Against a backdrop of soaring energy bills and bleak climate forecasts, a Bucks climate action partnership launches a one-stop-shop event to move the needle on climate change and put money back in the pockets of homeowners reeling from energy price rises.
Buckinghamshire Community Energy and Bucks Climate Action Alliance officially launched ticket sales this week for the inaugural Energy Efficient Homes Fair, to be hosted at The Wades Centre in Princes Risborough, on Saturday 24th September from 10am – 6pm.
Buckinghamshire Community Energy founder Kirsty Shanahan points out that: “22% of UK carbon emissions come from residential buildings. With such inefficient homes, it’s a natural consequence that we are paying above the odds on our energy bills. That’s why helping homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and their bills is a win-win that benefits us all.”
The event comes as latest statistics show that just 1.8% of homes achieve the highest energy efficiency ratings (Greenpeace UK), meaning that 98.2% of homeowners are contributing disproportionately to climate change, and seeing a negative impact on their personal finances.
The event is being sponsored by Buckinghamshire Council, SprayCork manufacturer CorkSol UK, construction project consultants CL-PM and building surveyors and retrofit builders Eco Tiffin.
Through a mix of Q&A panels and seminars, the community-focused event will offer Buckinghamshire homeowners convenient access to straight-talking, personalised advice on how to slash their energy bills by making their homes energy efficient and how to make simple, cost-effective shifts to low carbon energy.
Local businesses and service providers will also be showcased at the event, with exhibitors ranging from insulation specialists and energy efficiency products such as Chimney Sheep and Air Leakage Testing to electric heat source providers such as Daikin, SFE Services Airconditioning, and more. The National Energy Foundation will also be exhibiting and speaking about their SuperHomes project, working with homeowners on retrofitting for energy efficiency.
“As a company, we’re always looking at ways our products can benefit the planet,” says CorkSol UK’s Chris Heaton. “So, when we were given the opportunity to support the Energy Efficient Homes Fair, it was an easy decision to say “yes” as we share the same belief that by focusing on energy efficiency and renewable, sustainable resources we can reduce our individual and collective carbon footprint. We’re delighted to be working with them to inform and educate homeowners about our SprayCork coating, which is natural, sustainable, and has strong thermal benefits to help reduce heat loss and energy usage.”
As buildings experts and energy efficiency evangelists, partnering on this event was also a natural choice for CL-PM.
“To help tackle climate change, and help the UK reach its carbon emission targets, CL-PM want to support local events to share our expertise and inform property owners of pitfalls and solutions,” says Marketing Manager Penny Cloke.
“Eco Tiffin are excited to support this community project,” says Bryan Garson-Pilbeam of Eco Tiffin. “The need to insulate, draught proof and ventilate our homes becomes more important as each day passes. The cost of energy continues to rise and is impacting on everyone’s household budgets. Wasting precious energy is impacting on our planet and there is no planet B. This Fair is an ideal opportunity for the public to access our expertise in a positive community environment and help to keep heat within our homes and help reduce our bills by saving energy.”
For those passionate about the local environment, climate action groups will also be in attendance, sharing project ideas and providing advice on how to get involved in your community’s efforts to make Buckinghamshire a sustainable place to live and work.
Early Bird tickets for the Energy Efficient Homes Fair are now on sale and cost from £6.50 (before 1 August). Click here for more information and to book tickets.
