UK homes are among the least energy efficient in Europe and Cambridge has a big share of old homes that are difficult and expensive to heat in the winter. In July the independent Committee on Climate Change published a Progress Report on reaching Government targets to avoid catastrophic climate change. They report that much progress is significantly off-track, with an urgent need need for:
- More homes with added energy efficiency measures
- More heat pump installations.
Open Eco Homes contributes to both of these. This year from 21st September to 20th October, homeowners are offering free tours of 9 Cambridge and South Cambs homes, both in-person and online. They will each show and discuss their varied solutions for improving comfort and cutting carbon emissions and energy bills. There’s lots on show, including natural materials, beautiful design and hi-tech solutions.
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- In Willingham, architect-owners, Samir and Raveena, have transformed their 1920s home with thoughtful DIY improvements to home energy, mostly with natural materials. They’ve carefully designed the appearance of every surface, including delightful patterns cut in the cork external wall insulation.
- Norman’s retrofit of his 1984 Histon home has cut energy consumption by 71%. All on a limited budget. Like two other open homes, he’s dramatically improved accessibility for older people and anyone with mobility issues.
- On Hills Rd, Cambridge, Stuart has retrofitted his 1930s family home
with superb insulation and airtightness, with heat recovery ventilation providing filtered fresh air. Like most of this year’s hosts, he visited previous Open Eco Homes, helping shape the choices in his retrofit.
with superb insulation and airtightness, with heat recovery ventilation providing filtered fresh air. Like most of this year’s hosts, he visited previous Open Eco Homes, helping shape the choices in his retrofit.A theme this year is ‘All-Electric Homes’, which mostly have solar panels, batteries, EV charging and use heat pumps, rather than gas for heating.
There will be talks on heat pumps too, on dispelling myths and how to use them.
Other talks cover:
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- Climate Change Gardening
- Retrofitting Historic Homes
- Low-cost and DIY home improvements, which is relevant to renters too.
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Look for open homes and talks that show what improvements would suit you.
We’re not selling anything; the host homeowners want to show what they’ve done to inform and inspire others.
These free home tours and talks need booking.
First Published in The Cambridge Independent, 21st Aug 2024
Open Eco Homes is a project of the charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint. If you like our work and are interested in joining our team we are currently looking for trustees and a new General Manager. Find out more and apply at cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/news
