Hockerton Housing Project The Hockerton Housing Project (HHP) is
the UK’s first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological
housing development. The residents of the five houses generate
their own clean energy, harvest their own water and recycle
waste materials causing minimal pollution or carbon dioxide
emissions. The houses are amongst the most energy efficient,
purpose-built dwellings in Europe. The houses are the focus of a
holistic way of living, which combines the production of organic
foods, low intensity fish farming, promotion of wildlife, and
the planting of thousands of trees. The project was conceived in
the early 1990’s. It took two years to complete the planning
agreement with the local authority and a further two years to
build the homes and facilities. Over the years the project has
established itself as an exemplar of sustainable development. As
a result of this, it has developed a range of services through
the creation of a small on-site business. This workers’ co-
operative provides a level