A family in Barnet is set to enjoy a 50 per cent reduction in energy bills after its council house underwent a major green overhaul.
The property in Berkeley Crescent, North London has been announced as runner-up in the Big Green Home Improvement category at the National Home Improvement Council's annual awards ceremony.
Improvements carried out on the terraced home included the installation of low-energy appliances, sheep's wool being fitted as
insulation under floorboards and in the loft, as well as the introduction of solar panels.
The panels are now responsible for providing all of the building's hot water.
Other green advancements were the creation of a sun pipe to light a dark landing area, a composter in the garden which will reuse waste and the arrival of water butts to collect and recycle rain water.
Barnet councillor Richard Cornelius, cabinet member for community services, said: "I am delighted that the eco-house has been recognised nationally. It shows lots of ideas as to what can be done with a typical house to minimise carbon pollution and save on expensive
electricity and gas bills."
Tactics used to improve a home's green credentials are assessed, with every appliance in the Berkeley Crescent property rated as grade A - the highest level of energy efficiency possible.
A new boiler has also been installed in the house which converts 90 per cent of energy into heat - comfortably outscoring rival models which could typically make use of just 60 per cent.
The local council is hoping that if such energy efficiency is achievable in a modest terraced house then other homeowners across the borough will realise what they can achieve.
Last week The Co-operative Bank released its Ethical Consumerism Report which stated that British homes are gradually going green, with spending on energy-efficient technology now averaging £251 a year.
