Going green – but with envy

Some might call me a 'green zealot', but I would add a proud and smug green zealot' ... let me explain.

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On retirement from the NHS 15 years ago my wife and I decided to build an eco-house.

Thankfully, it was suggested not to overthink the sexy machines like ground or air source heat pumps but to put more thought and money into boring insulation.

After all the energy you do not require is the cheapest and cleanest energy of all!

We built about 80 per cent of the insulated concrete form house ourselves and saved loads of money (£200,000 for a five-bedroom house).

It took seven years, but we wanted to achieve the best possible standards given our limited experience.