1 Septmber 2009
Oxfordshire's ClimateXchange helps coordinate the county's third Ecovation Open Day.
Twenty-four homes and buildings across Oxfordshire will invite the public to see, experience, and share the techniques and vision of eco-renovation. The eco-buildings look like ordinary houses, offices (and even boats) on the outside. But looks can be deceptive: from simple and affordable to sophisticated, these buildings use the latest ideas and technology of green design to cut their energy and water use and lower their carbon footprints. Homes and buildings around Oxfordshire demonstrate wood pellet boilers, solar electric and solar hot water systems, low energy lighting, rainwater harvesting, green roofs. Featured Oxford buildings include the stylish conversion of a former Jericho pub into four highly insulated houses with a large solar photovoltaic and solar hot water array; and the ‘Solar Electric Victorian Terrace’ in Howard Street, who’s solar photovoltaic roof makes the house a net exporter of electricity.
Visitors will be led round by home owners or other ‘experts by experience’. This is an inspiring way to share the excitement, challenges and sometimes frustrations they encountered in creating their green building. In past years’ events over 1,000 visits have been made to the eco-homes, with over 99% of visitors saying they were pleased they came.
Full information on the buildings, locations, and opening times can be found on www.ecovation.org