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Zero carbon housing developed

The first zero carbon apartments in the UK are to be built in Manchester, helping to meet both affordable housing and carbon emissions targets.

Located in the city's Northern Quarter, the development will contain 61 one and two bed apartments starting at just £150,000, Residential Landlord reports.

The Xantium apartments, which have been designed by Manchester-based firm Makin Architecture, will be built by Moylan Homes to meet the highest possible rating in the government's housing sustainability measure - Code 6.

This means they will by completely carbon neutral, or will use less energy than they generate. Specially-designed features such as energy efficient walls and windows, solar panels and biomass generators will ensure this.

Other eco-friendly treats include a roof garden which will to support native wildflowers and encourage biodiversity and 122 secure bicycle spaces to encourage residents to cut carbon emissions by cycling.

Meanwhile, the government has set up an independent Zero Carbon Hub in conjunction with local councils and industry to oversee the move towards zero carbon homes.

Minister said they want all new homes to be built to zero carbon standards by 2016.