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A new research project spearheaded by the University of Leicester is set to influence the building of eco-homes in Britain.
Dr Jenny Pickerill, a Senior Lecturer from the Department of Geography at the University of Leicester, has been awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship (www.wcmt.org.uk) to undertake an 8-week project to discover how to make affordable eco-homes a reality.
Dr Pickerill will be travelling to the USA, Argentina, Thailand and Spain to carry out research into the best and least expensive ways to build eco-homes. The aim of the project is find out the best practice for building eco-homes, and bring the findings back to the UK to prompt the building of more British eco-homes.
For example, a project in New Mexico, has built numerous eco-homes very cheaply using natural materials found locally. The techniques used to make the homes may appear basic, but actually provide for very comfortable, efficient and environmentally friendly housing.
Finding affordable ways to build eco-homes is of central importance to the project. Dr Pickerill aims to ensure that environmentally friendly designs do not become the privilege of the wealthy, but can also be available to those on a lower income.
Dr Pickerill commented:
“There is a real danger that the rise in popularity of eco-homes will cause more inequality and heighten the rich-poor divide. As environmental issues become more and more topical, we need to keep in mind the economic pressures people face. In the rush to find environmental solutions, we shouldn’t forget social justice.”
Dr Pickerill will begin her 8 week project on the 1st June 2010.
