Eco self-builds 'a real alternative'

Sustainable self-build schemes are growing in popularity as the UK wakes up to the fact that all new homes will need to be carbon-neutral by 2016, it has been suggested.

Norwich and Peterborough Building Society has said that the practice has now moved beyond a lifestyle choice and is becoming more practical as well as environmentally friendly, with building on brownfield sites as well as using eco-friendly initiatives such as water recycling systems becoming more widespread.

The building society's comments come as it launches its annual competition to find the self-build property which has had the most beneficial impact on its local environment.

"The diversity and standard of entries last year was exceptional, proving that eco-building is developing beyond a purist lifestyle choice to a real alternative to the traditional brick and block self-build," commented Richard Lloyd, managing director of Norwich and Peterborough's surveying arm Hockleys.

Around 20,000 UK homes are thought to be self-built every year, according to Mortgage Introducer.


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