THREE pioneer eco homes in Whitehill are the first in the world to benefit from a new technology that will reduce household costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Thanks to a revolutionary new heating system unveiled by Drum Housing Association, the household costs for the residents of the new houses built on Petersfield Road in Whitehill will be dramatically reduced. The three three-bedroom houses incorporate a system, designed by Sunergy Ltd, that is integrated within the roof and harvests renewable energy by absorbing heat from the atmosphere and direct solar radiation. As a result, where it would normally cost in the region of £350 to £400 a year to pay for hot water and heating, it is expected that annual household bills will be in the region of £100 to £150. The system is different to traditional solar panels, as it works day and night - whether it is sunny or not. Because of this, they do not need to be in direct sunlight. The families who will be moving in during April will be provided with under floor central heating and hot water on tap, 24 hours a day. The Energy Saving Trust, one of the UK's leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change, believe Drum's introduction of the new system sets an example to the housing industry that others should follow. "We desperately need innovators to grasp the issues of climate change and introduce new ways of reducing carbon dioxide emissions," explained Matthew Knight, innovation programme manager for Energy Saving Trust. "By applying this new technology, Drum has taken a step in the right direction as we work towards the development of sustainable homes." The Sunergy roof has never been used in housing, and the three new households will be the first in the world to try out this structure. As it is such a new invention, the Sunergy system is slightly more expensive than more conventional house and water heating. Paul Ciniglio, innovations and environmental manager for Drum explained: "When you consider the life cycle costs as a whole, the increase is marginal. The extra you pay for the Sunergy system is almost offset by the savings made against conventional housing. Components such as tiles, gas main, boilers, radiators and traditional plumbing are no longer required." "With the help of 'Clear Skies' funding Drum has been able to pioneer this technology with only a modest increase in overall cost. The more houses built with this technology, the lower the costs will be." With approximately 31 per cent of energy production in the UK being consumed by housing and 82 per cent of that being for heating and hot water, the new technology is a significant move forward in the campaign to build sustainable homes. Drum is committed to sustainability in housing, and also towards providing affordable warmth to its residents. Matthew Knight of Energy Savings Trust and Paul King of WWF will open the new homes on Tuesday, April 12, when they will be cutting a green ribbon to celebrate. They will also be meeting with the three new householders who will be the first in the world to live with the Sunergy system. Paul King, WWF's campaign director for One Million Sustainable Homes, said: "Through our 'One Million Sustainable Homes' campaign, WWF is aiming to bring sustainable homes from the fringes of the housing sector to the mainstream. "We are delighted that Drum is investigating new ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the housing sector. We have visited the project and are impressed by its potential. We will follow their progress with interest." Peter Cruttenden Drum's chairman believes the housing sector has a responsibility to look to the future. "Global warming is a very real issue," he said, "The reduction in CO2 emissions using this technology is considerable. It is time for the housing industry to think laterally, the technology is now there to allow us to do so."
