Ecobuilder | Issue 1

Funding your Eco Project

There are a number of lenders that will fund eco projects but a lot will depend on the specification of materials and build system you choose. The main factors a mortgage provider will consider are the roof and main structure. BuildStore can arrange advance and arrears self build mortgages through all of its lending partners for many of the leading sustainable build systems including timber frame, SIPs and ICF.

When it comes to lending on ‘alternative green building methods (such as cob, straw bale and sedum roofs more

FiTs – Why sooner is better

To encourage people to install solar electricity systems sooner rather than later (so for the more immediate benefit of the environment) the Government has introduced a generous Generation Tariff for all solar electricity installs fitted before April 2012. Thereafter, the tariff will drop by 8.5% every year. more

Green Ratings Explained

Since 2008, all new homes must have a rating against the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH). The CSH is a national standard is sustainable design and construction of new homes. The sustainability of a new home is measured against the criteria for sustainable design, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. Each Code has minimum energy and water standards. Currently it’s possible to fill out a ‘nil-rated certificate’ form if your home hasn’t been built according to CSH (this will change after October 2010, and does not apply to Wales, where the code is already a planning requirement). More

Retrofitting your existing home

There’s no denying that new eco homes are a fantastic step towards a low carbon country, but as more than 80 per cent of the houses that will be standing by 2050 have already been built, retrofitting our existing dwellings is a crucial measure. If an eco-renovation seems like a daunting process, you would do well to take a tour of the renovation house at BuildStore’s National Self Build & Renovation Centre. more

The Renovation House at BuildStore’s National Self Build & Renovation Centre

Eco materials at economical prices!

TradeCard is a unique offering from BuildStore, giving you the opportunity to save money and access specialist support on all of your materials. Best of all, it’s completely free to join!

If you’re planning an eco build make sure you tap into the huge discounts available on over 7000 sustainable products and innovative solutions for your project. more

Tell us what matters to you!

Email your suggestions for articles to ecobuilder@buildstore.co.uk and we’ll do our very best to cater for them. Have you built or renovated your own eco home? If so, we’d love to hear about your personal experience so that we can share it with our readers. View our current eco case studies here