Dom & Kerstin, Prestwich

This home was a part of the Carbon Co-op Go Early project. Since undertaking a whole house retrofit in 2014/5 they have recorded a 47% reduction in gas (heating) use; 30% of electricity supplied direct from solar PV, overall 65% reduction in CO2 between 2014 to 2016 and 76% reduction since 2001.

Energy Saving Improvements

Low cost improvements

Loft insulation, draft proofing. 

‘Big’ insulation works

External Wall Insulation, triple glazing, insulated front door, underfloor insulation. 

Glazing upgrades

5no. triple glazed windows, plus 2no. triple glazed Velux windows. 

Lighting systems and electrical appliances

Low energy lighting. 

Heating system upgrades

Air Source Heat Pump. 

Renewables: electricity

Solar PV. 

Water management 

Low water shower. 

Use of sustainable building materials 

Wood fibre and hemp fibre insulation used extensively. 

Any other improvements 

Extensive energy monitoring and optimisation. 

Background and motivations

What motivated you to make these measures?

Reduction in carbon emissions. 

Why did you choose these particular measures?

Cost effectiveness and bringing a 1922 house to modern standards of energy efficiency. 

What did the work entail for you? Did you do works yourself or hire someone else? How did you find and choose a builder/supplier? 

It varied. 

What difference has these measures made in your home (e.g., reduced energy use, saved money on bills, more comfortable)? If you track any changes quantitatively, how do you do this? 

Big reduction in energy use, keeping running costs under control, more comfortable yes. 

What key dos and don'ts would you pass on to someone considering these works?

Do your research, pull in experts if you need them.