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76 Westfield Crescent
Brighton BN1 8JA

Tom, Francesca and their two teenage daughters are committed to reducing their impact on the environment. Since moving into their semi-detached '40s Hollingbury home in 2006, they have made improvements, reducing their carbon dioxide emissions by over 60% since their first year there. The family now have an annual carbon footprint of 1.6 tonnes from energy use at home. Energy use is monitored monthly to track performance, but staying focused on behaviour is an essential aspect in minimising energy use.

Gas use has been reduced by over 50% through: cavity wall, loft and underfloor insulation; a condensing boiler; a wood burning stove; and water efficiency measures. Photovoltaic panels (1.4kWp) were fitted in 2010 which in year one generated 1350kWh earning £600 through the Feed in Tariff. With 'A' and 'A+' rated appliances, LED lighting and photovoltaic panels, and with carbon offset through generating electricity the family are virtually carbon neutral in home electricity use.

Further information

Case study (pdf)

 

Features

+ Cavity wall insulation
+ Underfloor insulation
+ Photovoltaic panels
+ Wood burning stove
+ LED lighting
+ Energy monitoring
+ Rainwater harvesting
+ Grey water recycling

solar panel