Green show home to 'show the way'

A new ecohome in Wallsend, Tyneside will be held up as an example of how older properties can be adapted to be more energy-efficient, it has been claimed.

North Tyneside council is developing a former caretaker's house on the site of a primary school in the town utilising sustainable building principles and materials.

The solid brick property, which is a two-bedroom detached house, will also make use of technologies such as insulation, rainwater harvesting, under-floor heating, solar thermal hot water and energy efficient lighting.

A third bedroom, en-suite bathroom and bigger kitchen and dining room space will also be added.

Commenting on the project, elected mayor John Harrison said: "It will be used as a showcase to help others to learn about sustainable construction techniques and technologies, but will ultimately be returned to a sustainable energy-efficient family home."

Homeowners looking to save energy in their own properties might want to consider using rugs to cut off draughts, using curtains instead of window blinds to shut out the cold and wash clothes at a lower temperature, according to the Times.