The McDermid family from Burngrange in West Calder were this week named Britain’s greenest family at The Future Friendly Awards. The McDermids have made a huge effort of 14 years they have been in there 5 bedroom bungalow and it now seems as though all their efforts were well worth it. As winners they were awarded a £10,000 eco home makeover to further add to and improve the green improvements they have already installed.

Over their time in the home the family installed lift insulation that helped to reduce their gas bills to a sixth of the original cost, they also installed a new boiler, cavity wall insulation, new doors and energy efficient double glazing. Last year they also installed a wood burning stove in the living in which they burn mainly would they collect themselves from the back garden of the home.

When asked about receiving the title of Britain’s greenest family, Judith McDermid said:

"We're absolutely delighted. We weren't expecting to be chosen as the winner as all of the projects were so inspiring, but we're happy the voters chose to support our project as it's a tribute to our commitment.

"Sustainability has been a part of our daily lives for many years, but we hope that what we're doing can inspire others to make their own improvements."

The next step for the family is to start thinking about what to have done as part of their eco-makeover and they are considering having solar panels installed on their roof. The family believe they have already saved more money on energy bills than all their previous green home improvements cost.

Their efforts aren’t just physical alterations to their home but lifestyle changes as well! In their back garden are nine beds growing their own fruit and vegetables and using these family lived off home grown food for 2 months, only purchasing essentials and meat!  

Author:  Thomas Davies

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