Solar panels, under-floor heating powered by a ground source heat pump, low energy lightbulbs and even a "green roof" have helped make a 1920s terrace house become one of the oldest houses in the UK to gain a top "eco-homes" rating.

While the Government has pledged to make all new build houses zero carbon by 2016, the Bournville Village Trust have refurbished one of their properties in Bournville, south Birmingham to demonstrate how the carbon footprint of current, inefficient, housing stock can be reduced.

Roger Cadbury, trustee of the Bournville Village Trust, said: "It is just as important for older existing housing stock to be as well maintained and energy efficient as new build. It is up to all of us to reduce our carbon footprint."

See Green Building Magazine for more.