows face south, where the sun's rays are stronger and more regular throughout the year.
Energy efficient
Of course, an eco-house wouldn't be very friendly unless it was energy efficient.
Solar panels are utilised to heat rooms; and many homes are fitted with wind turbines which convert wind into electrical energy that can run everyday appliances.
In the news
12 year old Jennifer from the Midlands recently won a competition to design an eco-friendly home. Her design included solar panels around the house and light switches on the floor which only activate when someone walks over them. Her ideas were so impressive that the people behind the competition ordered two of her houses to be built.
Man United player Gary Neville is another fan of eco-homes - for the past three years he's been designing his very own! His design includes a wind turbine, solar panels and a ground source heat pump.
Do your bit
Unfortunately, not many of us live in an eco-house; but that doesn't mean that we can't do our bit for the environment. Turning off the TV when it's not in use or walking to school can make a really big difference. Check out five easy ways to be green.
