A shining example of a modern, energy-efficient home will be opened to the public in Uttlesford next week. On February 2, the district council will show visitors around the specially-adapted 1950s property so that they can learn how to save hundreds of pounds a year in energy bills. The semi-detached eco-house in Wendens Ambo, near Audley End train station, is from Uttlesford’s own housing stock. It has been kitted out with a number of measures to reduce its heating demand by 75 per cent.

These include extensive insulation from floor to ceiling, top-rated energy efficient double glazing, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, a heat recovery system and an air source heat pump in place of a conventional oil boiler.

As a result, the authority claims, householders could save some £750 on an average heating oil bill of £1,000 a year. The figure was calculated independently, according to a German standard for efficiency measures called Enerphit.

A number of private sponsors have donated equipment to the project. The property will be re-let to tenants and monitored for two years to see if it performs as efficiently as predicted.

Energy officer Mark Wilson said: “The council carried out this project to understand how a property can be improved and future-proofed against rising fuel bills and the need to reduce carbon emissions.

“The council has developed a working model of a range of measures that are possible, which will be used in improvements to its own housing stock and in encouraging private homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

“Please do visit the property during the open day and speak to the firms that have supported the project and see their products.”

The eco-house open day runs from 10am to 3pm at 4 Station Road. Find out more at www.uttlesford.gov.uk or ring (01799) 510510.