UK homes are among the least energy efficient in Europe and Cambridge has a big share of old homes that are difficult and expensive to heat in the winter. In July the independent Committee on Climate Change published a Progress Report on reaching Government targets to avoid catastrophic climate change. They report that much progress is significantly off-track, with an urgent need need for:

• More homes with added energy efficiency measures

• More heat pump installations.

Open Eco Homes  contributes to both of these. This year from 21st September to 20th October, homeowners are offering free tours of 9 Cambridge and South Cambs homes, both in-person and online. They will each show and discuss their varied solutions for improving comfort and cutting carbon emissions and energy bills. There’s lots on show, including natural materials, beautiful design and hi-tech solutions.

Meet your host, Norman

In 2019, I relocated to the family property due to changing circumstances. Initially prompted by an Age UK survey to enhance accessibility for my mother, this led to a journey of retrofitting my home for improved energy efficiency. Subsequently, as decisions were made regarding bathroom modifications and my mother transitioned to a care facility, opting for solar water heating made me an enthusiastic early adopter of the technology.

“Having travelled a lot, and having a curious nature, I have always been aware of global issues and tried not to be wasteful. However, the real impetuous (for my eco renovation) has been driven by chance, by having met the right people.”

My aim is to guide individuals like myself in making proactive changes before it becomes urgent. Drawing from my first hand experience of retrofitting with limited market resources and self-educating on energy efficiency, I believe I can assist others embarking on similar home retrofitting journeys with little or no prior knowledge in the field.

For more details and booking, please see the Cambridge Carbon Footprint page.