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Oxfordshire Open Eco-HousesThis project was organised by Climate Outreach information Network (COIN) and Oxfordshire ClimateXchange in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Academy, with the generous support of Oxford City Council, The Mid Counties Co-operative, Sustainable Energy Academy, TV Energy and Thames Valley Energy Centre. COIN offers a host of talks, workshops and trainings - see http://www.coinet.org.uk/ for further info and to subscribe to their e-newsletter. Oxfordshire ClimateXchange is generating an inspiring climate awareness in Oxfordshire - check out http://www.climatex.org/ to see how communities, businesses, individuals and networks are rising to the climate challenge, and subscribe to their e-newsletter. Download the latest Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Directory. The directory contains a list and description of eco-renovation suppliers and installers in Oxfordshire.Energy Advisors
TV Energy promotes and facilitates practical sustainable energy solutions and provide education for communities, businesses, organisations and individuals within the Thames Valley and beyond
United Sustainable Energy Agency (formerly TVEC) promises advice on grants and all aspects of sustainable energy. They have taken over the work of Thames Valley Energy Centre but their web site is not fully operational as of July 2008. At present the information is available at Thames Valley Energy Centre.
Tips for saving water at home and in gardens
Website for an inspirational project, plus a host of facts and figures about renewables
Your guide to saving the planet, starting in Oxford, with links to advice and info
The definitive source of info for the projected impacts of climate change.
Eco-renovation Case Studies on the web
Useful Eco-renovation books
Technical Reports and info
a practical step-by-step guide aimed all those practitioners involved in the design, construction and use of low-energy, low-CO2 emissions buildings.
Case studies and policy ideas on how to reduce CO2 emissions from the whole UK housing stock by 60% by 2050. Produced by the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University.
The BRE website for proving the value of refurbishment in renovating UK housing stock
Local Architects/SpecialistsA list of 40 architects and builders in Oxfordshire, with details of their experience, is available on the Association of Environment Conscious Builders website http://www.aecb.net/ . Here are three who have contributed to the houses this weekend:
Committed to excellence in the design of energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings
Special Expertise in difficult and sensitive sites, and renewable energy systems
Architects and designers Local Renewable Energy Installers•· JoJu Ltd: www.joju.co.uk/index.php Supply, design and installation of Photovoltaic systems, free initial survey and we will help to obtain the relevant grants and subsidies available. •· Ice Energy http://www.iceenergy.co.uk/ Specialists in the specification and installation of IVT heat pumps for ground source and air source heating •· JHS Power Solutions http://www.jhspowersolutions.co.uk/ Solar PV installers Wind turbine generator installers (provisional accreditation) Solar hot water installers (provisional accreditation) •· Oxford Solar http://www.oxfordsolar.co.uk/ Design, supply and installation of Domestic and Commercial Solar Thermal Systems, Wood Pellet and Gas Condensing Boilers
We can offer our clients a range of energy ecfficiency solutions including:external thermal insulation, low and zero carbon ventilation, solar water heating, low carbon / energy efficient building design. •· Solar Solutions Direct http://www.solsol.co.uk/ Solar Solutions Direct are Oxfordshire's own installers of solar hot water systems. The company has knowledge of over 20 years experience in solar technology.
Wood pellet suppliers, contact for potential energy crop growers, buyer of and converter of raw wood chips into premium pellets.
Ardenham Energy works for individual homeowners as well as developers, contractors and their consultants. We hope that our technology can help you.
Information on Biomass fuel and heat production
Energy Audits and carbon calculators
•· Oxford Environment Centre http://www.oxfordenvironmentcentre.com/ Specialising in Environmental Products, energy audits from £150 per household. •· Energize Oxford Ltd, Energy Audits energize_oxford@yahoo.co.uk Home auditing and guidance through the process of deciding what action will have the fastest payback. I charge for my work but you should save that by taking my advice!
Online Carbon Calculators:See http://coinet.org.uk/materials/carboncalculations for a detailed comparison, two new ones:
This is a unique online tool giving you the ability to accurately measure and monitor your household's energy use and carbon emissions over time. New version online from 6th December. •· Act on CO2 http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/index.html DEFRA's carbon calculator
General Suppliers of materials
Products and courses for eco-building.
Offer a wide range of lime based building products including mortar, render and plaster, plus innovative solutions that combine hemp, lime, earth and chalk to produce sustainable unfired masonry.
Suppliers of non-toxic paints and finishes, rainwater harvesting, small-scale renewable energy technology.
Specialists in building structure and insulation systems. Cont overleaf/
For building materials, paints and finishes
Timber merchants specialising in reclaimed wood
Products and courses for eco-building.
Suppliers of insulation, WCs, windows and lots of other building products. •· Eco-St (at Chinnor and Yarnton Garden Centres) http://www.eco-st.com/ Over 70 different types of energy efficient light bulb, non-toxic paints and varnishes, gadgets and gifts galore - three ways of turning your TV off standby and four mobile chargers that don't involve getting electricity from the mains.
Organisations and Networks
Network website for home eco-renovators by the people behind the Yellow House website.
Lots of inspiration, information, courses and a very good mail order service for books and other things. The centre near Machynlleth (mid-Wales) is well worth a visit.
Lots of relevant info, including a highly-informed discussion forum by people who are passionate and knowledgeable about the subject. Directory of environment-conscious building professionals for local builders and other trades.
promotes education and action to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and communities.
useful information on how to maintain/renovate older buildings (and how to avoid inappropriate mixes of old and new technologies)
GrantsGovernment Grants for energy saving improvements are currently limited to £2500 per household and your supplier will be able to advise you if you qualify. A grant of £1500 is currently available from NPower for the installation of an Ice Energy heat pump. Any other grants available will be advised to you by the supplier you choose. See the updated Grantfinder page
Article by
jo_hamilton
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