Householders are being invited to discover how to reduce energy costs and make their homes warmer and greener at an event in Skipton.
North Yorkshire Council is hosting a free open day on Wednesday 25th June at 4 Whinny Gill Road between 3pm and 8pm to give residents the chance to find out information on energy-saving products.
The mid-terrace house will exhibit a variety of retrofit technologies to help visitors see first-hand how energy-saving measures can transform a typical home and help them save money on heating and hot water use, prevent damp and mould and help to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
These technologies include heat pumps, vacuum sealed windows, solar panels, electric storage batteries, loft, wall and floor installations and many more measures, as well as free expert advice on energy efficiency.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Greg White, is encouraging people to visit the house to see energy saving upgrades up close and ask questions to the experts.
He said:
“Retrofitting is all about making homes better at retaining heat and reducing carbon emissions with better insulation, better windows as well as other features that provide more efficient heat and power.
“We recognise the issues with rising energy bills and fuel poverty and would encourage people to make use of this opportunity and drop in to discover how they came make their homes energy efficient and save money while look after the planet.”
The house, which was in a severe state of disrepair, was bought by the council in March 2024 and will now become one of the first council houses for rent in the Skipton area after more than 20 years.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said:
“Our commitment to revitalising these homes will not only address the needs of those who need a home but also enhance the local environment.”
The council’s climate change member champion, Cllr David Hugill, added:
“We want to educate and inspire householders into making North Yorkshire’s homes and businesses fit for the future all while saving them money on energy bills and helping the county lower emissions.”
The council has been working closely with the charity Action on Empty homes that has supported the project.
Project manager for Action on Empty Homes, Brighid Carey, said:
“We are working with communities and their partners to retrofit empty homes as they are renovated.
“Unused homes are brought back into use as warm affordable low-carbon housing for local people. Including retrofit in renovations supports the local green economy and provides vital training in new skills.”
Funding has also been received from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and was administered by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor, David Skaith, said:
"Everyone in York and North Yorkshire deserves a warm and more affordable home, and that is why we are proud to fund this vital retrofit open day.
“With a quarter of our homes built around 100 years ago, we have immense potential to cut energy bills by upgrading homes with the latest technology.
“This will also drive sustainable growth, creating new supply chains and highly skilled jobs as we push on with our drive to net-zero by 2034.
“That is why I will continue to support these initiatives, and I would encourage everyone to discover how these tangible benefits can make a real difference - to your home, your wallet and our shared future.”
Meanwhile, the next generation of retrofit experts from Craven College in Skipton have gained practical experience in a variety of skilled trades linked with the construction industry whilst working on the home.
For instance, a group of budding plasterers helped to plaster walls inside the house and learn valuable skills during a work placement and are looking forward to seeing the fruits of their labour.
The open day on June 25 is free and there is no need to book, and residents are encouraged to turn up on the day.
You can find advice around energy efficiency at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/energy-efficiency-advice
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