Carbon Co-op

Hemp-Lime Insulation & Building for Self-builders / DIY retrofit
2020-02-22 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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
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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Info Night: Construction Contracts - sign on the dotted line?
2019-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | 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

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - September 2019
2019-09-11 18:00 - 19:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - August 2019
2019-08-14 18:00 - 19:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - July 2019
2019-07-10 18:00 - 19:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - June 2019
2019-06-12 18:00 - 19:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB

Navigating the Construction Industry - a Guide for Householders (Routes to Retrofit) - May 2019
2019-05-13 17:30 - 2019-05-20 20:30 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
Building a new home, extending or retrofitting an existing one? Taught by industry professionals, this course helps you navigate the construction industry, make the most of your budget and gaining the skills to select and manage quality contractors.
A two-part evening seminar (formerly known as ‘Routes to Retrofit’), this will help you turn your home improvement and construction plans into reality.
“Excellent course, gave me a lot of info I needed… made me think about how important the planning phase is and has spurred me on to learn more.” – Participant 2017
For
Householders aware of what works and improvements they require, seeking to commission architects, builders and contractors. Ideal next step after a My Home Energy Planner retrofit assessment.
Benefit
Gain an understanding of the importance of planning phase and common problems. Helps you find the right contractor at the right price. Useful for anyone undertaking a home contruction, self-build projects as well as those seeking to commission an eco-retrofit. What you will learn

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. (Bio’s below)
Pricing
***Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come first serve basis. Use code 10OFFR2R***
Budgets for home construction and improvement works vary, so we are trialing a sliding scale pricing structure based on your renovation budget. Members will receive an additional 15% discount by using code MEMOFF15.

You can book an additional place for your partners or housemates on a pay as you feel basis if space is available.
We accept payments in installments.
Email info@carbon.coop to discuss.

Routes To Retrofit is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more here: carbon.coop/training
__________________________________________
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 biographies
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
———
*NB If you are unsure of what needs to be done to make your house energy efficient you may want to consider commissioning 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.

CPD: Ventilation Systems – Design, Installation and Demand Control
2019-05-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Bridge5Mill, 22A Beswick Street, Manchester, M4 7HR, Manchester, M4 7HR, GB
CPD on Ventilation Systems – Design, Installation and Demand Control
With Peter King, Aereco
Are you considering installing ventilation systems in your project or are clients and householders concerned with indoor air quality issues such as damp and mould?
Whether you are undertaking energy efficiency works for a private householder, or looking to improve air quality as a housing provider, this CPD will help you understand what to consider when specifying, designing or installing ventilation systems.
For: Contractors, Architects, Housing Associations, Retrofit Professionals
Additional information:

Refreshments available
Free on-street parking nearby (Pollard St, Branson St, Piercy St)
Fully wheelchair accessible

Bio: Peter King, Aereco limited, UK Sales and Operations Manager
Peter has over 20 years experience within the Ventilation industry in both the commercial and domestic sectors covering all aspects of its delivery from design to manufacture to installation and commissioning.
For the past 8 years Peter has worked for Aereco Ltd and been one of the leading advocates for Demand Controlled Ventilation within the UK.
Aereco invented and are the market leaders in Demand Controlled Ventilation. For over 30 years they have been at the forefront in understanding and controlling IAQ in buildings. With systems in millions of homes all over the world, they bring an unrivaled practical experience of DCV.

Bolton: Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - May 2019
2019-05-08 18:00 - 19:30 | A Small Good Thing, 29 Church Road, Bolton, BL1 6HE, Bolton, BL1 6HE, 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

Hemp and Lime insulation workshop
2019-04-27 09:30 - 16:30 | Hulme Community Garden Centre, Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 5RF, United Kingdom
Join us for this one-day, hands-on training on how to use hemp and lime for insulation.
Older buildings with brick or stone walls can benefit from the use of natural breathable materials for insulation. This workshop will demonstrate the use of hemp and lime, materials with fantastic eco-credentials, and show how they are used in renovation or new build (in a UK or developing world context).
Run by green building legend Tom Woolley, this workshop features both a classroom and a hands on practical element and will cover: materials and sourcing; cost and thermal performance; and different techniques for applying the material to a section of a wall.
Participants will have the chance to handle the materials – and get dirty!
Who is it for?
This workshop is suitable for anyone thinking of improving their house, homeowners, self-builders, and professionals.
What will you learn?

The nature of hemp and lime materials
Using the right materials
The nature of bio-based materials for insulation
About hygroscopic properties for good indoor air quality
Practical methods for retrofitting onto properties

Previous knowledge required?
No previous knowledge is required apart from a willingness to embrace the benefits of natural materials.
Cost
We are running this training as a ‘Pay-As-You-Feel’ workshop. The training costs us £55 per person to run but our suggested prices are:

Unwaged: £10
Low waged: £25
High waged: £50

Please pay what you can afford.
Trainer Biography
Tom Woolley is an architect who has been a pioneer of the use of natural materials, particularly hemp and lime in buildings. He works for Rachel Bevan Architects and has published several books on green building and healthy indoor environment. He has taught at several universities and educational establishments including the Centre for Alternative Technology and runs workshops around the world on hemp and lime.

Additional information
You will need practical clothing including:

Sturdy boots
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty with lime etc.
Must wear long trousers

Logistical information
The workshop is in two parts: the morning is classroom-based in Hulme Community Garden Center, in the afternoon we will travel to Ratcliffe House Farm, Warrington for the practical session.
We will provide transport to and from Ratcliffe House Farm.
With thanks to…
Harrison Spinks, Kilwaughter Lime, Earthborn paints and UK Hempcrete for supporting this workshop.

A Green New Deal for Homes + Carbon Co-op AGM
2019-04-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Friends Meeting House Manchester, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS, Manchester, M2 5NS, GB
With an increasing acknowledgement of the climate emergency, a Green New Deal for the UK has been proposed, but what does a Green New Deal in the UK mean for existing homes?
Can it kickstart the large scale retrofit of private and social housing stock, how can we ensure all sections of society benefit from the energy transition and how do we avoid repeating the energy efficiency scandals seen at Grenfell Tower and in Preston.
Three expert speakers explore this theme, followed by a discussion.
Rowan Mataram, Platform
An education and economic justice campaigner, Rowan has worked at Rethinking Economics and is now at Platform project managing the mPower project supporting progressive municipal energy projects around the Europe.
Tom Woolley, environmental architect
Tom was Professor of Architecture at Queens University Belfast and is Visiting Professor of Architecture at the Centre for Alternative Technology Graduate School. He was authored many books on natural building materials and techniques and he has spoken on the toxicity of materials used in the Grenfell Tower and their effects on the local environment after the fire.
Aneaka Kellay, Carbon Co-op
Aneaka has over ten years of experience working in environmental organisations and co-operatives, and has a Masters in Environmental Politics. He current focus is on environmental justice and improving the quality of energy efficiency works in low income areas.
Ben Aylott, Carbon Co-op
Chaired by Jonathan Atkinson, Carbon Co-op
Preceded by the Carbon Co-op Annual General Meeting with buffet and refreshments
Interested in becoming a Carbon Co-op Board member? Please complete this short form.

Agenda
5.30pm for 6pm-7pm Carbon Co-op Annual General Meeting including food.
7pm-9pm A Green New Deal for Homes?
Non members are welcome to attend the Annual General Meeting, or to just arrive for the Green New Deal event.

Levenshulme: Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - April 2019
2019-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Levenshulme Inspire, 747 Stockport Rd, Manchester, M19 3AR, Manchester, M19 3AR, GB

Eco-renovation for Builders
2019-04-05 09:00 - 2019-04-06 16:00 | Bridge 5 Mill, 22a Beswick Street Manchester, M4 7HR, M4 7HR, GB
Essential skills for retrofitting energy efficiency improvements in homes
Also suitable for householders
Increased awareness and press coverage means there is a growing demand for eco-renovation measures from householders but a dearth of contractors in Greater Manchester to meet demand.
You may have experience of insulation installations or low carbon M&E works and want to extend your services to meet this demand. Or you may want to underpin practical knowledge with theory.
People Powered Retrofit* is running this subsidised, high quality, two-day training session for small-scale building firms, contractors and sole traders. The training is classroom-based, involving practical demonstrations.
Details: 5th and 6th April, 9am – 4pm each day. Lunch including, free on-street parking available nearby.
Who is it for: sole-traders, SME contractors and building firms
Prior knowledge: Some experience of installing energy efficiency is helpful but not necessary
What will be covered:
Why retrofit?

Key market opportunities in Greater Manchester
Housing stock retention
Climate change and the home

Establishing the base-line

Home audits and assessments: EPC and alternatives

Following the rules

Building regs: an introduction to Part L
…and aiming for better

Key principles

Connected elemental approach and Fabric First
Heat loss: thermal envelope, thermal bridging, U-values
Airtightness: why is it important?
Thermal bypass
Detailing
Moisture: key risks

Application

Examples of good and poor practice
Common problems:

dealing with loft conversions
effective loft insulation
under-floor insulation – moisture risks and cross ventilation
detailing – internal and external wall insulation
managing junctions and joist ends
window fitting and airtightness
minimising thermal bridging

Materials

Vapour-tightness and airtightness – not the same thing.
Sustainable materials

Ventilation

Why is it important
Where to find out more

Tutor: Nick Parsons
A member of the Association of Environmentally Conscious Building (AECB), Nick is an experienced retrofit contractor, who has worked for over 25 years in sustainable building and renewable energy technologies. Nick is lead tutor on the Eco-Refurbishment course at the Centre for Alternative Technology. He ran a Sheffield-based community project in promoting and demonstrating all aspects of sustainable building before becoming freelance contractor in December 2010.
*People Powered Retrofit is a BEIS funded project seeking to build a market for retrofit in Greater Manchester. See What does People Powered Retrofit look like? for more.

Understanding the Principles of Retrofit - April 2019
2019-04-01 17:30 - 2019-04-08 20:30 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR`, Manchester, M1 1HR`, GB
A two-part evening seminar, developing an understanding of home heat and moisture and other fundamentals

Limited number of discounted tickets available on a first come, first served basis. Use code 10OFFPOR.

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? Want to know enough to avoid being bamboozled? Then this course is for you!
For
Householders planning or carrying out refurbishment works who want a better understanding of the basic technical principles of energy efficiency and retrofit.
Benefit
Will help you to comprehend some of the language used by professionals and better understand key considerations.
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
Course dates
5:30 – 8:30pm, Monday 1st and 8th April 2019

Location
The Carbon Co-op Office, URBED, 10 Little Lever Street M1 1HR
Cost

Member £59, non-member £75
Use code 10OFFPOR for discounted tickets, limited number available on a first come first served basis.
You can book an additional place for your partners or housemates on a pay as you feel basis if space is available.
We accept payments in installments.
Email info@carbon.coop for more info.

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

Longsight Home Energy Party!
2019-03-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Equinox Housing Co-operative
You are invited to Equinox Housing Co-op’s home improvement house party!
This is a house party with a difference.
Carbon Co-op members Aneaka is inviting her friends and neighbours in Longsight, Levenshulme and Burnage, to find out how we can improve our homes, making them warmer and more healthy.
With the help of expert Energy Surveyor Diane Hubbard of Green Footsteps, we will be hunting for draughts and cold areas of the house, identifying energy improvements and outlining how to go about making them.
Using ‘blower door’ equipment (a big fan on the front door) to pull air into the house, we will play ‘Hunt the Draughts’. A ‘semi-competitive’ game 🙂 in which teams will explore the house and compete to find the most draughty bits of the house (and there are likely to be a few!).
Diane will be on hand to discuss what can be done to improve draughty and cold homes and there will be opportunities to ask questions and share tips.
Additional info:

Food and refreshments will be provided.On street parking available
The house is not wheelchair accessible. A ramp into the house could be built on request.

Thermography Training with Diane Hubbard
2019-03-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Equinox Housing Co-op, Longsight, Manchester, M13, Manchester, M13, GB
Join us for a thermography training with Diane Hubbard.
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.
Pricing
We are running this training as Pay As You Feel. The training costs us £20 pp to run. Our suggestion for ticket fees are:

Unwaged – £5
Low Waged – £10
High Waged – £25

Additional Information
Travel

Limited on-street parking available.
Nearest train station: Levenshulme
Nearest bus – 192, 197, 50
Bikes can be locked up on rails outside the house.

The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
Refreshments will be provided

**This training will be followed by the Carbon Co-op Home Improvement Party event in the same venue. The ‘party’ will involve identifying draughts and discussing how to draught-proof effectively. If you would like to attend book here.**

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.

Carbon Co-op - AECB Lancashire Group Networking Event
2019-03-26 18:00 - 20:30 | LEAF on Portland Street, 113–115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW, Manchester, M1 6DW, GB
A chance to meet like-minded householders, trades and professionals involved in eco-home renovations.
Carbon Co-op and AECB Lancashire group are getting together to strengthen connections between householders, consultants, professionals and trades in the Greater Manchester and Lancashire areas.
We will hear short presentations from AECB and Carbon Co-op members, enjoy a buffet dinner and have plenty of space to meet and socialise.
Agenda
Buffet at 6pmThe session starts at 6.20pmDiscussions and socialising.Short presentations from:

Marianne Heaslip (URBED) – People Powered Retrofit
Andy Hamilton (Carbon Co-op/AECB) – Ways in which AECB and Carbon Co-op can learn from each other
John Grayson, Carbon Co-op member – Futureproofing in retrofit
Chetna Balla (Comfort Being) – Passive house in tropical climates
Lloyd Hamilton (Carbon Co-op member) – Self-build project in Cheadle Hulme
Kit Knowles (Ecospheric) – Energy saving projects

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

Ventilation for Householders - March 2019
2019-03-18 18:00 - 20:30 | URBED, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
A healthy home!
Concerned about damp or indoor air quality? Suffering mould ptaches or curling wallpaper? It’s important to understand why issues occur, how they impact our health and what we can do about them.
Course Description
An evening session outlining why planned ventilation is an important consideration in every home and particularly in retrofit. Exploring ventilation strategies, technologies and the relationship between humidity and draught-proofing and insulation.
For
Householders and in particular those involved in retrofit.
Benefit
You will understand your home better and what steps you can make to improve your living environment. Also useful for those undertaking a retrofit project to integrate ventilation into planning for a healthy breathable atmosphere.
What you will learn:

What is good air indoor quality, and how it relates 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
Trainers
Aneaka Kellay, Carbon Co-op and Marianne Heaslip, URBED
Pricing

Member £22, non-member £27
Use code 10OFFVENT for discounted tickets, limited number available on a first come first served basis.
You can book an additional place for your partners or housemates on a pay as you feel basis if space is available.
We accept payments in installments.
Email info@carbon.coop for more info.

Ventilation for Retrofit is a part of Carbon Co-op’s Home Energy Training Programme, see more here: carbon.coop/training
Biographies
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.
Aneaka Kellay, Carbon Co-op

Has worked for Carbon Co-op for over three years, 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 studying the AECB CarbonLite retrofit training course.

Beginner's Guide To Retrofit - March 2019
2019-03-13 18:00 - 19:30 | URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) Ltd, 10 Little Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1HR, Manchester, M1 1HR, GB
