Residents are being invited to a series of free talks to find out how they can make their homes more energy efficient, and save money on their household bills.
We are supporting a series of events taking place in June and July where residents can hear from experts on how they can make their homes more energy efficient.
According to government figures, Medway’s homes account for more than 40 per cent of the area’s carbon emissions.
The events are being held in partnership with the University of Greenwich, Gravesham Borough Council, Swale Borough Council, Faversham Town Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Kent County Council.
The first event was held at The Rochester Corn Exchange on Monday, 12 June and was opened by Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration.
Residents met experts from the University of Greenwich’s Faculty of Engineering and Science and heard detailed presentations on a range of topics including building fabric, building materials, heating/cooling systems, building automation and received advice on the small changes they could make in their homes, which could make a significant difference in improving the energy efficiency.
The audience were also given the opportunity to ask specific questions which generated a productive conversation.
An attendee said: “It was refreshing to hear honest advice from experts that were not there to sell an approach or product and I was surprised how many tips could be applied in my home.”
Five more sessions will be held across Medway and Kent.
Two more events will be held in Medway on Thursday, 29 June at the University of Greenwich’s Medway campus and at St Margaret’s Millennium Centre, Rainham, on Monday, 3 July. Both events will take place between 6-8pm.
Three other events are being held in Tonbridge, Faversham and Gravesend. Book your place for free on Eventbrite.
Residents can save money on household bills while reducing their carbon footprint
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration, said: “By investing in ways to make their homes more energy efficient, residents can actually save money on their household bills while reducing their carbon footprint. We are working hard to achieve net zero carbon in Medway by 2050 but we cannot do it alone. Like many issues relating to climate change and sustainable living, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The aim of these sessions is to provide residents with impartial advice and information to empower them to make the changes that best suit their home and lifestyle. I would encourage residents to book their place at these events to find out how they can make small changes to make their homes more energy efficient.”
Independent advice
Dr Wim J.C. Melis, Associate Head of School (Engineering) at the university of Greenwich, who hosted the talk with Lecturer in Construction and Property Management, Mohammad Sakikhales, said: “The event went well, there was a lot of interest from the audience and a very diverse set of questions. People were looking for independent advice and really wanted to understand better what they can do and how they can improve their properties in a way that works for them and their habits, which was great to see.
“We are hoping to bring independent information as well as inform people about the underlying basic key concepts, so they understand what change makes sense and why.”
Simple changes which will make homes more energy efficient
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey said: “We’re working with councils around the County to help our residents make simple changes that will make their homes more energy efficient, more comfortable to live in and reduce their running costs.”
Find out more about how Medway is tackling climate change