The Open Homes Weekend, organised by the Council, Transition Bath and the Bath Preservation Trust, is returning for its second year on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April.
The weekend, which is one of the main events on the Bath Green Homes calendar, will showcase local homes across the Bath area that are warm, green and cheap to run, in order to show people how they can reduce their energy bills.
The event will cover a wide area, from Twerton to Bathford, including Batheaston, Larkhall, Bear Flat, Combe Down and Widcombe. The number of homes opening their doors to the public has increased to 19 this year and properties range from heritage to new build.
There will be a variety of low cost and high tech homes, which include features such as draught proofing, low energy lighting, advanced insulation, renewable energy technologies and green roofs.
Home Opener, John Toplis, said: “We have taken a DIY approach to making our home more efficient, and we were the first home in the area to get listed building consent for Solar PV panels on our roof. We are proud to open our home so that others can see how we have saved energy and reduced our carbon footprint.”
The event is free to all but some of the homes do require visitors to book ahead. Download the Open Homes Weekend leaflet, which includes a map with all the featured properties here. The Hub at The Building of Bath Collection will also be hosting a number of free attractions, including the Bath Green Homes information point, the RIBA 21st Century Living Exhibition, the LED Leading Lights demonstration and a free renewable energy clinic from Future Supply.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of the Council, said: “The Council strives to encourage residents to adapt to changes in our climate by being energy efficient. The Open Homes Weekend offers people the chance to see this in action, from low cost things anyone can do, right through to high-tech and more complex solutions and see the benefits.”
Bath Green Homes 2013 continues throughout April and upcoming events include a DIY Draught Proofing workshop and talks on ‘Improving the Energy Efficiency of my home – what can I do and how can I pay for it?’ and ‘Low Energy Lighting For Your Home’. Further details on these events can be found here.
The Open Homes Weekend is sponsored by Curo, Future Supply and Darren Evans Assessments. For more information, visit www.bathgreenhomes.co.uk, email [email protected] or phone 01225 477528. You can also follow @BathGreenHomes on Twitter.