At the same time, Scotland is ready to receive its first carbon neutral town.
No longer just a fad for the rich, being environmentally friendly is quickly becoming the norm. As more people are educated as to their impact on the environment, it becomes easy to see just how many aspects of modern society are taking the information seriously. High on the priority lists of public political and business figures alike, being eco-smart is spreading among the masses.
Showing just how common place eco-friendly living is becoming, Scotland is prepared to develop the first town that is completely environmentally friendly. Banks Developments wants to undertake this massive project and is preparing to build 5,000 new eco-homes. Of those 5,000 homes at least 1,250 will be designated as affordable homes. At the heart of this is initiative are building methods and material usage that focus on sustainability. This development will go along with Scotland's objectives of becoming a low-carbon society. The first phase should begin in2009/10 and will continue for a 20-year period.
Further breakthroughs in eco-living are being unveiled by Sir Terence Conran. On a much smaller scale, Conran & Partners has just approved the development of what they are calling a "green hamlet." The Drayton Hamlet (a 22 home community) is to be built in natural clearings, preserving the woodland a few miles from Norwich. This hamlet will be one of many being constructed by multiple developers hoping to take part in developing one of the 10 zero-carbon eco-towns that are to be built across Britain. Conran is so interested in this project because he realises, "..it is vital [eco-homes] are affordable and comfortable and that they function as places to live in their own right."
Balancing the needs of the individual against the needs of the environment is challenging. But every aspect of the homes in Drayton will take into consideration their impact on the environment. From solar powering to rain water harvesting each feature will attempt to use the environment without destroying it.
