Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Club

ClimateXChange has launched the Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Club to help people across the county to reduce energy use in their homes.

Eco-renovation encompasses a wide range of changes to existing buildings, from adding loft insulation to installing solar panels and other micro-generation technology.

Jo Hamilton, ClimateXChange Co-ordinator, explains how the club works: "We know that some people want to take small, inexpensive steps towards reducing energy consumption in their homes, while others are ready to undertake major changes and renovate their whole house. Our aim is to provide information, events and networking opportunities to support people on their individual eco-renovation journey, whatever it involves."

Engaging communities

Much of the club's initial membership base is drawn from Oxford, Wallingford and Charlbury - three areas of Oxfordshire that have particularly active community groups engaged in climate change issues. The club builds on the strong links that ClimateXChange has already forged with these community groups.

"We're aiming to have 200 people signed up by summer 2010 and our members are doing a great job of spreading word about the club through their community groups," says Jo. "We're also promoting the club through initiatives like the Oxfordshire Big Climate Event, which included a workshop on community energy reduction and eco-renovation projects."

Sharing experiences

Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Club organises regular events for members to learn about different aspects of energy efficiency in the home and find out what other eco-renovators have achieved. The club also publishes a regular email newsletter with the latest information on events, grants and discounts on micro-generation technology, plus examples of eco-renovation projects completed by members.

"Undertaking an eco-renovation journey on your own can be overwhelming - there's so much information out there and so many options available," comments Jo. "Our events make the journey easier by providing a place for people to find out the facts, share their own experiences and talk with others who are considering taking the same actions."

To kick-start their eco-renovation journey, club members can arrange a home visit from one of the club's volunteer eco-renovation facilitators - individuals who have been trained to collect baseline data on energy usage and develop personal action plans. "Each member's plan will be different, but it could include things like loaning one of our smart energy meters, attending certain events, arranging a visit from a professional energy advisor or getting in quotes for installing wall insulation," says Jo.