Matters to be considered are:

Site and User Needs
The location and climate of the site informs the design in order to create an appropriate, low-impact building.  The design should create layouts that are user friendly and take advantage of solar gain, shelter, views, privacy and ventilation, and protect against draught and energy loss.

Local materials and Traditional Construction Methods
Sourcing materials locally reduces the effects of long-distance transportation and supports local businesses. The use of traditional building techniques helps to create a “breathing construction”.

Renewable Energy
Designs can include the specification of renewable energy systems, such as ground source heat pumps, wind turbines, wood-chip boilers, borehole systems, rainwater harvesting, or reed bed sewage systems. There are many options to choose from, many sources of advice, and also the possibility of receiving grants to help with costs. There is little justification for using fossil fuel heating systems when cost-effective, environmentally friendly systems are readily available.