An innovative energy-efficient show home which has undergone a major revamp has been officially opened on a building research site in Bricket Wood.

The Smart Home, located at the headquarters of the British Research Establishment (BRE) in Bucknalls Lane, has been fitted with some of the latest energy saving technologies such as a new-to-market solar thermal system.

Former St Albans MP Kerry Pollard, who attended the opening ceremony last Wednesday, said: “I am immensely proud now to be taking part in this new opening. There was a threat from the local council that it would be pulled down because it didn’t have planning permission, but a couple of us fought this and in the end good sense prevailed.”

He added: “Energy costs are at the forefront of people’s minds now and this issue is moving right up the political agenda. The Smart Home initiative is a major step forward in securing renewable energy and a most exciting development for BRE.”

The building was constructed 15 years ago and formerly known as the Integer House. It is now 50 per cent more energy efficient and has cut is carbon emissions by half.