Eco homes display may provide ideas

Those thinking of using the self build method to construct their own eco homes or carry out green renovations may pick up some new ideas from the display of two such abodes in Brighton next weekend.

On June 28th and 29th and on July 5th and 6th visitors to Brighton and Hove will be able to visit examples of eco homes in the city, the Low Carbon Trust has revealed.

The body has teamed up with Brighton Permaculture Trust and Brighton and Hove City Council to stage the event, which will give an insight into the sort of ideal features eco homes have.

It stated that those elements that will be on display include insulation, green roofing, water saving, recycling and environmental refurbishment.

Another element that those looking to make their homes eco friendly may consider is the German Passivhaus method of construction.

This technique, which focuses on air tightness to retain heat in winter and keep it out in summer, is at the centre of all "serious" eco town bids, eco town panel member Liz Reason told Contract Journal.