The EcoHouse in Leicester was the first environmental showhome in the country to be opened to public. And more than 100,000 visitors have seized the opportunity to visit the house since 1989.
The house in Western Park contains hundreds of environmentally-friendly features. A solar thermal system provides 50 per cent of the energy needed for water heating. And electricity is generated by a 1.5 kilowatt photovoltaic system, which was installed when the house received a major expansion and refurbishment in 2000.
EcoHouse Manager Caroline Harmon said: “The EcoHouse is a never-ending project. New technologies and products are constantly being developed, so the house will always have something different to show off.”
Careful thought was put into what materials should be used to build this groundbreaking green home. The breeze blocks are made out of recycled ash from incinerators. And all the timber comes from renewable sources, approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council. Natural floor coverings are made out of sisal (a type of grass), rubber and marmoleum, while the underlay comes from recycled car tyres.
The EcoHouse is one of the most airtight buildings in the country because it has extremely high insulation. Recycled newspapers and flax are just a few of the materials used to make the house as energy efficient as possible. Water conservation is also a priority. A rainwater harvesting system collects water from the roof and stores it in a 5,000 litre tank for flushing toilets. The EcoHouse also has a compost toilet which requires no water at all.
Caroline is delighted that The EcoHouse has won an Environment City Buildings award. “I think these awards are fantastic because they put the spotlight on environmental design," she said. "They show that, whatever budget you are on, there is always something you can do to make a building more environmentally-friendly."
For further details on the EcoHouse call Caroline Harmon on 0116 222 0258, email charmon@gwll.org.uk or visit www.gwll.org.uk .
Outstanding environmental features:
Solar thermal system, photovoltaic system, rainwater harvesting system and a compost toilet
Other green features:
Designated recycling area, on-site composting, heat recovery ventilation, high insulation, low-energy lighting, intelligent lighting controls, double-glazing throughout, draught lobby entrance, specific design for passive solar gain, waterless urinals, cycle parking, FSC timber, PVC alternatives, natural floor coverings, recycled materials, low-VOC paints, grounds managed to provide habitat and wildlife breeding aids