The green movement comes home

The green movement is clearly afoot in Britain. The UK Green Building Council has joined with 10:10 and the Grand Designs Great British Refurb Campaign to illustrate the imminent need for increased energy efficiency with a contest that will transform the winner's house into the House of the Future with a complete energy makeover.

Research shows that 27 percent of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions come from home energy use. Since it is estimated that 80 percent of homes that will be standing in 2050 have already been built, the need for energy transformation now is clear. Central to the Great British Refurb Campaign is a petition to Government that calls for measures to make home eco-makeovers easier, more affordable and more attractive (www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk).

Additionally, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been required since 2008 on houses that are being sold, built or rented and involves examination of the property by a licensed inspector. This allows homeowners and buyers to see where cost-saving energy improvements can be made.

Exec Digital's Dean Tsouvalas recently had an audit done and was thrilled by the results. "They were professional and looked from the attic to the basement with advice," says Tsouvalas.