Hundreds visit houses for green ideas in Winchester (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Hundreds visit houses for green ideas in Winchester

1:38pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

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GREEN campaigners in Winchester are hailing the success of a groundbreaking project to boost awareness of how to tackle climate change.

Fulflood OpenGreenhouse saw eight homes opened to the public to show off the latest in environmentally friendly living.

Visitors moved from house to house to find out how their neighbours saved money and fuel, and reduced their carbon footprint.

Altogether there were just under 200 visits to the eight open homes.

Members of the Greening Fulflood campaign invited people to come and look at the energy-saving changes they had made to their homes.

Phil Gagg, Greening Fulflood chairman, said: “The most interesting thing was how keen people were to debate the issues. They were so hungry for information I’ve completely lost my voice”.

The campaign plans to repeat the open weekend in the autumn.

Mr Gagg added it was clear that many visitors were on the verge of making significant changes, but found it encouraging to see what other people had done.

They were pleased to find that there were some useful quick fixes, but realised other changes would require greater effort. Some visitors really appreciated the opportunity to explore the different options at some length.

The features that raised most interest were: (blob) double-glazed traditional wooden sash window replacements within the original wooden boxes that reduced heat loss by three-quarters (blob) wood burning stoves (blob) solar-powered hot water panels (blob) displays of different types of lighting (especially a range of LEDs) (blob) a sun pipe to light up a dark landing.

People could also be seen intently peering beneath floorboards to see how some underfloor insulation had been fitted.

If you live in Fulflood and would like to open you house to show any energy efficiency or generation initiatives, the group would be pleased to hear from you on 01962 864956 or receive your emails at greeningfulflood@googlemail.com.

The group also plans to get people together in small groups in the pub or their own homes. They would meet every couple of weeks for four to six meetings to talk through their energy-saving options, and support each other in making the changes.

Mr Gagg can be contacted on 01962 864956.

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