Brighton and Hove’s 20 eco-homes to open doors public

In an attempt to help people reduce their fuel bills and lower their carbon footprints, the event will showcase a range of properties including eight new additions.

Eco Open Houses, running from the 25th – 28th October, aims to give the public practical advice on how to reduce energy use, water use and carbon emissions in their own homes.

The event looks to educate on better insulation, biomass, green roof techniques, grey water recycling, the use of natural and recycled materials and the use of passive solar design.

Organisers say expensive renovation is not necessary to cut bills and that with temperatures plummeting, fuel costs rising and spending cuts continuing; the exhibition will help families save money in the winter.

One of the new homes to be opened to the public has been enhanced form its original 1950s structure. The whole building was wrapped in high level insulation and other measures including the installation of solar panels have reduced the family’s energy costs by 75% and CO2 emissions by 83% a year.

The event, in its fifth year, will also see the launch of two talks on energy efficiency and low impact living.

Eco Open Houses is a collaborative project run between Low Carbon Trust, Brighton Permaculture Trust, Brighton & Hove City Council and Normandy Partners.

Conor McGlone