“Biggest Ever” Green Houses Programme Launched By Government

The government has recently announced the ‘biggest ever’ green housing programme at its eco-two projects located in Cornwall, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Norfolk.

John Healing, the Housing Minister, spoke of the plans and stated that all of the sites will share a total of £62.5 million of funding to help support builders in setting up 600 new properties that are designed to the highest levels of energy efficiency, to help reduce carbon emissions.

Once the homes are complete, over 2,000 will then be introduced to top green technology measures that include charging points for electric cars, smart meters, water recycling and more. All homes will also be extremely well insulated, through measures such as double glazing in windows, to ensure that they are as naturally warm as possible.

On top of the environmental benefits, the project is also expected to create 2,000 jobs for local tradesmen, and will create apprenticeships to train builders in green technology. All of the measures will also mean dramatic reductions in energy bills for those who move into the new homes.

The funding is also planned to be used to support a number of community projects. On top of these, schemes will be developed including low carbon schools, retrofitting of existing buildings to make them more energy efficient, and creating green transport links.

Kate Henderson, from the Town and Country Planning Association, commented on the announcement, calling it an ‘important step’ in the eco-towns programme.