Zero Emission Home

In the UK, a prototype carbon-neutral home has been opened. The design meets new rules (to apply from 2016) to make UK homes more energy-efficient, as one quarter of UK carbon emissions come from homes. In a further move to promote energy efficiency, "zero carbon" homes will also be exempt from stamp duty.

The two-bedroom house is insulated to lose 60% less heat than a normal home. It also features solar panels, a biomass boiler and water efficiency devices such as rainwater harvesting.

According to the report by the BBC "The home generates all its own energy - and when you're away on holiday can send electricity back to the National Grid. The company says its annual energy bill would be £31, as compared to £500 for the standard new home of this size".