Whether its the cost to the environment or the strain on your purse strings, most of us are looking for ways to cut the cost of energy consumption in our homes.  Energy saving light bulbs, better loft insulation, we are all considering what measures we can implement in order to ease the burden in the current economic climate.  

With the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates earlier in the year, if your buying or selling a property, you will be even more aware of the implications of having a more energy efficient home.

Northern Ireland recently unveiled its first A-rated house.  The property which is located in Holywood, Co.Down is the regions first carbon neutral home.  The property was built by Sky Developments, who should be praised for their use of new technologies in producing a self sufficient home.

Although the property has a price tag in the region of £700k it will save the owners thousands a year in fuel costs alone.  It is claimed that the property will not incur any gas, electricity or heating bills as all its fuel requirements will be generated through eco technologies such as solar panels.  In fact the builder claims that the Electricity board will actually owe the home-owner money at the end of the year.

The property will also benefit from being exempt from rates under the governments new scheme, carbon neutral homes are zero rated.  Whatever your primary concern, saving money or the environment, the government is clearly trying to encourage builders that this is the way forward in residential property development.   A home that pays for itself, whichever way you look at it.

SOURCE: BELFAST TELEGRAPH, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL NEWS