NI showcases low carbon buildings

Low carbon buildings in Northern Ireland have received attention this weekend as 2,000 visitors flocked to an open day.

The Woodbrook estate in Lisburn was open to the public, who came to see its environmentally-friendly features, which, according to developers the Carvill Group, could save residents 60 per cent on their heating bills.

High levels of insulation, airtight windows, water conservation units, energy efficient boilers and heating using locally-grown willow all combine to make the properties low carbon and cheaper to run.

Richard Acheson, spokesperson for the Carvill Group highlighted these points when commenting on the success of the event.

He said: "We have built over 1,000 eco-homes in Northern Ireland, but it is only in the last three months people have really bought into what it means."

"They are now aware of renewables and the impact on their pocket."

Meanwhile, in Scotland the use of mud for building is being examined as a means of being energy efficient.