A local Housing Association in Birmingham has converted one of their properties into their first ever Eco Home and are the first to gain planning permission for a domestic wind turbine in the City.

Blue Peter got together with school children from Oratory RC Junior & Infant School to film the installation of the wind turbine at the property. David Bellamy is visiting the property in June as part of Birmingham City Council’s events for Climate Change Week and the Minister for Climate Change, Ian Pearson, has also been invited.

Family Housing Association (Birmingham) Ltd have introduced a number of innovative features to the property at No.49 Summerfield Crescent in North West Birmingham to demonstrate that social landlords can take the lead on promoting energy efficiency.

Tim Sewell Chief Executive at Family Housing explains: “We’ve considered every angle when building this house. Firstly, the property is heated from two sources: solar panels and a high energy boiler. The kitchen is made from recycled material, bathrooms and taps are water efficient and ventilation is non mechanical. A home office is provided and there is a shed available in the garden for cycle storage. No tumble dryer is installed as there is an internal and external drying area, and outside, rain water is collected in water butts from the downspout and used for watering the garden. Two compost bins made from treated timber and a vegetable patch are also supplied.

The property has been given the stamp of approval from the Building Research Establishment, which awarded its Eco Homes ‘Excellent’ rating to prove that the property is as environmentally friendly as possible.
Mr Sewell added: “We’ve set out to demonstrate how Housing Associations can make a contribution to reducing the impact of climate change when renovating older properties. Once the Eco Home has been completed, we’ll rent it out and work with the tenants to measure the potential impact on their energy bills. We then aim to build on our experience and partnership working to convert more properties like this throughout the city.