Everest industry news
Market for self-built green homes 'to remain strong'
21 April 2008
The managing director of a leading eco-homes website expects to see the market for self-built green properties to remain strong.Julian Brooks, head of GreenMoves, believes that house builders will continue to use the latest environmentally-friendly techniques and materials as climate change awareness grows.
The eco-homes expert notes a rise in the popularity of solar panels and photovoltaic devices, which he expects to see complemented by more recycling and insulation innovations.
Since protecting the environment is often high on the agenda for the designers of self-builds, Mr Brooks believes rain water harvesting will become more widespread.
He said that the self-build industry has "always been a strong eco-market and will remain so".
"Self-build has always been greener than new house building from developers purely because I think self-builders don't see those sorts of buildings being developed by anyone else and they have to do it themselves," he added.
External shutters are one particular innovation popular in France that we "might start to see" more often, he went on to predict, as they help keep properties cool in summer.
Double glazing is another important factor for new green properties, but Mr Brooks is also confident that the "higher performing houses" might begin using "triple glazing".
