Northern Ireland's First 'A Grade' Eco Friendly Private Development Welcomed By Poots
Online, November 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Environment Minister Edwin Poots today unveiled the first private housing development in Northern Ireland to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency.
Loguestown Green Coleraine Development includes 53 homes with a turn-key specification. It secured an A Grade in its Energy Performance Certificate assessment, the standard used to measure energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, and it is estimated that homeowners will be able to heat their houses for as little as £5 per week. The development was designed by Caraman Limited,
During his visit Minister Poots, said: "My department is committed to tackling climate change and reducing the levels of carbon emitted in Northern Ireland. I am heartened that the building industry is taking the challenge seriously and recognises the important role it has in shaping a clean and green future for everyone.
"Energy efficient homes are significantly cheaper to manage and the increasing number of innovations entering the market presents all homeowners with an opportunity to gain financially and environmentally."
The development was specifically designed to meet the high industry standards implemented across the United Kingdom to achieve 'total eco friendly status'. In addition to high performance insulation, the houses feature triple-glazed windows, electricity generating solar panels, wood burning stoves and rainwater recycling capabilities.
Explaining the importance of green design, General Manager Alan Shields of Caraman said: "There is a demand for the construction industry to become much more eco friendly in their pursuit of lowering carbon emissions. From solar panels to rainwater recycling features, developers in Northern Ireland have a greater arsenal of materials and techniques they can use to ensure homes are insulated to the highest possible standard."
The development has also been awarded the title of Best Eco Development from warranty specialist, Construction Register Limited. Adrian Kearney, Founder of Construction Register Limited, who will be providing the 10 year Structural and Latent Defects Insurance for the homes in the Development added: "This is an indication of our ability to face the challenge of reducing our carbon footprint in Northern Ireland. The use of renewable energy technologies helps to put sustainability at the heart of modern living in a real and meaningful way. I have every confidence that the sector will rise to the challenge of emulating the standards set by Loguestown Green Coleraine Development."
Notes to editors:
1. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) show the energy rating of a building whenever it is constructed or marketed for sale or rent. The EPC records the energy efficiency of a property, providing a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building on a scale from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient. Further information can be obtained at: http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/buildings-energy-efficiency-buildings/energy-performance-of-buildings/content_-_energy_performance_of_buildings-epcs2.htm
2. The Loguestown Green Coleraine Development is located off the Bushmills Road, Coleraine. For further information on the development contact Weber Shandwick: Sonya Cassidy / Stephen McGrath on 07770 886949, e-mail scassidy@webershandwick.com
3. Established since 1999 Construction Register Ltd, provides a range of Insurance Solutions, including Structural and Latent Defects policies and small works policies to the construction industry throughout Ireland and have recently expanded their business operation into Scotland.
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned
Photo Caption: Environment Minister Edwin Poots unveils the first private housing development in Northern Ireland to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency. Loguestown Green has also been awarded the title of Best Eco Development from warranty specialist, Construction Register Limited. Presenting Alan Shields from Caraman Limited with the award are Kerry Hutchinson and Adrian Kearney from Construction Register Limited, with Environment Minister Edwin Poots.