Rising fuel costs mean energy efficiency has never been more important, Arlene Foster has said.

The Energy Minister was speaking during a visit to Northern Ireland's first certified 'Passive House', said to be the world's leading standard in energy efficient construction. The property, a retirement bungalow in Omagh, has also achieved Zero Carbon status.

Arlene Foster said: "A 'Passive House' certification means the building requires very little energy to achieve a comfortable temperature all year round. I have been very impressed by the forward thinking steps taken during construction to make this certification possible.

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"As well as saving money, energy efficiency results in a reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

"Fluctuating energy prices both for gas and electricity means that consumers are constantly looking for new ways to cut energy bills to save money. Energy efficiency can make a real difference to things that we all care about. Everyone wants a warm, healthy home and lower energy costs to help balance budgets."

William Moffitt, of builders Moffitt and Robinson Construction Ltd, said: "We initially wanted to have a building that had as low a carbon footprint as possible, while meeting our client’s requirements. As we examined ways to do this, for example examining areas where heat could be lost and heat could be saved, water harvesting and grey water heat recovery, we realised that it would be possible to achieve zero carbon status and, ultimately, Passive House certification.

"I believe the next challenge facing the building industry will be to successful retrofit existing housing stock to raise the insulation standard and lower the carbon footprint, because most of the houses here today will still be here in 100 years' time."

(CD/GK)