Why visit eco open houses?
We must all now be aware that the way we live our lives is unsustainable. A recent study on ecological footprints in major cities revealed Brighton and Hove has one of the poorest ratings in the UK. If everyone in the world consumed resources like we do then we’d need the resources of 3.47 planets to live sustainably, but of course we only have one planet!
It is now accepted that fossil fuel emissions are leading to global warming. Nearly half of the city’s carbon emissions come from energy use in homes. Many think fuel is expensive now, but there seems little doubt that as demand rises and supplies become less secure, prices are likely to become harder to afford. But there are other issues too. In the South East we are using more water than can be replenished naturally. Flooding is increasing. Other forms of pollution and waste disposal are also massive issues.
But what can we do about it?
This event aims to empower and inspire us all to make environmental changes in own homes through seeing what practical steps other people have taken in their homes. It is about learning from the experience of others and making positive changes to reduce our environmental footprint, sometimes at very little cost.
What makes them eco houses?
Between them the houses demonstrate examples of:
• Environmental renovation • Insulation methods
• Renewable energy • Reduced energy bills
• Water savings • Waste water recycling
• Rainwater harvesting • Green roofs
• Natural and recycled materials
Some of the houses are newly built, others have been ‘eco renovated’. Some are modern and others are traditional. Some look strikingly unusual while others, dare we say, look quite ordinary. So what makes them ‘eco’ houses? The answer is simply that in all of them the owners have taken effective measures to reduce their negative environmental impact. Some of the properties have south facing windows and some have solar panels to harvest the sun’s energy. Others have simpler but equally effective measures like double-glazing, draft proofing, blinds and thick curtains.
Mention 'eco houses' and most people will picture a new building. Certainly new buildings can be built to high environmental specifications but most of us live in older properties. 69% of homes in Brighton and Hove were built before 1939 and these buildings have the highest energy use, hence improving their energy performance, and that of all the homes in the city, must be a priority.
Whatever else you get from this event, we want you to be inspired to make changes. Often very simple things can make a big difference to your pocket as well as the environment. It is just as important - and certainly much cheaper - to reduce our use of energy than it is to generate electricity from the sun or wind!