Green Homes Network: Burnside

House type: detached house, pre-1900

Energy efficiency and renewable measures: solar water heating, solar PV, wood fuelled boiler, CHP Generator, solid wall insulation in new extension, loft insulation, A-rated appliances, energy saving lighting, recycling, composting, well water supply available, bio diesel produced to fuel cars and generator. Bedrooms: 4 Occupants: 4

Key features: A large detached pre-1900 home with Solar water heating, solar PV, wood fuelled boiler, solid wall insulation and loft insulation.

Richard Earle and his family live in a large detached property which was reliant on oil before they converted to solar power and wood-fuelled technology. Richard, who has a long-standing and proactive interest in renewable technology, installed the systems in his home to become less dependent on non-sustainable products “we wanted to get away from using oil. I knew that by installing renewable technologies we could do this whilst reducing our impact on the environment and saving money.”

The Green Homes Network, a new Scottish Government initiative managed by the Energy Saving Trust, was launched last year. The network provides individuals with the unique opportunity to visit a local home that has a renewables system installed. On Saturday 29 September homes across Dumfriesshire will open their doors to visitors.

Visitors can find out first-hand how different renewables systems run in real homes and hear about actual costs and savings.

Full details of all homes are available at greenhomesopenday.org.uk or call your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 to find out more.

www.greenhomesopenday.org.uk