Diplomats and attacchés from around the world were in Hackbridge last week.

Attachés from British embassies and consulates toured the BedZED eco-village on Friday, 14 December to help them learn about green lifestyles and the green economy.

The seven diplomats from China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, South Africa, Bolivia and Chile were shown around the pioneering ten-year-old eco-village to show how Britain's first substantial community of jobs and homes was designed to cut emissions.

Carshalton and Wallington's Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake was on hand to speak to guests, along with BioRegional chief executive and BedZED resident Sue Riddlestone.

Suzane Carter, who works in the Climate Change Office of the UK Consulate in Cape Town, South Africa, said: "I've learnt that you don't have to make huge compromises in your lifestyle in order to go green – your home can look pretty much like an ordinary modern house."

Sue Riddlestone said BioRegional was proud that BedZED had been singled out for the visit.

She said: "In talking to them, we found there are ways we could work with them when they get back to their postings. Tackling climate change and moving towards sustainability offers huge opportunities for new jobs and businesses around the world."