NI's first 'A Grade' eco friendly private development has been welcomed by an Executive Minister - and hailed as 'heartening' because it is offering heating costs of just £5 weekly.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots unveiled the first private housing development in NI to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency.

The Loguestown Green Coleraine Development includes 53 homes with a turn-key specification, designed by Caraman Limited.

It secured an A Grade in its Energy Performance Certificate assessment, the standard used to measure energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, and it is estimated that homeowners will be able to heat their houses for as little as £5 per week.

During his visit Minister Poots, said: "My department is committed to tackling climate change and reducing the levels of carbon emitted in Northern Ireland.

"I am heartened that the building industry is taking the challenge seriously and recognises the important role it has in shaping a clean and green future for everyone.

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"Energy efficient homes are significantly cheaper to manage and the increasing number of innovations entering the market presents all homeowners with an opportunity to gain financially and environmentally."

The development was specifically designed to meet the high industry standards implemented across the United Kingdom to achieve 'total eco friendly status'.

In addition to high performance insulation, the houses feature triple-glazed windows, electricity generating solar panels, wood burning stoves and rainwater recycling capabilities.

Explaining the importance of 'green design', General Manager Alan Shields of Caraman said: "There is a demand for the construction industry to become much more eco friendly in their pursuit of lowering carbon emissions.

"From solar panels to rainwater recycling features, developers in Northern Ireland have a greater arsenal of materials and techniques they can use to ensure homes are insulated to the highest possible standard."

The development has also been awarded the title of Best Eco Development from warranty specialist, Construction Register Limited.

Adrian Kearney, Founder of Construction Register Limited, who will be providing the 10 year Structural and Latent Defects Insurance for the homes in the Development added: "This is an indication of our ability to face the challenge of reducing our carbon footprint in Northern Ireland.

"The use of renewable energy technologies helps to put sustainability at the heart of modern living in a real and meaningful way.

"I have every confidence that the sector will rise to the challenge of emulating the standards set by Loguestown Green Coleraine Development," he said.

(BMcC/GK)