Not too many would want to live on the cold and unforgiving Unst, Britain’s northernmost island, where winds consistently blow at a gale-like 100mph. Surprisingly though, a retired couple, Dorothy and Michael Rea, have made this island their home and have built themselves a zero carbon home. This home of theirs, which took £210,000 to build, completely relies on mother nature to meet its energy needs. For this, the 100mph winds are harnessed by a windmill which generates enough electricity to power fuel cells which then power different household appliances.
Lighting is taken care of by ultra low power LEDs and to keep the house warm in the harsh, cold conditions, the house actually draws warmth from the surrounding air. Add to this, rain water harvesting and a greenhouse in which the couple will grow their own food, you have one house that is completely sustainable and one which leaves almost no carbon footprint. Even the car that the couple use is a modified Toyota Yaris which runs an electric engine. All these factors come together to make the house of the Reas a shiny example worth emulating in every part of the world.
Via: Guardian
