Best route to an energy efficient home

http://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/en/best-route-to-an-energy-efficient-home.aspx

David Snell contributing editor and expert for Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine and author of 'Building Your Own Home', gives visitors at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2009 the hints and tips on how to make your self-build project as energy efficient as possible

Transcript

Jason Orme
One of the big changes in the industry over the past five years, or so has been the move towards eco-developments and low energy housing. Whats your take on the many features you might want to put in to your house, and have you done any of these things in your own places. Im talking heat pumps, wind turbines, solar panels.

David Snell
I wouldnt do any of those last ones. I think theyre a waste of money at the moment. I dont think micro generation in single houses works. What I do think, and do do is design the house and build the house.. I dont think money should be spent on the expensive toys that make heat and power. Spend your money, a fraction of your money on insulation. That will do more for your pocket and a damn site more for the planet.

Jason Orme
In terms of insulation, I think one of the key things that will change over the next three or four years is the code for sustainable homes which is coming in. Whats your view on the way the Government is forcing us in to building better ecologically friendly homes?

David Snell
I dont think that will get beyond level 4. I think it will be sidelined and shovelled away.

Jason Orme
Because of the current climate?

David Snell
Yes, because of the current climate and the lobby from builders who cannot really justify adding £43,000 to the cost of the average home, in order to achieve level six. I really dont think itll happen. I think we can still build houses which are eco-friendly, because weve insulated them to a terrific degree. We do, after all, live in a temperate climate. Ive had every window and every door open recently, and so will you at home.

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Travel & Events

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• David Snell
• homebuilding
• renovating
• self-build
• energy efficient home

[pegobuilders]

Vast savings on your energy bill and a dramatic reduction in energy consumption can be achieved by improving insulation