Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - Sep 2018
2018-09-12 18:30 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
Learn about energy efficiency and making home improvements
What: What do we mean when we talk about energy efficiency and retrofit? In this short, beginners guide we explore basic ideas and concepts, helping you get to grips with how you might reduce energy bills, improve your property and make your home a little bit greener.
For: householders interested in energy efficiency and domestic retrofit, new Carbon Co-op members, housing association staff, housing co-ops and landlords.
How you will benefit: gain a better understanding of retrofit, whether it is relevant to you and advice on your next steps.
Knowledge required: None
Trainers: Jonathan Atkinson and Aneaka Kellay, Carbon Co-op
Cost: Free for both members and non-members

This bi-monthly introductory evening to retrofit takes place on the second Wednesday of every other month. See below for 2017/8 dates:
13th Sept 20178th Nov 201710th Jan 201814th Mar 20189th May 2018– summer break – 12th Sep 201814th Nov 2018

A Beginner’s Guide To Retrofit is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more at carbon.coop/training

EcoHome Lab: Monthly meetup and skill share
2018-09-13 17:30 - 20:30, 2018-10-11 17:30 - 20:30, 2018-11-08 17:30 - 20:30 | Plant NOMA, Redfern Street, Manchester, GB
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Now in our regular monthly slot – every second Thursday of the month at MadLab (https://madlab.org.uk/). A hangout for people taking control of their home energy usage and generation. We use open-source hardware and software to gain a better understanding of energy in our homes, how to make the best use of the energy we generate and reduce energy wasted.
This is a CarbonCo-op (https://carbon.coop/) initiative working close together with OpenEnergyMonitor (https://openenergymonitor.org).

Topics will include:
• Home energy monitoring.
• House energy performance assessment
• Sensors – electricity, gas, temperature, humidity, air quality…
• User interfaces, dashboards
• Smart houses and automation
• Aggregation of data sources
• Taking the power back! – Making better use of the surplus power we generate
Who is it for?
• Anyone with skills in physical electronics, web development or programming who wants to use that knowledge to reduce energy and carbon!
• There will be open space for small groups to focus on adding new sensors or hacking the user interface, there will always be a ‘newbies’ group for people interested in finding out more.

Homes for the future? How did your home cope in the heatwave?
2018-09-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Abel Heywood, 38 Turner Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1DZ, GB
A chance to discuss how to future proof our homes for heatwaves.
Whether you have undertaken eco-renovations or not this is a chance to talk with others about how your home coped with this summers heatwave. Share tips on what worked and what didn’t, have energy efficiency improvements performed as expected?
This is a chance for a friendly and informal catch up with other Carbon Co-op members. An opportunity to talk about your retrofit project with others who are also keen to share ideas and experience.
Please RSPV.

Green Open Homes Weekend 2018
2018-09-29 - 2018-09-30 | The Yard, Work For Change 41 Old Birley Street, Manchester, M15 5RF, Manchester, M15 5RF, GB
Visit inspiring eco-homes!
Join us for an inspiring weekend of eco-home visits, meet and speak to people who’ve retrofitted their homes and find out what home improvements are possible.
Have you got questions about how to go about insulating your home? Do you want to understand how others have thought through making home improvements? What to know how others have found trades people? Keen to see what is possible? Check out open homes on http://carboncoop.greenopenhomes.net/
WHAT
OPEN HOMES – Homes that have had energy efficiency improvements are open for one weekend.
BUS TOUR – Come along on a free tour of eco-homes.
WORKSHOP – Attend an introductory workshop: Beginners Guide to Retrofit
WHEN
Open homes – Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th September 2018.
Introductory workshop + Bus Tour – Saturday 29th September, 10:30am – 5pm.
WHERE
Locations across Greater Manchester
COST
Free
For more information and to book visit: http://carboncoop.greenopenhomes.net/
Visit homes like these!

Cordata Housing Co-operative - Green Open Homes 2018
2018-09-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Cordata Housing Co-operative, Everett Road Withington, Manchester, M20 3EA, Manchester, M20 3EA, GB
Cordata Housing Co-operative are opening their home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
The house is unique in that it is occupied by a registered co-operative group of 6 people, the purchase and refurbishment funded with a mortgage from Ecology Building Society, proving the viability of developing low energy house refurbishments for groups of people on a rental basis.
The historic building fabric was treated sensitively when designing the refurbishment programme, and the needs of the housing co-op and its members were taken into account.
http://withington.coopliving.net/
Energy efficiency measures installed:

Complete envelope insulation: double thickness roof, underfloor, external and internal walls,
Double glazed sashes + encapsulated original stained glass
LED lights + Eco washing machine and drying cabinet
High spec heating – Separate floor-by-floor system
Solar hot water tank heating
Solar PV 2.4Kw
3000 litre rainwater tank for toilet flushing + low flow rate taps
Recycled wood fibre external insulation
Leased by a co-operative committed to low waste and shared resources

Cordata think you should visit their home because:We believe we make a larger overall energy saving, because 6 people live there. We also made use of almost every energy saving method available at the time of the refurbishment, whilst preserving the character of the house. We think we are one of only a few ( or possibly the only) multiple occupancy houses in the country that have had a complete eco refurbishment from the ground up.Energy saving:
About 40-50% less than an equivalent houseToursSaturday 29th September, 10am – 4pm – tours on the hour Please book!
Accessibility and travel

Nearest public transport: buses to Palatine Road, Burton Road tram
Parking on street: free at weekends
Accessibility issues: steps at front and rear

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Ruth Shepherd - Green Open Homes 2018
2018-09-29 10:00 - 17:00 | St George’s Road, Ladybarn, Manchester, M14 6SZ, Manchester, M14 6SZ, GB
Ruth is opening her home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
Ruth Shepherd’s Mid terrace 1880s was cold and draughty before she decided she wanted to make home improvements. She’d lived in the house 10 years before making major changes in 2013. During the 5 years before, She had had double glazing and composite front and back doors installed. The cavity wall in the 1970s bathroom extension had also been done then. It was looking over the Eco house at Miles Platting and then visiting SuperHome owner Eric Fewster (see Hersey St, Salford) that made her determined get her house revamped. The work was carried out by Eric (www.ColdProof.co.uk) and Bob Hope of Expert Home Extensions (www.experthomeextensions.co.uk).
See more here: www.coldproof.co.uk

Energy efficiency measures installed:

Condensing boiler
Double Glazing
Draught-proofing
Floor Insulation
Internal Wall Insulation
Loft Insulation
Low Energy Lighting
Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery
Water Saving Devices

Ruth thinks you should visit her home because:
This is a small, terraced property i.e. you don’t have to have a big place to make improvements!ToursSaturday 29th September, 10am – 4pm – tours on the hour (except 1pm)
Accessibility and travel

Nearest public transport: Mauldeth Road rail station, buses 25, 50, 178, 179
Parking: Not brilliant but use Co-op carpark!
Accessibility: Steep, narrow stairs and step at front door

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Sarah and Charlie - Green Open Homes 2018
2018-09-29 10:00 - 2018-09-30 15:00 | Corkland Road Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8UP, Manchester, M21 8UP, GB
Sarah and Charlie are opening their home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.

This Victorian semi has been retrofitted to deomstrate the energy saving potential of simple, effective improvements.

Sarah and Charlie have reduced the carbon emissions of this house by 85% by installing insulation to walls, floors and roof, triple glazing and draught proofing the sash windows and fitting a heating system that combines solar thermal with a log burning biomass boiler. Sustainable materials have been a priority, including the most durable and eventually recyclable kitchen they could design. More info here: http://superhome.red.coop

Energy efficiency measures installed:

draught proofing
external wall insulation, internal wall insulation, floor insulation
new triple glazed / draught proofed sashes / secondary glazing
low energy lighting systems and electrical appliances
renewable heating – biomass log burner / solar thermal
sustainable building materials used

Sarah and Charlie think you should visit their home because:We have lots of practical suggestions for insulating an old property, with measures installed over the last decade. We want to encourage as many visitors as possible!
Energy saving:Old Superhome SAP assessment 81%
Tours

Saturday 29th September tours at 11 am and 3 pm
Sunday 30th September tour at 2 pm.

Accessibility and travel

Nearest public transport: 85 or 86 bus, Chorlton Tram
Parking on street
Accessibility issues: 3 steps to front door, stairs inside house but will help you get around as much as possible

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Green Open Homes Tour - September 2018
2018-09-29 10:30 - 17:15 | The Yard, Work For Change 41 Old Birley Street, Manchester, M15 5RF, Manchester, M15 5RF, GB
Visit inspiring eco-homes!
FREE
This bus tour is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
Join us for an inspiring day of eco-home visits, meet and speak to people who’ve retrofitted their homes and find out what’s possible.
We will start the day in th Yard Theatre for a Carbon Co-op workshop: Beginner’s Guide to Retrofit. Aneaka Kellay and Jonathan Atkinson will explore what we mean when we talk about energy efficiency and retrofit. We will explore basic ideas and concepts, and help you think through questions to consider when visiting eco-homes on the bus tour.
We will provide a free lunch and then head off on the tour!
The bus trip will stop at two Carbon Co-op member homes:
Alan and Monica
Alan and Monica have just completed a full refurbishment of their house which has included a number of measures to reduce energy consumption, make the house more thermally efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. They have employed experienced contractors, but not ones that are specialists in those particular areas. After a lot of consideration Alan and Monica decided not to go for EWI or MVHR and this was based on positive decisions around their home use patterns and desires, rather than due to finance.
John and Pauline
John and Pauline have retrofitted their 1930’s semi to EnerPHit standards, with very high levels of airtightness, EWI, triple glazing and MVHR. A driving concern has been the creation of a demonstration project to tackle climate change in old houses, and to convert the house to make it suitable for their retirement. They will continue to record energy usages, temperature and humidity and will make the data available to interested parties.
Both homes were the subject of a Carbon Co-op social in October 2017. See here for an audio recording and presentations here: https://carbon.coop/blog/aneaka/tale-three-retrofits

Details
WHAT
Introductory workshop + Eco-home bus tour
WHEN
Saturday 29th Septembr 2018
**Updated agenda**
10:30 – 11:30 Workshop: Beginners Guide to Retrofit
11:30 – 12:10 FREE brunch
12:20 – 17:00 Eco-home Bus Tour
Come along for the whole day or just the bus tour.
WHERE
Workshop: The Yard Theatre, Work for Change, Hulme.
Bus tour: Meet outside The Yard Theatre at 12:30 pm
COST
Free, spaces limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Monica and Alan - Green Open Home Tour 2018
2018-09-29 11:00 - 2018-09-30 16:00 | Rusholme, Manchester, Manchester, GB
Monica and Alan are opening their home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
After lots of hard work Monica and Alan have just completed a full eco-refurbishment of their home. They’ve made it more thermally efficient, comfortable, healthy and have reduced their carbon footprint.
To find out more about how Monica and Alan planned their retrofit, found contractors and managed issues along the way see our report from a member social in which Alan spoke.

Energy efficiency measures installed:

Cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, room-in-roof insulation
Triple glazing throughout (Green Building Store windows and doors). Unheated orangery on south side is double glazed.
LED lighting throughout, AA or AAA rated appliances in kitchen
Combi boiler
Renewables heat and electricity
Solar PV 3.75 kW on south facing roof
Kitchen fronts made in spalted beech by cabinet maker using local timber purchased from local social enterprise TreeStation – a Chorlton tree – with the cabinets made from 0% formaldehyde MDF veneered in beech. Worksurface 100% recycled glass, semitransparent. Paints throughout the house are Lakeland, which is zero VOC and organic
new room thermostat, all low temperature radiators downstairs so boiler can run at lower temperature, thermostatic radiator valves on all radiators

Monica and Alan think you should visit their home because:
We have a beautiful handcrafted kitchen, showing sustainable use of materials.We can talk about what we did and why and also what we did not do and why (eg external or internal wall insulation)

Tours
Saturday 29th September:

11am – drop in
1pm-2:30pm – bus tour visit book here
3pm – drop in

Sunday 30th September:

11am – drop in
1pm – drop in
3pm – drop in

Accessibility and travel

Wheelchair access: 1 step up to house at the front, level access at rear
Nearest public transport: Oxford Road corridor – 50 or so buses an hour
Parking on street or near by? Yes, plenty
Full address will be sent once booked.

To visit other eco-homes open on the 29th and 30th September, visit http://carboncoop.greenopenhomes.net/

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Andy and Sue - Green Open Home Tour 2018
2018-09-29 12:00 - 2018-09-30 15:00 | Bank Nook, Fish Rake Lane, Rossendale, Lancs, BB4 7AH
Andy and Sue are opening their home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
Bank Nook is an idilic site and an inspiring project – it’s well worth a visit!
Andy and Sue have been creating a sustainable, comfortable and beautiful home for over 40 years. They have thought carefully about how to use the natural resources on their land to create energy and keep warm! They have taken care of the natural environment, managed water, solar and land resources while maintaining a low carbon foorprint and increasing biodiversity.
Andy is a fountain of knowledge and always happy to discuss energy efficiency and sustainability. More recently he has learnt lots about managing water resources due to the summer drought.
Bank Nook is a detached 1750 stone built cottage, 250 metres high on West Pennine Hills, 115 sq metres.
See more about the project on this video: Andy Hamilton – 38 Years in to a 40 Year Project
Timeline

1977-1979 2000 trees planted. Now yielding over a ton of firewood each year and rich ecology. Natural water supply developed. Improved 1994 and 2013.
1977-1995 Insulation on East side of the house, Conservatory built on south side for solar gain, etc
1995 Installed water source Heat Pump with underfloor heating beneath stone flags
2009 Highly insulated extension built on North side
2010 Installed Air Source Heat Pump (£6,000 approx)
2011 Installed PV panels on purpose built shed with integrated Greenhouse
2012 – 14 Pavadentro and Hemp Lime insulation installed on West Side (£6,000 for 30 sq metres).

Now close to carbon neutral for heating if 2,000 kWhrs from PV panels taken into consideration. Performance of Heat Pump measured by Mitsubishi, as Bank Nook is a Mitsubishi test site. Full details in paper, and presentation by Andy Hamilton, and energy audit by Nick Parsons.

Tours:
Sunday 30th September – drop in open all day. Please let Andy know when you plan to arrive via the booking form.

Travel information
Find detailed travel instructions here.
Accessibility
This home is not wheelchair accessible.

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

John and Pauline - Green Open Homes 2018
2018-09-29 13:00 - 2018-09-30 17:00 | Uplands Avenue, Radcliffe, M26 1LT, Radcliffe, M26 1LT, GB
John and Pauline are opening their home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
Visit this inspiring eco-home that has pulled out all the stops to become as energy efficient and future proof as possible. This EnerPHit conversion has achieved very high energy savings with an estimated saving of 90% on gas bills.

Energy efficiency measures installed:

EnerPHit conversion includes insulated concrete floor, cavity wall, ext wall & loft insulation
Triple Glazing
Lighting systems and electrical appliances – LEDs + induction hob
Vaillant condensing boiler + micro-bore pipes to hot taps to reduce heat-loss from “dead legs.”
Brink Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery + recovery of 85% heat from exhaust gases
Consumer unit with expansion capability for future PV
Higher capacity gutters + down-pipes + water butts + soak-aways
Timber windows, doors, architraves, skirting & window boards
Good air-tightness to meet EnerPHit requirement.

John and Pauline think you should visit their home because:
Our house was a typical 1930s, semi-detached, ex-council house that had had the wrong things done in the wrong order to it since the last tenant bought it. The 1930s was a peak house-building period, so many people could copy what we did or do better. We will help other people who wish to do something similar.

Tours

Saturday 29th September bus tour – book separately here
Sunday 30th September tours available 2 – 5 pm

Accessibility and travel

Nearest public transport: Radclliffe & Whitefield tram stations; 98 bus stops at the end of Hollinhurst Road
Parking: Yes, but limited. We are near the end of a cul de sac.
Accessibility: Door is 7 steps up from the pavement.

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Kit Knowles - Green Open Home Tour 2018
2018-09-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8TH, Manchester, M21 8TH, GB
Kit Knowles is opening his home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
This home will be the first Passive House Plus retrofit in the UK and Europe. In addition to Passive House, further self imposed restrictions highlight the exemplary and innovative nature of the project. This will be the first passive house with stained glass, the first with petrochemical free building fabric, the first with EMF (Electromagnetic Field) free design! With conservation and enhancement of the original architecture and architectural features at its heart, design life of all components set at 25 years or above and inherent breathability designed into every external wall, floor and roof this is a truly unique dwelling.
For more about this property visit: www.ecospheric.co.uk/zetland

Energy efficiency measures installed:

2.5 artic lorry loads of wood fiber and cellulose (recycled newspaper)
Development of new blown insulation application techniques for retrofit projects.
Triple glazed passivhaus units, stained glass windows and doors
LED lighting throughout house (strip and filament LED),
Appliances with a minimum A++ energy rating
Central heating free design (post heater only)
Mixergy tank technology with novel thermocline control, powered by excess PV electricity
10kW Photovoltaic Thermal System , DiBT accredited efficient Log Burning Stove
MVHR – Paul Novus 300
Flow restricted aerated taps and showers throughout and grey water recycling toilets
Lime plaster/render, Timber frame hybrid construction, copper/brass/lead, breathable magnesium construction boards, Intello beating Siga intelligent building membrane and tapes
Draught free, damp free, constant temperature, controlled humidity
Retained existing fabric, no extensions added in the name of carbon reduction.
Full conservation approach to restore Victorian feel.

Kit think’s you should visit his home because:
Visit the UK’s most energy-efficient Victorian home! The Zetland Road Passive Homes will be the first certified passive house plus retrofits in Europe. These luxurious homes are the epitome of sustainability and heritage conservation.

Tours
Sunday 30th September:

10am – 1pm Open drop in
1pm – 4pm Open drop in

Estimated Energy SavingsSpace Heating: Total heating demand per year 2353 kWh per year according to PHPP calculation. This is to be satisfied using a combination of wood burning stove and excess PV electricity to the post heater.Electricity: PHPP calculation suggests 2038 kWh per year. Part grid part PV suppliedHot Water: 1930 kWh per year. Part grid part PV suppliedWater: No calculation available on PHPP. Using averages @ 125l/person per day and PHPP occupancy of 3.05 gives 140 cubics per year @ £1.87 per cubic. Standing charge per year £40 and highway drainage £102. Sewerage @£1.23 per cubic. Total estimate: £576Council tax Band D = £1566.79PV generation is 4275 kWh per year: FIT will pay £167 per year and with a 20% export an additional £28. Assuming an 80% utilisation factor for the PV = 3420kWh per year.Biomass costs ~£80 per cubic unstacked logs with 2600kWh = 3.85p/kWh @ 75% efficiency. Assume 1 cubic of logs are burnt per year, total remaining heating demand is 403kWh per year.Tonik energy 100% renewable tariff costs £73 per year standing charge and 12.68p per kWh.Total Electricity bill including standing charge, FIT, export, PV direct consumption and biomass for household electric, hot water and space heating = £0Total Energy bill = £80 for biomass. In reality 1 cubic of timber per year could easily be sourced for free!

Accessibility and travel
Nearest public transport: The Zetland Road Passive Homes can be easily reached by public transport. They are a 5 minute walk from the nearest tram and bus stop.By tram: Get out at the Chorlton Metrolink tram stop. Cross Wilbraham Road and walk down Corkland Road. Turn right onto Zetland Road. The Zetland Passive Homes are on the right side.By bus: Take the #85 bus to the corner of Wilbraham and Corkland Roads, outside Morrisons. Walk down Corkland Road and turn right onto Zetland Road.By car: There is limited street parking outside the homes.Accessibility issues:
There are stairs to enter the property and 3 flights of stairs accessible within the property. The hallways and stairs may be crowded at times. Those with mobility restrictions may find it difficult to traverse:

To visit other eco-homes open on the 29th and 30th September, visit http://carboncoop.greenopenhomes.net/

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Lorenza and Paul - Green Open Home - 2018
2018-09-30 10:30 - 11:30 | M19 On request
Lorenza and Paul are opening their home as a part of Carbon Co-op’s Green Open Homes Weekend, 29th and 30th September 2018.
This home is unique in taking a staged approach to retrofit. Lorenza and Paul have balanced raising a young child and limited time and money, with their desire to improve their home.
Watch a short video about this home: https://vimeo.com/142238564
Energy efficiency measures installed:

Roof fully insulated (2010)
New highly efficient Worcester combi boiler (installed 2009)
Cavity insulation with Manchester City Council scheme (2010)
Rigid Insulation behind external wall timber panelling, front and back (2010)
FSC insulated external doors (2014)
FSC timber triple glazed windows, tilt and turn (2014)
Conscious change and monitoring of occupants’ behaviour

Lorenza and Paul think you should visit their home because:
Our home is a 1960s midterrace, 2bed. We have been approaching and implementing a staged retrofit since 2009, doing work when we have available funds. The measures we have implemented are making a real change to energy savings (money and carbon), so doing a retrofit over a period of time without an initial large lump sum of money is possible.
TourSunday 30th September, 10:30am
*Booking essential, please don’t drop in*

Accessibility and travel

Levenshulme train station (10min walk), various bus stops few minutes walk away
Parking on street
Accessibility: A number of stairs to the living space.

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Routes to Retrofit - Oct 2018
2018-10-06 09:30 - 2018-10-13 13:00 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
Turn your designs into reality, learn how to procure domestic retrofit works.
Sat 6th and 13th October 2018, 9:30am – 1pm.
Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come first serve basis.
** Note venue: URBED, M1 1HR – NOT Bridge 5 Mill
“Excellent course, gave me a lot of info that I didn’t know I needed… made me think about how important the planning phase is and has spurred me on to learn more.” – Participant 2017
Looking for a retrofit contractor, architect or professional? This course shows you how.
Description: This ever popular course, taught by experienced industry professionals, supports you to navigate the construction industry, make the most out of your budget, learn to be a discerning customer and how to be a good client.
For: Householders already aware of what improvements they require, seeking to commission retrofit architects and contractors. Ideal next step after a My Home Energy Planner assessment.
Benefit: Gain an understanding of the importance of the planning phase and common problems you may encounter. Fnd the right retrofit contractor at the right price.What you will learn:

To considering objectives, priorities and getting the best result.
Balancing time, cost and quality
Regulations, approvals, and consents
Which ‘professionals’ are needed – selection and appointment
Selecting and appointing builders and using contracts
Examining common pitfalls and avoiding them
Getting the most for the resources you have available
Exchanging ideas and energy with like-minded people – & sharing the pain!

Knowledge required: Understanding of retrofit basics, an understanding of your retrofit improvements*Trainers: Marianne Heaslip, URBED and Bill Taylor, Taylor Armitt Consulting.

Routes To Retrofit is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more here: carbon.coop/training

*NB the course is for householders who are already aware of what improvements they require and are looking to take things to the next step, i.e. commission contractors etc. If you are unsure of what needs to be done to make your house energy efficient please commission a Carbon Co-op whole house assessment. Equally, these seminars are not for suppliers or contractors or professionals who offer services in retrofit design and delivery – householders are attending these seminars in order to receive impartial advice not sales pitches and we are happy to separately offer CPD services for professionals.
__________________________________________
SEMINAR CONTENT IN DETAIL
Session 1

Your brief: Understanding and clarifying your aims, priorities, budget, programme and scope of works and expectations.
Your team: Overview of who might be involved in your project and when, and importance of clear communication.
Importance of the existing condition: Understanding where you’re starting from.
Funding Options: What’s available, possible combinations and restrictions.
Time, Cost and Quality: Getting the balance right and understanding the risks, and mitigating the energy efficiency ‘performance gap’.
Regulations and approvals: What you need to consider – planning, building regulations, party walls, health and safety etc. – and where responsibility lies.

Session 2

Appointing Professionals:

understanding what advice you need

range of different building professionals and their differing roles and responsibilities
examining quotes
forms of agreement
quality control
communications

Choosing and appointing builders and contractors:

Appropriateness for scope and type of work
culture and communication – information required
tender and selection processes
aftercare

Scheduling works: Whole house vs step-by-step, thinking about packages of works.

Contracts:

Forms of contract including overview of ‘traditional’ vs ‘contractor design’
Risk management – dealing with ‘unforeseen extras’
Defects, warranties and aftercare

Trainer bios:
Marianne Heaslip, URBED marianne@urbed.coop, @marianneheaslip
Marianne is a chartered architect with interests in urban design, sustainability and participative design. She holds an MSc in Advanced Environment and Energy Studies from the Centre for Alternative Technology, and is a Certified Passive House Designer. Marianne has experience in both new build and retrofit projects at a range of scales, with a particular focus on low-energy and sustainable design. She worked on two of the pioneering TSB ‘Retrofit for the Future’ projects with the lessons learned through this work applied in her role on the Carbon Coop’s retrofit ‘Community Green Deal’ programme. She is currently working on a number of retrofit and refurbishment projects across the North West – including as a member of Terrace 21 cooperative in Granby, Liverpool, where she plans to live.
Bill Taylor – MD of Taylor Armitt Consulting bill@taconsulting.org
Bill is the MD of Taylor Armitt Consulting and has been working in affordable housing for over 30 years. With qualifications in Town & Country Planning and Housing Policy, he has held development and asset management roles to Director level in several housing associations, where he developed an interest in co-operative housing and social enterprise. He formed his own consultancy in 2009. Bill focuses on enabling energy efficient improvement of housing, advising companies on business strategy and tendering, issues around Corporate and Social Responsibility, and adding and demonstrating Social Value. Bill has worked extensively with Fusion21 (a social enterprise he helped to establish in 2001), developing of their ‘retrofit’ offer for social housing and the wider market. This provides procurement frameworks and client advice on funding, energy efficiency and resident involvement. It adopts Fusion21’s proven training and employment model to encourage clients and the supply chain to develop the workforce that will deliver retrofit into the future. Bill is a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and a Green Deal Advisor. Bill also advises housing associations on development issues, from strategy and policy though to processes and delivery. He also assists housing associations, consultants and contractors with procurement issues. His work in social audit involves advising on delivering, measuring and reporting on ‘social value added’ and he is a Social Accountant and Auditor with the Social Audit Network.

Carbon Co-op carbon.coop, @CarbonCoop
Carbon Co-op is a community benefit society made up of householder members seeking to make radical reductions in their household energy usage.Membership costs £35/year, for more details and to apply visit: https://carbon.coop/user/register

Introduction to Off-Grid Power Systems - Oct 2018
2018-10-20 10:00 - 16:00 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
A practical, hands-on course in designing and building off-grid power systems.

** Note venue: URBED, M1 1HR – NOT Bridge 5 Mill
Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come, first serve basis.

Description: The key concepts for designing and building off-grid power systems. Discussing the value of off-grid systems, sharing knowledge on how to build your own system to power lighting or electronic devices.
For: Anyone with an interest in renewable energy and generating and supplying their own power, building off-grid power systems, automotive or marine power applications.
Benefit: Gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
What you will learn:

Key concepts in the supply of electricity and basic electrical theory.
Key concepts in the design and specification of off-grid power systems.
How to size a basic off-grid power system involving PV panels and a battery.
Basic specification and selection of components.
Assembly of a basic off-grid power system with PV panels and batteries.

Existing knowledge required: Some familiarity with basic electrical theory will aid understanding but is not required.
Trainer: Ben Aylott, Carbon Co-op
Works in the areas of energy systems, he has a masters in Solar Energy Engineering from the European Solar Engineering School and experience in designing and building real world off-grid power systems in a variety of contexts.
Cost:

Member (discounted) – £40
Non-member (discounted) – £50
Member (standard) – £55
Non-member (standard) – £70

Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come, first serve basis.
** Note venue: URBED, M1 1HR – NOT Bridge 5 Mill
This training is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more here: carbon.coop/training

Carbon Co-op Retrofit Meetup - Home electrification
2018-10-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Leaf, 113–115 Portland Street, Manchester, GB
Come and discuss your experiences and questions about home electrification. Have you changed over from gas to electric heating and/or cooking as part of your retrofit, or got an electric car charger? Or have you thought about doing so, to get away from fossil fuel gas and petrol? Come and share your experiences with other members, and ask any questions you have been mulling over, including the challenges of making these changes in your home, and what you think about the implications for the wider electricity system. Is electrification the way forward, or should we be focusing on green alternatives to natural gas, e.g. hydrogen and biogas?
Check out our video about changes in the UK energy system for some warm-up thought provocation:Please RSPV (http://meetu.ps/c/31QrX/zdQJQ/f)!

Draught-proofing for homeowners - Oct 2018
2018-10-27 09:30 - 12:00 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
Make low cost improvements to keep your home warmer.
** Note venue: URBED, M1 1HR – NOT Bridge 5 Mill
A limited number of discounted tickets available.
Description: Covers the basics of how heat is lost in a home before focusing on draught-proofing. Looks at typical areas where homes leak heat and techniques for making improvements. Looks at the risks and issues around moisture management and ventilation.
For: Homeowners, renters and students.
Benefit: Gain knowledge and understand techniques for making improvements on a budget. A useful step in making first stage improvements.
What you will learn:

How heat is lost in a home
Where to find leaks
Techniques and methods to draught-proof

Knowledge required: None
Trainer: Aneaka Kellay
Has over ten years of experience working in environmental organisations, co-operatives and has a masters in Environmental Politics. She is experienced in hosting workshops, facilitation and community engagement. Aneaka is currently working to maintain and grow Carbon Co-op’s community of peer learning and support.
This workshop has been developed with the support of CAfS (Cumbria Action for Sustainability).
Cost:

Member early bird – £6
Non-member early bird – £10
Member standard – £14
Non-member standard – £20

Bursaries available, email info@carbon.coop for more.

This training is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more here: carbon.coop/training

Ventilation for Retrofit - Nov 2018
2018-11-07 18:00 - 20:30 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
Making sure your home stays healthy as you improve its energy efficiency.
** Note venue: URBED, M1 1HR – NOT Bridge 5 Mill
Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come, first served basis.

Course Description: A two hour session that will explain why planned ventilation is an important consideration in any refurbishment project, the different ventilation strategies available and their pros and cons, and some of the technologies involved, and its relationship with draught-proofing and insulation.

For: Householders planning a retrofit project, either staged or all in one go.

Benefit: Integrate ventilation planning in to your retrofit project to maintain a healthy breathable atmosphere and avoid damp and cold issues.

What you will learn:

What is good air indoor quality, and how does it relate to individual and building health.
Why proper ventilation is important.
What the building regulations say – in brief.
What different retrofit ventilation strategies are available.
What the pros and cons of different strategies are in retrofit.
Some of the technologies involved.

Existing knowledge required: None

Trainer: Marianne Heaslip, URBED
A chartered architect with interests in urban design, sustainability and participative design. She holds an MSc in Advanced Environment and Energy Studies from the Centre for Alternative Technology, and is a Certified Passive House Designer. She worked on pioneering TSB ‘Retrofit for the Future’ projects with the lessons learned through this work applied in her role on the Carbon Coop’s retrofit ‘Community Green Deal’ programme.

Cost:

Member (discounted) – £16
Non-member (discounted) – £20
Member (standard) – £24
Non-member (standard) – £30

Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come, first served basis.
Ventilation for Retrofit is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more here: carbon.coop/training

Principles of Retrofit - November 2018
2018-11-08 17:30 - 2018-11-15 20:30 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR`, Manchester, M1 1HR`, GB
Two-part evening seminar on understanding heat and moisture in your home
*Thursday 8th and 15th November, 5:30pm – 8:30pm*
Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come, first served basis.
Description: Confused by talk of U-values and ‘breathability’ in buildings? Keen to understand how you can improve and insulate your home to make it warmer, whilst avoiding unintended consequences? Want to know enough to avoid being bamboozled, but don’t want to become a specialist? Then this course is for you.
For: Householders planning refurbishment works who would like to develop a better understanding of basic technical principles in energy efficiency and retrofit.
Benefit: Will help you to decipher some of the language used by professionals, and better understand the key considerations in ensuring a successful retrofit.
What you will learn:

Heat transfer mechanisms and U-values.
Properties and application of insulation, thermal mass, air-tightness, and ‘breathability’.
Understand key performance risks – cold bridging, leaks, indoor air quality and moisture.
Specification concerns – context and criteria.

Existing knowledge required: None
Trainer: Marianne Heaslip, URBED
A chartered architect with interests in urban design, sustainability and participative design. She holds an MSc in Advanced Environment and Energy Studies from the Centre for Alternative Technology, and is a Certified Passive House Designer. She worked on pioneering TSB ‘Retrofit for the Future’ projects with the lessons learned through this work applied in her role on the Carbon Coop’s retrofit ‘Community Green Deal’ programme.

Details
Course dates: Thursday 8th and 15th November 2018
Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm
Where: URBED, M1 1HR
Cost:

Member (discounted) – £40
Non-Member (discounted) – £55
Member (standard) – £50
Non member (standard) – £70

Limited number of discounted tickets available. First come, first served!
Food and refreshments will be provided.

DIY Retrofit for Homeowners - Nov 2018
2018-11-10 09:30 - 2018-11-24 16:30 | TBC, Central Manchester/Salford, GB
Understand retrofit theory, learn practical skills and how to manage risk

“The course exceeded my expectation by miles! Gained so much knowledge. Really good structure, especially learning the theory before the practical parts. Really in-depth teaching, especially around risks involved.” – Participant 2016

Description: This 3 day course tackles the key areas of fabric upgrades applicable to most homes. Includes airtightness works and insulation, covering basic measures such as draft-proofing, moving on to more advanced subjects such as floor and wall insulation. The focus is on teaching principles through practical examples.
For: Homeowners who want to carry out some or all of their own improvements. Handy-people interested in learning more about retrofit.
Benefit: Gain practical knowledge and confidence to undertake home improvements with an understanding of potential risks and how to mitigate them.
What you will learn:

What is a thermal bridge and why do they matter?
Practical hands-on skills
Learn the right tools for the right job
Delivering results on a budget
Airtightness and draught-proofing techniques and materials
Underfloor, wall and loft insulation

Knowledge required: No DIY experience required or previous knowledge needed.
Trainer: Dan Chaplin, Think Building Energy
Has more than 10 years of experience in domestic refurbishment and retrofit, with a proven track record of delivering quality, award winning buildings. Having worked in a variety of roles, from operational site work through to project management and technical specification he has strong insight into all aspects of the subject. Dan has a particular interest in the risks that exist around retrofit and has worked with Leeds Beckett University on this.
Dates+times:
10th, 11th and 24th November 2018
9:30am – 4:30pm every day.
Cost:

Member early bird – £240
Non-member early bird – £300
Member standard – £280
Non-member standard – £350

**Early bird rates until 10th Oct 2018**
Bursaries available, email info@carbon.coop for more.

This training is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more here: carbon.coop/training

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - Nov 2018
2018-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB

Trip to Lloyd's home - part way through retrofit works!
2018-11-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Lloyd’s house, Cheadle, Manchester, GB
This November we will visit Lloyd’s home in Heald Green (South Manchester). Lloyd has been retrofitting his home over the last year, having taken his house apart, he has almost put it back together again! This is a great time to visit as still visible when we visit will be:
– External Wall Insulation– Internal Wall Insulation (wood-fibre and PIR)– Window detailing– Floor insulation
A great opportunity to speak to with Lloyd about what he has done and why. We will take our thermal imaging camera and have a look at how well the house is retaining heat!
*Travel*Nearest station: Heald Green.Lloyd’s home is a 20 min walk or short taxi ride from the station.Aneaka will be catching the 17:34 train from Manchester Piccadilly and catching a taxi at the other end.
If you are making your own way there please contact Aneaka for the address. aneaka@carbon.coop
Limited spaces, please RSPV (http://meetu.ps/c/31QrX/zdQJQ/f)!

Carbon Co-op Info Night: Heating and Ventilation
2018-12-05 18:00 - 20:30 | Room G4, Friends Meeting House 6 Mount Street , Manchester, M2 5NS, Manchester, M2 5NS, GB
Many of our members have questions about heating systems and ventilation – what works? What is suitable for different house types? How do heating systems and ventilation interact?
Our approach to retrofit is fabric first – but what is second? Thinking through the way we heat and ventilate our homes is essential to effective whole house retrofit, and ensuring that we are warm and have good indoor air quality.
Older homes were built to be draughty as a way of managing damp and indoor air quality, but that makes them cold and expensive to heat. As we draught proof our homes and make them warm and cosy, having a ventilation strategy that is compatible with our heating strategy and the building’s fabric becomes increasingly important.
We will be joined by three professionals with different areas of expertise: Peter King (Aereco, Ventilation Manufacturer), Richard Shears (Snug Spaces, Heating Engineer), and Jim Wild (LEDA, Building Services Engineer).
Speakers will present drawing on their expertise in whole house building design, heating system installation and ventilation system design. To get the warmed up and focused on what you want to know about, please post your questions on social media ahead of the event.
Food will be provided. Booking is essential.
AGENDA

6.00pm – Arrival, tea & coffee
6.15pm – Introductions
6.20pm – Speaker presentations
7.20pm – Discussion
7.50pm – Food and socialising
8.30pm – Ends

This event has been sponsored by Aereco.

Speaker biographies
Jim Wild (LEDA, Building Services Engineer)
Jim is an expert in Building Services Engineering and a Chartered Engineer and Director for LEDA. He works with a holistic view and human centred approach on all projects. At LEDA we are dedicated to creating excellent buildings that work. We provide advice and design at all stages of the construction life cycle and work collaboratively across disciplines to achieve financially viable, lean and environmentally sustainable solutions. Currently we are working on single domestic dwelling refurbishments, new build low energy and Passive House projects, large refurbishments and new new build for private and local authority customers.
Richard Shears (Snug Spaces, Heating Engineer)
Richard’s background is in plumbing and heating, which he’s been involved with for over 10yrs. As he’s gained knowledge and experience he has moved more towards low energy retrofit and installing systems that suit the needs of low energy homes. Richard has also added energy assessment to his skills, and more recently AECB Retrofit Co-ordinator qualifications.
Richard started Snug Spaces as a way of providing a more rounded approach to retrofit. We are a small team of installers and subcontractors that provide guidance and advice to the homeowner and showing them a pathway to lowering their energy use. We focus on actual delivery and installation of energy efficiency measures, quite often helping homeowners with single elements but also right through to whole house retrofits, it isn’t always possible to plan a complete refurbishment of the home in one go.
Peter King (Aereco, Ventilation specialist)
Peter King is a ventilation specialist with over 6 years’ experience at Aereco.

Carbon Co-op Retrofit Meetup
2018-12-27 18:00 - 19:30
This is a chance for a friendly and informal catch up with other Carbon Co-op members. An opportunity to talk about your retrofit project with others who are also keen to share ideas and experience. Please RSPV!

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - January 2019
2019-01-16 18:00 - 19:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
Learn about energy efficiency and making home improvements
What: What do we mean when we talk about energy efficiency and retrofit? In this short, beginners guide we explore basic ideas and concepts, helping you get to grips with how you might reduce energy bills, improve your property and make your home a little bit greener.
For: householders interested in energy efficiency and domestic retrofit, new Carbon Co-op members, housing association staff, housing co-ops and landlords.
How you will benefit: gain a better understanding of retrofit, whether it is relevant to you and advice on your next steps.
Knowledge required: None
Trainers: Jonathan Atkinson and Aneaka Kellay, Carbon Co-op
Cost: Free for both members and non-members

This monthly introductory evening to retrofit takes place on the second Wednesday of the month.

A Beginner’s Guide To Retrofit is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more at carbon.coop/training

Carbon Co-op Social
2019-01-19 10:30 - 13:30 | Thom’s Bar, 54 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, SK4 4NZ, Stockport, SK4 4NZ, GB
Meet, Socialise, Learn!
This January we will be holding our member social on a Saturday morning in Heaton Moor. Members will be sharing stories on their energy efficiency retrofits. And we’ll be laying on food and refreshments!
As well as the chance to meet people and exchange knowledge, we’ll be sharing the findings from our most recent Carbon Co-op members survey – finding out what kind of people retrofit their homes, how their budgets stack up and who they talk about to share their stories and knowledge. This is all part of our People Powered Retrofit project: https://carbon.coop/blog/jonathan/what-does-people-powered-retrofit-look
There will be lots of time to socialise and a buffet lunch will be provided.
Booking essential!

MORE INFORMATION
Travel
4 mins walk from Heaton Chapel Station, which is 9 mins from Manchester Piccadilly on the train.
On street parking nearby.
Accessibility
One step into the venue, accessible toilets.
Families welcome
We will have some activities for children however there will also be presentations taking place.

Thermography Training - 24th January 2019
2019-01-24 18:00 - 20:30 | Didsbury, Didsbury, Didsbury, GB
Join us for a FREE* thermography training with Diane Hubbard.
*a £10 refundable deposit is required to book.
This January, Diane Hubbard will be performing airtightness and thermography tests on Carbon Co-op member Julian’s home. She has offered it as an opportunity to provide free training to Carbon Co-op members. As a part of the event, Julian will give a tour of his recently retrofitted home.
This practical, hands-on session will give you the opportunity to learn the basics of using a thermal imaging camera and also see an airtightness test in combination with thermal imaging.
The session will give the benefits that thermal imaging cameras offer, but also common pitfalls and allow you to examine a home under airtightness test conditions. Basic thermal imaging inside and outside buildings will be covered, together with an introduction to the interpretation of thermal images

Spaces are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Julian’s home address will be emailed to you when you book.
Refreshments will be available.

Diane Hubbard, Green Footsteps
A mechanical engineer, Diane’s interest in building physics arose a number of years ago with the realisation that our existing buildings are crucial to reducing our environmental impact. After the completion of her MSc at the Centre of Alternative Technology and academic publications, she continues to increase our understanding of this field through a combination of research and project work with clients.
Working as Green Footsteps (greenfootsteps.co.uk), Diane undertakes airtightness testing, infrared thermography and energy calculations for new buildings and those about to undergo retrofits. She is a Passivhaus Consultant, Passivhaus Tradesperson and a Level 2 Building Thermographer.

Thermography Training - 25th January 2019
2019-01-25 18:00 - 20:30 | Chorlton, Chorlton, Chorlton, GB
Join us for a FREE* thermography training with Diane Hubbard.
*a £10 refundable deposit is required to book.
Due to the huge popularity of this training, we are running an additional session. If you have booked onto the 24th January training please do not book onto this course. Thank you.
*Correction – this training will be a thermal imaging training only – it will not include an airtightness test.*
This practical, hands-on session will give you the opportunity to learn the basics of using a thermal imaging camera.
The session will give the benefits that thermal imaging cameras offer, but also common pitfalls. Basic thermal imaging inside and outside buildings will be covered, together with an introduction to the interpretation of thermal images

Spaces are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Laura’s home address will be emailed to you when you book.
Refreshments will be available.

Diane Hubbard, Green Footsteps
A mechanical engineer, Diane’s interest in building physics arose a number of years ago with the realisation that our existing buildings are crucial to reducing our environmental impact. After the completion of her MSc at the Centre of Alternative Technology and academic publications, she continues to increase our understanding of this field through a combination of research and project work with clients.
Working as Green Footsteps (greenfootsteps.co.uk), Diane undertakes airtightness testing, infrared thermography and energy calculations for new buildings and those about to undergo retrofits. She is a Passivhaus Consultant, Passivhaus Tradesperson and a Level 2 Building Thermographer.
