Eco Open Houses
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The Assembly supported an event in summer 2008 where residents of Brighton and Hove could visit their neighbours' eco home encouraging more residents to go green. The Eco Open Houses project showcased 14 homes - from small to big changes - demonstrating that it is possible to live normally in an eco-friendly home and save money and the environment at the same time. The homes show the benefits of super insulation, solar panels, water recycling, biomass boilers, green roofs and walls, and recycled materials. Cllr Louise Bloom, Assembly Deputy Chair and Environment Cabinet Member for Eastleigh Borough Council, helped launch the event: "I'm pleased that the Assembly sponsored this event to help share ideas and good practice across the South East. There is much that others - householders, developers and local authorities - could learn from these homeowners. I have a strong commitment to reducing our impact on the environment and hope this will encourage more people to change their behaviour to make a difference."
For more information see www.ecoopenhouses.org. 1970s House15 Deanway, Hove, BN3 6DG
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In their 1970s home, Cleland and Sharada have made considerable effort to reduce fossil fuel energy use. They monitor and observe energy and water use and have found that they have saved carbon emissions as well as money on their bills. Improvements include reducing heat loss through adding a porch as a buffer zone against cold air coming in and adding bubble wrap (acting as secondary glazing) to windows. They have also undertaken basic draught proofing - a simple and effective way of making savings on heating, but one which is often overlooked.
Cleland and Sharada have a solar energy company 