Info Night: Construction Contracts - sign on the dotted line?
2019-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | LEAF on Portland Street, 113–115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW, Manchester, M1 6DW, GB
Engaging a contractor in building works, ordering materials for your retrofit project or making a verbal agreement with a builder? Then you are entering into a contract! But do you know your rights, and if there is something in writing do you read every word before signing on the dotted line? “You can agree to almost anything in your contracts… in theory. However, laws can interfere with that freedom. Just because a term is written into a contract doesn’t mean you are bound by it.” (https://500words.co.uk/the-dotted-line-anything-almost/) At this Carbon Co-op Info Night, Sarah Fox (500 words) will be joining us to shine a light on construction contract basics – what to look for, what to look out for, and what your rights are. Sarah is a contract specialist who advocates for simple contracts of just 500 words to build trust and avoid disputes. Find out more at www.500words.co.uk
The evening is a great opportunity for householders planning retrofit works or other domestic construction projects to get their questions on contracts answered. Contractors are also welcome!
Share your stories!
We’re also looking to hear about YOUR experience of contracts – have you been asked to agree to terms you’ve found unreasonable? Have you not received a contract until work had started and found yourself in breach of the contract through no fault of your own? Whether you can join us for the evening or not, please email marion@carbon.coop in advance and we’ll ask for Sarah’s take on them so we can all learn from each others’ experiences – and if you want to keep your questions anonymous, that’s fine!
Booking is essential.
Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Nearest train station Manchester Oxford Road (5 mins walk), Manchester Piccadilly (10mins walk)
Nearest tram stop: St Peter’s Square
Nearest car park: NCP Car Park Manchester Chorlton Street

Carbon Co-op's Beginner's Guide To Retrofit workshop
2019-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Upper Hall, Wesley Methodist Church Christ’s Pieces, Cambridge, Cambridge, GB
What do we mean when we talk about energy efficiency and retrofit?
Run by Jonathan Atkinson of Manchester-based community energy organisation Carbon Co-op and experienced retrofit architect Marianne Heaslip of URBED, this short, free beginners workshop will 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.

This workshop is for householders interested in energy efficiency and domestic retrofit, housing association staff, housing co-ops and landlords. Together Carbon Co-op and URBED have extensive experience of step-by-step and whole house retrofit works. By attending this workshop you will gain a better understanding of retrofit, whether it is relevant to you, get advice on your next steps and meet fellow householders embarking on the same journey.
No prior knowledge is required.

GM Retrofit Builders Network Launch
2019-09-24 17:00 - 19:30 | The Blue Bell Inn, 170 Barlow Road, Manchester, M19 3HF, Manchester, M19 3HF, GB
An opportunity to meet other trades with retrofit experience in Manchester and access local clients seeking contractors for retrofit.

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - October 2019
2019-10-09 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 introductory evening to retrofit takes place on the second Wednesday of every 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

Green Open Homes 2019
2019-10-19 10:00 - 2019-10-20 17:00 | Levenshulme Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3AR, Manchester, M19 3AR, GB
Visit inspiring eco-homes!
Join us for an inspiring day of eco-home visits, meet and speak to people who’ve retrofitted their homes and get your questions answered!
Have you got questions about insulating your home? Want to understand how others have thought through home improvements? What to know how others have found trades people?
*WHAT*
Open Homes
Homes that have had energy efficiency improvements are open for one weekend. Click here for a description of the homes:

Paul & Lorenza, Levenshulme
Andy & Sue, Rossendale
Ruth, Fallowfield
Ecospheric, Chorlton (Book here)
Dom & Kerstin, Prestwich
Alan & Monica, Rusholme
Phoebe, Stockport
Sarah & Lloyd, Heald Green
Cordata Housing Cooperative, Withington **NEWLY ADDED 09/10**

Workshop
An introductory workshop at Levenshulme Inspire: Beginners Guide to Retrofit. Helping you understand the basics and get your head around the jargon before you head out to see the homes.
Bus Tour
We will start the day at Levenshulme Inspire for a Carbon Co-op workshop: Beginner’s Guide to Retrofit. Marion Lloyd-Jones 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.
We will provide a free lunch and then head off on the tour!
The bus tour will stop at two Carbon Co-op member homes. Both are at different stages of development so this is an exciting opportunity to see the process.

Phoebe, Stockport
Sarah & Lloyd, Heald Green

*BOOKING*
Use the ‘Tickets’ link to book your place to visit a home, attend the workshop or get on the tour.
Use this link to book visits to Ecospheric, Chorlton.
*WHEN*
Open homes
Get their under your own steam, hourly visit slots throughout Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October 2019 (see timetable below).
Workshop & Bus Tour
Saturday 19th October 2019, 11am – 5pm.

11:00 – 12:00 Workshop: Beginners Guide to Retrofit
12:00 – 12:30 FREE lunch for workshop attendees
12:30 – 17:00 Eco-home Bus Tour

*WHERE*
Open Homes – Locations across Greater Manchester. NB we do not circulate addresses of the homes publicly, you will be contacted a couple of days before the event with the addresses of the homes you have booked to visit.
Workshop – Levenshulme Inspire, Stockport Road, Levenshulme..
Bus tour – Meet outside Levenshulme Inspire at 12:30 pm

*COST*
All free, but booking essential!
We are asking all bus tour attendees to pay a refundable deposit of £10 when booking. Your deposit will be returned if you attend the tour/make your apologies in advance.

Many thanks to Ecology Building Society for supporting this event.

Everything eBikes: EcoHome Lab + Info Night
2019-11-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Popup Bikes, Arch 5 Corporation Street, Manchester, M4 4DG, Manchester, M4 4DG, GB
Ever thought of getting an electric bike? We explore everything ebikes: from buying, hiring, retrofitting, commuting or leisure.

Masterclass: Airtightness In Domestic Retrofit
2019-11-12 17:00 - 19:30 | Levenshulme, Marshall Road, Levenshulme, M19 2FQ, Levenshulme, M19 2FQ, GB
An evening session with Liam Schofield on airtightness in retrofit.

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - November 2019
2019-11-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Levenshulme Inspire, 747 Stockport Rd, Manchester, M19 3AR, Manchester, M19 3AR, GB

Eco-Renovation for Builders
2019-11-15 09:00 - 2019-11-16 16:00 | Levenshulme Methodist Church, 824 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3AW, Manchester, M19 3AW, GB
This is practical training, run by builders for builders, gets into the nitty-gritty of issues that typically come up in a retrofit.

Draught-Proofing Workshop - For renters and home-owners
2019-11-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Levenshulme Inspire, 747 Stockport Rd, Manchester, M19 3AR, Manchester, M19 3AR, GB
Make low-cost improvements to keep your home warmer this winter.
Are you aware of how much heat you may be losing through cracks and gaps in your windows, walls, and floors? These issues are reasonably simple to fix and will help you be warmer at home and save serious money on your annual energy bills. Come along to this workshop to find out more…
“The course provides a good mix of understanding how to spot draughts, plus practical techniques and products to reduce them” – Natalie, 2018
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 looking to make their homes warmer. No prior experience needed.
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: Matt Fawcett
Cost: FREE
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 - February 2020
2020-02-12 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 WILL YOU 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/Aneaka Kellay/Matt Fawcett/Marion Lloyd-Jones/Liam Schofield, Carbon Co-op
COST: Free for both members and non-members

This introductory evening to retrofit takes place on the second Wednesday of every 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

Masterclass: Hemp/lime for building professionals
2020-02-21 12:30 - 17:00 | The Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3AR, Manchester, M19 3AR, GB
Practical workshop on designing and building with hemp/lime, including spray and cast application for retrofit insulation.

Hemp-Lime Insulation & Building for Self-builders / DIY retrofit
2020-02-22 10:00 - 16:00 | The Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3AR, Manchester, M19 3AR, GB
A practical, hands-on workshop with two of UK’s most experienced hempcrete specialists. No prior experience necessary.

Energise Home Energy Party
2020-03-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Member House TBC, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19, Manchester, M19, GB
Come to a house party with a difference. Hunt for draughts and cold areas, identify energy improvements and learn how to make them.

Energise: a day of retrofit learning and inspiration
2020-03-07 09:30 - 17:30 | Levenshulme Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3AR, Manchester, M19 3AR, GB
Act on Climate Change – Skills for warmer, low-carbon homes.

Energise After Party
2020-03-07 18:30 - 21:30 | The Talleyrand, 1030 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3WX, Manchester, M19 3WX, GB
Member social following Energise workshops – whether you come to the workshops or not!

Chorlton Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - March 2020
2020-03-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Oswald Road School, Oswald Rd, Manchester , Manchester, M21 9PL, Manchester, M21 9PL, GB
Learn about energy efficiency and making home improvements
Join us for a special Chorlton edition of Beginner’s Guide to Retrofit in which we will outline the basics of retrofit and also highlight our People Powered Retrofit service and how we can help you transform your home.
The session will conclude with a trip to a near by pub.
——–
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 WILL YOU BENEFIT: gain a better understanding of retrofit, whether it is relevant to you and advice on your next steps.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: None
TRAINERS: Marion Lloyd-Jones/Liam Schofield, Carbon Co-op
COST: Free for both members and non-members

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

Info Night: Construction Contracts - sign on the dotted line?
2020-03-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Federation House, 2 Federation Street, Manchester, M4 4BF, Manchester, M4 4BF, GB
Construction is crammed with complex contracts – but it doesn’t have to be that way… Contract lawyer Sarah Fox takes it back to basics.

Introduction to Eco-Renovation - Part 1
2020-04-03 09:40 - 11:15
This training, run by builders for builders, is an introduction to eco-renovation for contractors new to this area.

Introduction to Eco-Renovation - Part 2
2020-04-08 10:15 - 11:45

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit webinar - April 2020
2020-04-08 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
This event will take place by webinar – a registration link will be sent after registering for a ticket.
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 WILL YOU BENEFIT: gain a better understanding of retrofit, whether it is relevant to you and advice on your next steps.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: None
TRAINERS: Aneaka Kellay, Retrofit Team, Carbon Co-op
COST: Free for both members and non-members
This introductory evening to retrofit takes place on the second Wednesday of every month.

Building airtightness basics webinar with Diane Hubbard
2020-04-16 17:30 - 19:00
Getting to grips with air tightness in the home.

Introduction to Home Energy Systems
2020-04-27 11:00 - 12:30
The Home of the near Future: an overview of changes to domestic energy systems. (Image: Naus,Joeri. 2017)

Deep retrofit principles and case studies webinar with Liam Schofield
2020-05-06 18:00 - 20:00
For householders interested in retrofitting their homes to high levels

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit webinar - May 2020
2020-05-13 17:30 - 19:30
Learn about energy efficiency and making home improvements

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - May 2020
2020-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB

Power Shaper - The Flexible Energy Future
2020-05-19 17:30 - 18:30, 2020-05-25 17:30 - 18:30, 2020-06-01 17:30 - 18:30
Delve into the Future of flexible energy and how you can shape it.
Power Shaper aims to build smarter grid solutions.

Retrofit: Replacement windows and doors webinar with Diane Hubbard
2020-06-03 17:45 - 19:30
High specification windows and doors can be a major expense in a retrofit, so understanding their thermal performance and airtightness is i
