Green light for Kingston's first 'zero carbon' home (From Your Local Guardian)

Green light for Kingston's first 'zero carbon' home

7:40am Thursday 26th January 2012 in Weird news By Tom Barnes

A couple are celebrating after getting the go ahead to build Kingston’s first “zero carbon” home.

Architect Andrew Tetlow and his wife Samantha had plans approved for a new eco home at the rear of the Kings Keep estate, in Surbiton, by Kingston Council at the end of last year.

The three bedroom property will be made from wood timber fitted together by panels, with zinc shingles to protect it from the rain.

It will feature emissions technologies to reduce carbon including a ground source pump to recycle rainwater and a ventilation system to heat the house.

Mr Tetlow, 34, said he choose the house as its position maximises the sun’s energy to insulate in winter months whilst keeping it shaded and cool during the summer.

He said: “Surbiton choose us rather than the other way around. We were looking for the perfect site and the plot in Surbiton is perfectly positioned to use the sun and its energy.

“The starting point for us was to live in a more responsible way, to minimize energy use around the home.

“We currently live in Hackney and our energy bills are huge so not only is this a good thing for the planet it is also very good for your bank balance."

Mr Tetlow’s new home will be a zero carbon standard which is the national standard for sustainable design and construction of new houses.

Councillor Simon James, executive member for planning, welcomed the plans.

He said: "It is a very good idea as homes are one of the biggest sources of carbon in cities.

“The core strategy that is about to become council planning policy recognizes the need for a more responsible approach to carbon in homes."

The Government has proposed that the zero carbon standard could apply to all new homes from 2016.