If you are planning major works on your house, or it needs renovation or improvement, being aware of eco-friendly options can save money, improve your home, and help the environment as well. The following case studies show what can be done, mostly without major additional expense.
The Yellow House tells the story of how George Marshall turned his 1930s ex-council house in Oxford into his environmental dream home. He wanted to reduce energy consumption by two thirds and renovate the house using sustainable materials, but without losing comfort or style.
Nottingham ecohome TV presenter Penney Poyzer and her architect husband Gil Schalom have renovated their Victorian villa in Nottingham in a low energy and ecological way.
Martin Normanton and his wife Jane in Walsall dramatically improved the insulation and heating system of their Victorian solid–wall house over a period of years. Their project shows how substantial energy reductions can be achieved on a limit budget without the use of renewable technology, by making changes in instalments and by using DIY.
There are more case studies on the Ecovation website, a network for people who have renovated their houses to a high environmental standard to share their experiences, tips, and contacts.