10.6.11

Through the keyhole: Cambridge Open Eco Homes

Open Eco Homes
I haven't posted on this blog for a long while.... my excuse is that in the past month I had to juggle working inhouse (and at home), looking after Michela and doing voluntary work in the community. Among the good causes I championed is a green event happening this month called Open Eco Homes. I gave a hand with publicity and I'm hoping to visit one of the houses.

Here is the press release of this green event:
Fifteen homes in and around Cambridge are opening their doors on Saturday 18 and Sunday 26 June to show what can be done with solar panels, sedum green roofs, wood-burning stoves, ground source heat pumps, wall insulation, in-home electricity generation, and many other measures fitting a wide range of budgets ranging from DIY to professional installations. The homes include old and new, big and small, and are warm and comfortable while economical in energy use.  

Have you been thinking about low energy solutions or putting solar panels on your roof, for now or in the future? Home owners are enthusiastic about the changes they have made and are happy to share with you their experiences, ideas, costings and excitement. You can find out what worked and what didn’t, and about the reality of giving your home an energy makeover.  

You can see the homes at www.openecohomes.org and choose which ones you’d like to visit. To book your guided tours call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012. Lines are open 9-7 Monday to Friday and 9-12 Saturday.

Liz Knox, the Open Eco Homes Project Manager, says, “There is a growing community of home owners with an infectious enthusiasm for making these changes, and helping others make them too. What’s great about it is that it brings people together.”

We will be celebrating the Open Eco Homes with an exciting
Launch Event - Eco Renovation ‘Question Time’
comprising a panel of local experts; followed by wine, soft drinks, and a chance to browse stalls.

The launch is free and starts at 7.30pm on Friday 10th June
at St Luke’s Centre, Victoria Road, Cambridge CB4 3DZ

Visits to the Eco Homes will take place
in guided tours of small groups at scheduled times,
10.30am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.30pm
on Saturday 18th and Sunday 26th June
(Suggested donation is £3 per person per home).


Open Eco Homes is organised by award-winning local charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint, in association with the Energy Saving Trust. It builds upon the success of last year’s initiative, with dozens of volunteers freely giving their time to make the event happen. Funding has been generously contributed by Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and local businesses: Ridgeons, Midsummer Energy, Mole Architects and East Green Energy. Accessibility: Private homes have different levels of accessibility so please ask for details when you call.