Climate change awareness means that more and more of us are either holidaying at home, or looking to rent a property abroad where our carbon footprint is as light as possible. Eco-homes available to rent on whatgreenhome.com are located near and far to reflect where you live in the world and where you want to holiday.

England

In the West Country, Mill Meadow, at Kingston St Mary, is a holiday home development of Scandinavian style log houses constructed from FSC accredited timber. Hot water and heating are provided from renewable sources. Holiday lettings are available in two eco-lodges and two semi detached houses. Weekly rental prices start from £465 for one week.

Portmile is a boutique development of only eight homes located near to Cockwood Harbour and the Exe estuary in South Devon. The contemporary holiday lodges, which look out over open countryside, have green oak weatherboard cladding, rainwater harvesting systems, sheep fleece insulation and solar electric or solar water heating options. Prices start from £365 per week.

The Park at Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, located next to a fine surfing beach, is open all year round. Central heating, including solar thermal systems and under-floor heating, is available in all properties. The two/three bedroom eco-lodges are built from FSC accredited timber, and achieve a low carbon rating. Prices start from £699 for one-week for an eco-lodge sleeping 4-6 people.

Portugal

Alma Verde is a pioneering resort situated on the Western Algarve, Portugal. It has been built using sustainable materials, including handmade clay bricks, render and timber. An award winning project, built by UK developers, the resort features the innovative Coolhouse system, which reduces energy usage and CO2 emissions. Villas for rent are priced from £500 per week.

France

Belle Dune in Picardie, northern France, is a Center Parc’s resort that is a car-free environment - great for small kids! Bike paths (cycles can be hired at very reasonable prices), walking and hiking trails are a feature of the parc. All homes have water-saving features, and are timber frame and clad constructions. Prices are from £425 per week for a five-person apartment.

Spain

A one-off eco-home that is available for long-term rental is Molino del Canarico in Almeria, Spain. The house was designed specifically to offset carbon used during construction, 85% of required power is produced onsite, and rainwater is harvested; many other sustainable practices have been implemented. The house can be rented for around £600 per month.

Austria

If you’re planning for the next ski season, or fancy some summer Alpine walking, head for St. Martin Chalets, Lungau, Austria. The resort is a zero-carbon, sustainable new development of only 10 exclusive chalets, situated around a natural swim water feature and central subterranean clubhouse and spa. A standard chalet, sleeping up to 6 persons, is priced from £125 per night.

Thailand

The Village, Coconut Island, Phuket, has a strong ‘top to bottom’ environmental ethos that includes villas built by local tradesman using indigenous and sustainable materials, water conservation and recycling practices, and solid and organic waste minimization initiatives. A two-bedroom villa with private pool is priced from £175 per night.