What is an eco house?

An eco house is built in such a way that reduces energy consumption and waste. An eco house reduces the buildings negative impact on human health and the environment, through better design, construction, siting, operation and maintenance. An eco house is a combination of sustainable design, sustainable development and sustainable living. 

Eco houses are designed and built as part of the larger ecology of the planet; the design and construction of the building are done in harmony with the natural environment. Buildings are one of the most damaging polluters on the planet, consuming a lot of all the energy used in developed countries and producing over half of all the climate-changing greenhouse gases. 

A successful eco house should give the us the "best of both" by providing less of an impact on the environment along with a healthier place to live and lower ongoing running costs.