A revolution in building design for "healthy homes" was called for at a conference at Richmond-upon-Thames College last weekend.

Joe Simpson, editor of Eco magazine, told the building responsibility group of the Local Agenda 21 organisation, that the environmental impact of all buildings should be evaluated .

He urged greater use of redundant buildings with saving energy the number one priority.

Other speakers covered the work of the local council in encouraging recycling and composting.

Lecturers from the college described the value of natural daylight and the potential dangers of electro-magnetic fields in houses.

Architects described ecological houses.

They explained how energy-saving measures, in areas such as water use and glazing, were now available and practical to be introduced if there was sufficient demand.

Councillor Gita Rae, who is chairman of Richmond's housing committee, closed the conference by voicing her determination that new ideas of how homes could be made healthier should become integral features of future housing developments.

She said: "This conference made me realise how much we are still learning about what sustainability means."

Environmentally-conscious architects and others have been included in a `green register' established by the Local Agenda 21 group.

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