ECO-WARRIORS from across the Tunbridge Wells area are opening their homes to the public to share ideas for saving energy at home this weekend.
Members of Hadlow Carbon Community are inviting people to take a look around their homes in the hope that it will open visitors’ eyes to how their carbon footprint can be reduced in a cheap and easy way.
Environmentally-friendly technology, ranging from solar panels and double glazing to less intrusive and cheaper methods, will be on show at 11 properties ranging from listed buildings to typical houses.
Fran Long, who is opening her house on Barden Park Road, Tonbridge, for the event, said: “I think the open day will raise awareness of the lifestyle changes people can make. We have had solar-thermal heating for five years and have been using solar power to generate electricity for four.
“It takes about 10 years to get the money back but it’s better than an ISA as you’re saving and doing your bit for the environment. Solar panels last about 20 years so you’re generating interest really.”
Mrs Long, 55, said there were some misconceptions about the changes that could be made to make a house more environmentally friendly, and that programmes such as Grand Designs made people feel it was out of their price range.
“Some people say that making these changes is just for the wealthy, but we are proof it is not. It is something that the world actually has to do- we can’t afford not to.”
Over the years Mrs Long has come up with smaller-scale ways of cutting down on the energy the couple use, using Perspex as a substitute for double glazing in a previous flat. A government grant allowed the couple to install a more permanent form of insulation in their house, an ex-council house built in World War Two.
“Insulation is often overlooked as it’s not very glamorous and people aren’t impressed by the technology, but it’s really important to reducing the amount of gas and electricity used. Once they were painted our panels on the roof looked lovely,” she said.
Janice Massy, an organiser of the event, said: “The Eco Homes event allows visitors to talk to home-owners and gain a first-hand account of how the measures have reduced carbon emissions and saved money on energy and water bills without any pressure or sales pitch.”
In April 2014, the government introduced the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which is encourages homeowners off the gas grid to use renewable energy, by paying them a tariff for the heat they produce.
The Rural Regeneration Centre at Hadlow College will be used as a base for the open day, with the award-winning PassivHaus building drawing attention to progressive ecological design.
For more information, including the addresses of the properties involved, visit https://westkent.greenopenhomes.net or visit The Rural Regeneration Centre at Hadlow College. The open days take place on May 17- 18.