Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) are calling for even more local people to showcase the measures they’ve taken in their homes.
Green Open Homes are friendly, informative events that demonstrate to the community how to heat homes while reducing energy bills. BWCE are collaborating with several partners to run a programme of Green Open Homes B&NES events in Bath and communities in North East Somerset. This year, the Bath event will run over the weekend of 12th and 13th October at various homes across the city.
Last year’s success saw over 750 people visit 22 homes across Bath and Chew Valley. For this year’s event, organisers want to appeal to more people. They are looking to feature a diverse range of properties; anyone who has modified their home is encouraged to get in touch – from people who have installed energy efficiency measures in older listed buildings, to those with inexpensive tips for small, modern rental flats.
Those interested in opening their homes over the weekend can register their interest at: greenopenhomesbanes.org
Home-openers have the opportunity to showcase the work they’ve done on their properties. They can show others the energy-saving measures they’ve taken, explain what the processes and costs are like, and give recommendations of businesses that they have worked with. By sharing knowledge, people can come together to create a greener, more sustainable and more affordable future in B&NES.
Sally Merrett, who opened her home in the 2023 event, said: “I was really pleased to show others what I’ve done to my house to make it more affordable and comfortable in winter. I’ve been tackling relatively low-cost measures on my windows and doors and draught proofing and think this could make a big difference to many people living in hard-to-heat homes in B&NES. It’s taken a lot of research to find the right measures, materials and installation techniques for my house.”
Pete Capener, Managing Director at BWCE, said: “Energy costs continue to soar higher than when the energy crisis began. These Green Open Homes events are more relevant than ever, as they offer practical solutions for residents. We are glad to run the Bath event for another year and hope to benefit even more people across B&NES and beyond.”
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel said: “Attending the event last year gave me valuable insight into how we can improve our homes’ energy efficiency and save money on heating. It helped me to appreciate how a range of measures can work in the different types of properties we have in Bath and North East Somerset. I would encourage people to get involved because events like this can help our collective effort towards a greener, net zero future.”
As well as home openers, volunteers are also needed to help the weekend run smoothly, and business sponsors are invited to support the event. They can get in touch through the Green Open Homes website.
About Green Open Homes
Green Open Homes B&NES is a partnership initiative focused on inspiring and educating individuals about sustainable living in the Bath & North East Somerset area. BWCE is managing the event, in partnership with Buro Happold, Transition Bath, Bath Preservation Trust and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Green Open Homes B&NES has been included in a successful bid by the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to the South West Net Zero Hub, which is hosted by the West of England Combined Authority, through the Government’s Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) Programme.
Bath & West Community Energy, founded in 2010, is a community-owned business that develops renewable energy projects, runs innovative demand programmes, and provides local community benefit.
B&NES Council is the local unitary authority providing public services throughout the district known as Bath & North East Somerset. As part of its plan to address climate and ecological emergencies. B&NES Council is supporting projects in community options for home energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.
Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) provides independent advocacy and campaigning services and activities relating to the built and natural environment, museum and cultural heritage services and lifelong learning in Bath and its rural environs. BPT is developing free online guidance on how to assess the heritage significance of a listed building and how to take this into account when considering energy measures and listed building consent.
“Many people believe it’s too challenging to improve their properties, especially those with historic and listed buildings. The Open Homes event shows that it’s possible.”
Alex Sherman, Chief Executive of Bath Preservation Trust
Buro Happold is an international consultancy of engineers, designers and advisers. The Bath office works towards zero operational and embodied carbon in their project and advisory work, providing the South West with sustainable built environments and communities.
“I volunteered at one of the homes and was amazed by how much everyone was learning from the hosts. It was inspiring and I’m looking forward to what the next event will bring.”
Claire Smith, Bath Office Director at Buro Happold
Transition Bath is a community-led organisation that takes action to respond to the climate emergency by developing and supporting local projects, such as renewable energy generation and reducing carbon emissions in communities.
“I’m always impressed to see the various ways that people in Bath save energy. Many have installed heat pumps which are excellent for cutting carbon emissions. During the Open Homes events, visitors can see these solutions in action in homes just like theirs.”
Phillip Haile, Trustee at Transition Bath
