Housebuilder Genesis Homes is leading the way in sustainable housing after unveiling plans for its first net-zero carbon emitting development.

Sixteen houses fully powered by renewable sources and smart technology will be built in the village of Calthwaite by the firm as part of its EcoGen project.

The project is part of the business' ongoing commitment to significantly reduce household emissions, with 40 per cent of UK carbon emissions attributed to households.

Nicky Gordon, the Managing Director of Genesis Homes and who has led the EcoGen project, said: "We are endeavouring to be the best we possibly can in our practices and this development underlines our serious commitment to tackling the climate crisis.


"We are leading the way in the sustainable house building sector because we feel passionate about reducing our impact on the environment, and we are encouraging our customers to join us on this journey.

"For us, this is just the starting point in our commitment to sustainable living and we are excited to see how this pioneering project will shape our long-term business plan.

"By building these homes, we are removing harmful carbon emissions from households while significantly reducing energy costs for the homeowner so we regard this development as a win-win situation."

By introducing the greener homes, more than 850 tonnes of carbon emissions will be saved over a 10-year period, compared to a traditional ‘grid and gas' development of the same size.

Among the many green features of the existing homes are energy efficient LED lighting, smart energy meters, dual flush toilets, water saving shower heads, A-rated boilers and appliances.

The first EcoGen development cements the company's commitment to reducing carbon emissions further and allows it to build a platform to construct further low carbon, net-zero emitting homes in the future.