Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) is offering a £5,000 cash incentive as the prize in its annual Eco Self-Build competition. Now in its sixth year, the competition is open to all homeowners (not just N&P mortgage customers) who have undertaken an eco self-build. The winner will be the entrant whose property has, in the opinion of the judges, the most positive impact on the environment.

Richard Lloyd, managing director of N&P’s surveying arm Hockleys, who will be co-judging this year’s competition, said: “The diversity and standard of entries last year was exceptional, proving that eco-building is developing beyond a purist lifestyle choice to a real alternative to the traditional brick and block self-build. Last year’s winner combined very firm eco principles with innovation and determination to build on a site that the vast majority of people would reject as being unsuitable or too difficult.”

Last year’s winners, Aaron and Raphaella Curtis from East Sussex, bought a plot on a brownfield site next to a partially demolished viaduct in Lewes for £60,000. They saw the potential where others couldn’t, and went on to use local labour and materials in the creation of their five-bedroom home, which is currently for sale priced £865,000.

About the Competition:

• Open to anyone who has built a ‘one-off’ residential property, completed to their individual specification in the UK between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007, either by themselves or by a building contractor;
• Competition entry forms can be obtained from any N&P branch, or telephone the Society’s Contact Centre on 0845 300 2522;
• The winning entry will be the property that is the most environmentally- friendly (in relation to location, construction, type, features and value) in the opinion of the judges;
• All properties should be in receipt of their NHBC certificate or equivalent guarantee/insurance documentation in order to be entered;
• All entrants must still be residing in the property they are entering as at 31 December 2007;
• Entrants may submit photographs or other evidence of their work;
• All entrants, by submitting an entry, agree to accommodate a visit to their home by the judges if short-listed;
• Competition closes 31 December 2007.

About N&P CarbonNeutral mortgages:

For every home, which is purchased or re-mortgaged to N&P using a CarbonNeutral Mortgage, N&P plants 40 trees - eight trees per year for five years. Over time, the trees will absorb or offset the CO2 emissions produced by an average property (eg in using energy for heating, lighting, using electrical appliances etc), making it CarbonNeutral for five years.

N&P’s CarbonNeutral Mortgages are for people who want to improve the energy efficiency of the house they are looking to buy, would like to re-mortgage their current home, or are buying a brand new, energy efficient home.

For mortgage enquiries, phone 0845 300 2522 or visit www.npbs.co.uk/mortgages