Camden EcoHome shortlisted for national housing award » Local Government » 24dash.com

Camden Council’s carbon saving EcoHome has been shortlisted for Inside Housing’s ‘Low Energy Upgraded Social Housing Project of the Year’ award.

The EcoHome is a groundbreaking experiment led by Camden Council and University College London in reducing carbon emissions whilst preserving heritage.

The Victorian home, built in 1850, has undergone improvements that could cut carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent.

Improvements include greatly increased insulation and air tightness, floor and wall insulation, solar UV panels, solar hot-water heat recovery ventilation, rainwater harvesting and double glazed windows.

Camden has over 9,500 solid wall properties, many of which are not dissimilar to the EcoHome.

Councillor Keith Moffitt, Leader of the Council, said: "The EcoHome is one of a handful of houses in the country that has been refurbished to achieve such a high reduction in emissions – possibly the highest.
   
"It is an important start for us to see how similar properties in Camden, many of which fall within conservation areas, could benefit from eco refurbishment and measure the reduction of carbon emissions in the area.

"We are working towards a more sustainable borough that adapts to environmental challenges and also protects and enhances our environment at the same time."

Councillor Chris Naylor, Executive Member for Homes and Housing Strategy, said: “Sustainability is an absolute top priority for me, and I want Camden’s housing to lead the way on climate change - for instance cutting emissions and reducing fuel poverty. I know direct from residents that they think this is important.
 
“Camden’s character comes from its tens of thousands of period buildings – very attractive but highly inefficient in energy terms. The EcoHome shows how to make them efficient without losing their attractiveness.”

The EcoHome is an example of good practice in reducing carbon emissions and is open for free public tours. Over 1500 people have visited the property – seeing how the technology can transform their own homes.

The EcoHome has been shortlisted for the ‘Low Energy Upgraded Social Housing Project of the Year’ award - for existing schemes that have been refurbished or improved.

The Sustainable Housing Awards recognise projects and organisations at the forefront of housing sustainability best practice.

The awards will be presented at a special ‘green’ lunchtime awards ceremony in London’s Hilton Hotel on 11 November 2008.