Every day, we hear about climate change, pollution, and the need to protect the environment. We recycle at home, try to save water and energy, and we are encouraged to be more responsible consumers. But there is one important question we do not usually think about: What about the places where we live?

We spend most of their lives inside buildings: at home, at school, at friends’ houses, or in sports centres. In fact, people spend around two-thirds of their lives indoors. The way houses are built, the materials used, and the energy they consume have a direct impact on the environment and on our health.

In our towns and cities, we can see different types of buildings every day. Some are old, some are modern, some use a lot of energy, and others try to be more sustainable. Housing and environmental issues are closely connected, and future generations will need to make better decisions about how homes are designed and built.

In this project, you will work as a team of young designers to find answers to real questions:

• How can we make our houses more sustainable?

• What factors should we consider when building a house?

• How can a house save energy and reduce pollution?

• How can the materials used in a house affect our health?

• What exactly is an eco-house?

You will research different solutions, choose the best ideas, and design your own eco-friendly house. Later, you will present your design to an architect, who will analyse it and suggest improvements.

Finally, you will create a leaflet or brochure to help estate agents sell your eco-house, explaining clearly why it is a healthy, sustainable and attractive place to live.

This project will help you understand how your daily life, your home, and the environment are connected, while using English in a real and meaningful way.