A NEW housing exhibition in Haslemere was launched last Friday which, it is hoped, will inspire homeowners to be more environmentally friendly. The housing development currently under construction in the Kilnfields area has been classed as "very good" by the National EcoHomes Rating. However two properties have gone that little bit further and gained an "excellent" rating and are designed as a prototype for sustainable living. "The exhibition demonstrates small and inexpensive ways to lessen the environmental impact of our homes," said the Mayor of Waverley, Jacquie Keen. "They are simple to do but they make a big difference." This exhibition is part of Waverley's "Initiative for a Sustainable Environment". This is in line with a national government movement to safeguard quality of life for future generations by making small changes in the home to help protect the environment. "Sustainability is part of government thinking," said the portfolio holder for housing at Waverley Borough Council, Victor Scrivens. "It should not just be a design but a whole philosophy of what goes into a house. This should be at the forefront of new thinking. "We are looking at how we can help the environment and we as a council can represent you to lead the way." From the outside, the two three-bedroom, semi- detached properties look no different from other properties on the Kilnfields estate. However inside, some subtle differences have earned the nationally acknowledged EcoHomes rating. All the wooden features in the house such as flooring, doors and bedsteads have been produced using sustainable sources and are stained with an organic lacquer. Furnishings and carpeted flooring have been made using organic products, eliminating the use of chemicals or pesticides. The house also uses solar energy as a top-up rather than a replacement for gas heating to cope with the unpredictable British climate. Around the home, a few little touches also make living a green life that bit easier with kitchen amenities such a can crusher, recycling bin and a mini compost crock. The bathroom has minor alterations to save on water consumption, such as a shallow bath and spray taps. Also on display are everyday household items in a more environmentally friendly version such as clothing made from sustainable fibres, Fair Trade food and children's toys made from recycled materials. "We want to demonstrate that anyone can improve energy efficiency," said the borough council's portfolio holder for sustainable housing, Ken Reed. "It is not just what may be possible but what is possible in our own houses. "Householders can reduce fuel bills, but it is not just about saving money. It is about the ordinary things that we do every day. If we all understand the issues, then wider change will follow. "We considered energy efficiency from the outset and the residents will benefit." Waverley's director of housing, David January, said that EcoHomes may be a part of the future for Waverley. "We had a number of homes in a not-very- good condition and we wanted to make sure that the new ones were as reasonable as possible to run. "So in partnership with Lovell's we looked at EcoHomes and all of them on the site at Kilnfields are of a 'very good' standard. "But we decided to go that little bit further with two homes to demonstrate to the wider community the benefits to the environment of sustainable living. "People can come and have a look to find out more. This is not just in relation to the home but also in the garden, furnishings and decoration, to propose a whole environmental agenda really. "We hope that through this showcase we can set an example so that in the future all new homes in Waverley can be of a very good standard as we can all save money. If we prove this is possible, then hopefully others will follow." Mrs Keen said that she believed the Kilnfields development was a noticeable improvement to the area, which meets local housing requirements. "Waverley is setting an example for the community to fulfil its objective to provide good-quality housing at an affordable and sustainable level." "I want one myself," she exclaimed. "We can remember what Kilnfields was like and we can all agree that there is an absolutely fantastic estate emerging." • The exhibition is open 10 am - 4 pm on weekends and viewings are by appointment only during weekdays. Individuals, groups and schools are welcome to look around. For more information, phone 01483 523448.
