Date published: 2024-09-09 | Category: Bath, Climate Emergency, energy efficiency, information and advice, Somer Valley, Tackling the climate and ecological emergency
Residents who have added energy efficient features such as solar panels, heat pumps and water recycling to their homes will be showcasing their properties as part of a series of Green Open Homes event this autumn.
The programme of events is being led by Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, Buro Happold, Bath Preservation Trust and Transition Bath, working closely with community partners in areas across Bath and North East Somerset.
The first Green Open Homes event will take place on 14 September with residents showcasing seven homes in Pensford, Belluton and Norton Malreward and the Memorial Hall in Pensford hosting an Ask the Expert session with staff from Bath & North East Somerset Council, Good Energy and Bath & West Community Energy available to answer questions, discuss ideas and give advice on next steps.
Other planned events include: Saturday 21 September in Peasedown St John, with an Ask the Expert session at The Hive Community Centre and three open homes to visit; Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October in Bath with 18 showcase homes; and Saturday 19 October at the Trinity Hub in Radstock.
On the day, visitors will be able to examine the technology and ask questions of the homeowners to learn about different solutions, the installation process and the prospective energy savings to gain an understanding of how they could improve the energy performance and sustainability of their own homes.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this series of Green Open Homes events across Bath and North East Somerset and I want to thank all of the residents who are opening their homes to visitors and sharing their knowledge and experience and also all the volunteers who will be helping on the day. We have seen how previous events have empowered residents to take steps to make their homes more energy efficient and affordable to heat and in the long run, all these individual changes will help us to meet our climate emergency commitments.”
The council was previously involved in Bath Green Homes open weekends that ran in 2011, 2012 and 2014, with each event involving 15-20 open homes and more than 700 visitors. Last year’s event in Bath saw just under 800 people visit 22 homes in Bath and the Chew Valley.
Everyone is welcome to attend the events and you can find out more information and details on each of the showcase properties on the Green Open Homes B&NES website.
Business owners interested in sponsoring the event or anyone interested in volunteering either to help with planning of the event or on the day to support the homeowners and ensure the event runs smoothly, can contact the team by completing a form on the website.
ENDS