Scotland's Carbon-Free Home

In 1983, after a short visit to the island of Unst in Shetland, Scotland, Michael Rae and his wife fell in love with the area. A day before ending their vacation, they bought an old multi-use building on the island. After a hurricane blew the structure down in 1992, the Raes used the chance to build their dream – a zero-carbon home.

The project began as a conventional home-building project that the couple, retired and limited to a pension fund, could afford. After researching energy efficiency, they stumbled on the idea of zero-carbon living. When they realized that no zero-carbon home had been built before, they decided to give it a try using only existing technology.

The Raes began by using the existing frame of an energy-efficient modular home. They thoroughly insulated the home from roof to ground, even insulating underneath the floors. They then added double-paned windows filled with argon gas, which allow warming sunlight in while eliminating heat loss through the glass.

Within the home, the kitchen boasts the latest energy-efficient appliances. The Raes are currently reconfiguring the lighting (using LEDs) with the goal of eventually illuminating the whole house using the same amount of energy as a 100-watt bulb.

The energy that the Raes do use is generated by small on-site wind turbines. In fact, the island is so windy and the house so efficient, the Raes decided to install smaller turbines than originally planned. Even with the downgrade, the turbines produce enough energy to store in on-site batteries, which will eventually be used to power an electric vehicle.

Another aspect of the couple’s sustainable lifestyle is that they grow food for themselves and for the community. Their high-tech greenhouse contains a hydroponic growing system that uses energy-efficient LEDs and irrigates with recycled rainwater and runoff. The greenhouse also offers the Raes an opportunity to employ and educate members of the community about organic gardening and zero-carbon living.

Find out more about the Unst Zero-Carbon House.

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