New batch of ecohomes developed

A new housing scheme in Nottingham includes roofs that have been layered with plants, which could provide inspiration for self builders everywhere.

Barratt, which is behind the development, claims the sedum 'living' roofs help storm water management by reducing rainwater run off and require little to no maintenance.

The properties also include PhotoVoltaic panels that convert the sun's radiation into electrical power and could generate up to half of the home's electrical consumption every year.

Karen Heath, sales negotiator at Barratt, believes that people are now more aware of the "impact their home has on the environment" and buyers and self builders have taken green initiatives to heart.

Those who are embarking on a self build project can fashion their own ecohome with whatever green alternatives they desire, such as sedum roofs and PhotoVoltaics panels.

Research by the Sponge Sustainability Network found that 92 per cent of people wanted to see sustainability features included as optional extras on new builds.