Residents who have made their homes more energy efficient are being encouraged to come forward and take part in Bath Green Homes – a community project organised by Transition Bath, Bath Preservation Trust, and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
This year’s Open Homes Weekend is on September 27 and 28, and the organisers are looking for people who would like to open their home as part of the weekend.
Homes can be of any age – from a listed property to a modern new build, and of any type – from flats to family homes, owned or rented. All sorts of energy features are of interest, from the DIY and low cost measures such a draught proofing, right through to more elaborate measures such as insulation or renewable technologies.
Full support is provided to people opening their homes including an initial home visit from the co-ordinator, a pack containing all the information and materials you need, an opportunity to meet other home openers, and volunteer stewards to help you on the day. The first step is to register your interest by filling in a survey on the http://www.bathgreenhomes.co.uk website about your home or by getting in contact for a chat. You won’t be committing yourself to anything at this point.
One of last year’s home openers, Mairead King from Larkhall, is keen to encourage others to join in the event: “I would definitely recommend taking part. It gives you a pride in what you are doing and helps spread the word. It’s also really lovely meeting like-minded people. I had a fantastic experience.”
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “As a Council we’re committed to helping develop a greener, low carbon future for Bath and North East Somerset. As well as benefiting our environment, making our homes more energy efficient is also an important way of helping manage household costs, especially at a time when energy bills are rising.”
Caroline Kay from Bath Preservation Trust said “We are particularly keen to find residents who have made their traditional or listed homes more energy efficient who could share their experiences with the public.”
The Open Homes Weekend is part of a wider programme of events focused on home energy efficiency that will run from September to November 2014. If you are interested in Bath Green Homes but don’t feel your home would be suitable, there are lots of other ways you can get involved including volunteering, organising events, sponsoring, supporting in-kind, and spreading the word.
For more information you can follow @BathGreenHomes on Twitter, visit the website at http://www.bathgreenhomes.co.uk or to get in contact by email admin@bathgreenhomes.co.uk or telephone 01225 477528.
