Cumbria residents are set to find out how they can save money and even generate an income by using sustainable building methods and renewable energy during the two-week long Cumbria Green Build Festival which starts on Saturday 10th September.
Organised by the Penrith-based charity Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS), the festival brings together a programme of around 60 free events across the county that raise awareness of the opportunities to create a more sustainable future. The events provide a unique opportunity to visit sites which are which are not normally accessible to the public, from improvements in private homes to large scale energy generation.
Appealing to a wide variety of Cumbrian residents, from home owners, farmers, businesses and those involved in community buildings, the on-site events will demonstrate installations of air source and ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar systems, biomass heating systems, and reed beds for waste water treatment. There will be site visits to see complete refurbishments of off-grid farmhouses, renewable energy installations in village halls, factory tours of hydro turbine manufacturers, tours of ecohomes and carbon neutral buildings and trips to those hard to heat, traditional stone built homes.
Georgina Byles, of CAfS commented “We are all aware of ever-increasing fuel costs and one of aims of the festival is to show people the alternatives. For instance, heating can be provided by log burning or pellet burning boilers or by air source or ground source heat pumps, not just oil and gas. The festival is not just for those trying to save the planet! By adopting renewable energy resources we can save money, even make money, and future-proof your house or building.”
“There are a wealth of resources within the green build industry right here on our doorstep in Cumbria, that I’m sure most of us are unaware of! From inspirational architects, innovative builders, and renewable energy providers, right through to the householders who have completed their projects and have offered to host an event at their own home.”
The festival runs until 25th September. The full programme for the festival can be found via a dedicated website at www.cumbriagreenbuild.org.uk. All events are free of charge but spaces are limited so must be booked via the website.
