Victorian house given £330,000 eco makeover

The Victorian council house in Camden has been fitted with £330,000 of green gadgets and measures to save energy and cut emissions.

If the occupiers manage to cut their bills, the council will extend the initiative across the borough. The five-bedroom house has solar panels on the roof to provide power and an advanced air-conditioning system to lower heating costs.

It has high levels of draught proofing and windows that are designed to be 20per cent better at retaining heat than current building regulations.

The property also boasts heat recovery ventilation to warm incoming fresh air and rainwater harvesting for use in the garden.

Council bosses say emissions from the house are now 80 per cent lower and it will save residents hundreds of pounds in bills.

What's behind the green door?

Insulation: floor, roof and internal wall insulation fitted wherever needed at a cost of £12,000

Windows: good-quality double glazing means windows are 20 per cent better at retaining heat

Draught proofing: every area, including loft access, is draught proofed as much as possible

Internal heat recovery: uses “smart ventilation” to recycle the heat from the outgoing stale air and re-use it in the incoming clean air

Drainage: rainwater is collected for use in the garden

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