On Scotland's north-east coast, near the town of Forres, is the Findhorn Foundation, an intentional community, based upon the values of spirituality and sustainable living. Part of its project is an eco-village, which consists of 45 ecologically-built buildings (so far, although the vision is much more). They have developed a unique construction system that is energy efficient and environmentally sound. All the buildings features are ecological innovations. Some of the original buildings are reconstructed whiskey barrels, bought from nearby distilleries; and there are also later-built straw bale houses and earth ships, which use recycled car tyres.
It is a wonderful place, well worth a visit, and the ecovillage project is a tremendous resource or education and information about building 'green'.
These 3 examples are just the larger examples of eco-building in the UK. It is important to understand how these examples have placed both the concept of building with sustainable resources, and creating a vibrant human community at the core of their philosophy. These 2 parts form the central structure of the principle of sustainable development - for now, and for future generations.