Minister Ritchie opens Northern Ireland’s first carbon neutral home

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today opened Northern Ireland’s first carbon neutral home, a home that costs literally nothing to run.

The five bedroom, 2,500 sq ft property has been built by Sky Developments, a specialist development company working in the field of low carbon and passive status housing. The building was constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and incorporates the latest state of the art technologies to assist energy efficiency.

After touring the building, Minister Ritchie said: “I have been most impressed by what I have seen. This building showcases to stunning effect the innovative, energy saving technologies now available. All involved are to be congratulated for bringing such a challenging project to fruition.”

The minister took the opportunity to highlight a number of initiatives already developed by her own department to further increase the sustainability and energy efficiency of social housing.

She said: “The New Housing Agenda gives a high priority to the provision of more energy efficient housing. From April this year, a new higher Code for Sustainable Homes has applied to all new social housing, meaning that in effect homes built now are 25% more energy efficient than ever before.

“Earlier this month I launched a new Procurement Strategy for social housing which encourages improved quality in design and greater use of non traditional methods of construction. Sky Developments will shortly be applying some of the innovations used here, to a new social housing scheme in Newtownards that they are delivering in partnership with a local housing association.”

In conclusion, the minister said: “At this time of rising energy costs, hitting hardest particularly on those with lower incomes, I am determined to deliver more energy efficient and sustainable housing.”

Michael Kidd, Head of Business Banking at Bank of Ireland, sole funders of the project said: “During these very challenging economic and environmental times, it is a pleasure to celebrate the opening of The Green House. Bank of Ireland recognises a sound business idea when we are presented with one and the eco-friendly construction concept presented to us by Sky Developments seemed a natural move into a still relatively new market. As a leading business bank in Northern Ireland, we are the champions of the SME sector and use our expertise and knowledge to help support and grow businesses like Sky Developments.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Sky Developments is based in Bangor and is a specialist development company working in the field of low carbon and passive status housing.
2. The company is engaged with Connswater Housing Association to provide 40 social houses at Donaghadee Road, Newtownards. The scheme will incorporate some of the technologies used in the Holywood property. Subject to the necessary approvals, plans are to start construction work in November 2008.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078, or Joe Livingston on mobile number 07920 187938. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.