Dorset Climate Action Network (DCAN) is running the open homes event when around 45 homes will open for a day across Dorset to showcase how we can live greener lives. The majority of household CO2 emissions in the UK stem from heating our homes, including generating hot water.

Some of the open homes are new houses built with very high levels of insulation, heat pumps and ventilation systems. Others have been retro-fitted with extra insulation, solar panels and better windows. Yet others are homes where people have made lifestyle changes – growing vegetables, wildlife friendly gardens, using cycles or electric cars, travelling less, reducing waste.

Solutions can often be ingenious, with energy saving measures from repurposed materials at very little cost, storing rainwater in IBC tanks and zoning the heating in homes.

Sam Wilberforce, who has been organising open EcoHomes in West Dorset for eight years, said: “Our hosts have a huge repository of knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise on energy saving measures. Visitors have returned inspired and informed about what they can do in their own homes. Many of the visitors return next year as Greener Homes hosts to showcase what they have achieved.”

Each of these homes in this year’s initiative have specific opening times, and some require prior booking. Please see http://dorset.greenopenhomes.net for details of all the homes and booking instructions where required.

The Dorset Greener Homes is running on the weekends of 25 and 26  September and 2 and 3 October 2021.

DCAN has received a grant from Dorset Community Energy to run this event. All those involved are volunteers.