Building society offers ecobuild prize

Norwich & Peterborough Building Society (N&P) is to offer a £5,000 cash prize as part of this year's Eco Self-Build competition.

Now into its seventh year, the competition rewards self-builders who introduce environmentally friendly features into their house building projects.

Judges will select the winning entry that has made the most positive impact to the environment through initiatives such as energy efficiency.

Jackie Strube and Alan Stone won the award last year after building a cleverly designed and eco-friendly house on an awkward shape plot in Brighton.

Chris Holey, N&P judge, revealed that he is eagerly anticipating the quality of entries for the competition this year.

"Jackie and Alan's project was very impressive and I am looking forward to seeing how high the standard of entries will be in this year's competition," he said.

"The government has set the deadline that by 2016 all new homes will have to be 'carbon neutral' so it is vital that self-builders embrace the need to build more energy efficient homes now."

In other news, chief executives from Willmot Dixon and Lend Lease have joined a task force to attempt to develop a future code for sustainable development.