Eco house in England

Located in Welwyn village, north of London, the Tony Almond family apartment is considered a model eco house and is open to visitors. Here, visitors will be presented with great benefits in terms of economy as well as environment when conducting renovation of their houses in the direction of energy efficiency and sustainability. This is the 50th home in the program to build a network of 200 'super apartments' nationwide, sponsored by the Institute of Sustainable Energy (SEA) and the National Energy Fund. According to statistics from the beginning of the year, the model eco-apartments have welcomed more than 20,000 visitors.

Eco House by Tony Almond.Photo: Guardian

Almond's 5-room house was built in 1968 but has been renovated into a comfortable and close-to-nature residence. While the main roof is covered by solar panels, providing energy to operate electrical systems and water heaters, the roof of the garage is covered with longevity plants that have a cooling effect. In order to help the house effectively insulate, homeowners use 25 cm thick insulation pads to ceiling and build two-layer walls (with space in the middle). Besides, they also use double-glazed glass doors to both resist heat and natural light. In addition, the family also installs a system to collect rainwater for daily life and watering plants. Since solar panels with a capacity of 3 kWp were installed in February, Mr. Almond said the family did not spend a penny of electricity, but also received more than £ 681 from the government's preferential policy. He estimates the family will save more in the winter, when they cut down on gas costs for heating. In general, this equipment system is relatively expensive, nearly 25,000 pounds, but more importantly, the investment brings long-term economic benefits and benefits the environment. To be recognized as a super-class apartment, the greenhouse gas emission level of the house must be reduced by at least 60% compared to before being renovated. And Mr. Almond's apartment goes far beyond this criterion, because it reduces 66% of greenhouse gases.

SEA President, John Dogganrt, revealed the survey showed that 15% of visitors visit super-class apartments that have conducted their house renovation.'The reason people choose this way is because it both saves family budget and helps protect the Earth , ' he explained. And apartments like this are the basis of greening efforts in old UK homes.

Beginning in late 2012, the British Government will implement the 'Green Agreement' policy, providing people with loans of up to £ 10,000 for items to upgrade or equip renewable energy production systems at family. This groundbreaking bill will help people equip home energy saving devices without spending too much money. Thereby, households will repay with savings from electricity and gas bills, 'said Climate Change Minister Greg Barkers. It is known that the UK is planning to enforce houses built from 2016 onwards to ensure the criterion of not emitting CO2 causing greenhouse effect, and aiming for 8050 apartments in this country by 2050 meet the requirements of energy efficiency and sustainability.