Linda King’s home with solar panels

Local eco show homes sought

Have you made changes to your home to make it more energy efficient? Changes like an eco-refurb? Better insulation? Solar panels? Wind turbine? New heating system or boiler? Damp-proofing? Compost toilet in the garden? Simple DIY measures such as draught-exclusion? Energise Sussex Coast (ESC) is looking for local homes to be included in their Eco Show Homes tour taking place in September and they’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part. Zelly Restorick writes.

Energise Sussex Coast believe that living sustainably is both inspiring and achievable. Lots of local people are already doing it – or are in the process of doing it – and are feeling the benefits. Small changes really can make a difference.

“The Eco Show Homes event will inspire local people about how they can save money and feel healthier and warmer in their homes,” says Kate Meakin of ESC. “The ‘show homes’ will be a mixture of real households opening their doors to show people round, online virtual tours of local homes and a portable demonstration eco home, which will tour local community locations. The houses will be a mixture of styles and ages, and the energy efficiency measures will range from simple changes to eco-refurbs.”

Opening up your home to others in the local vicinity is a great way for people to find out about the practicalities and the reality of making changes in their own homes, from low-cost DIY to high-cost ambitious refurbs. Importantly, your experience is independent and not motivated by someone keen to make a sale.

In addition it’s an opportunity to meet like-minded people, who also want to make a difference to their carbon footprint, make financial savings based on energy-efficient measures and use their energy more wisely. And of course, as one of the eco show home owners says in the video, it’s all an opportunity to get some rewarding feedback from people.

“The events are characterised by a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, candid discussions about home improvements and a sharing of experiences and advice. The best of them come with a generous helping of community spirit and – on occasions – tea and cake” (Green Open Homes).

This initiative is part of the 1066 Local Energy campaign, whose aims are:

Local generation of renewable energy
Local ownership for community benefit
Affordable energy through lower price of locally generated energy, innovative finance (buying clubs, etc) and energy efficiency measures
Knowledge and information sharing.

Also in: Energy Wise