Events and exhibitions

EXHIBITION and EVENTS:

'Retrofit' by RealRefurbs.org

21 January to 28 March

An exhibition for homeowners on retrofitting existing solid-wall properties with free Saturday drop in events on 21 January, 18 February culminating in an event on Saturday 17 March as part of Bristol Green Doors weekend.  www.bristolgreendoors.org

RealRefurbs.org is a collaborative project between The Natural Building Store, LILI and Grand Designs Live, bringing information to homeowners of solid-wall properties, helping explain how they work, issues to consider, and appropriate ways to retrofit them either as a DIY project or using local specialists.

'Retrofit' is in three phases - 'Fabric First', 'Warm & Cosy' and 'The Generation Game' - reflecting key phases of a retrofit project:

‘Fabric First’

Saturday 21 January (11-2) - Launch event: phase one
'Fabric First' - Repairs & Maintenance

This phase explains concepts of water ingress, penetrating damp & rising damp, breathabilty and ventilation, particularly in an existing solid-wall construction of breathable materials. It shows measures that need to take place before retrofit improvements, including some low cost options for managing common problems.

'Fabric First' runs until 17 February

 ‘Warm & Cosy – Retain’

Saturday 18 February (11-2) - Launch event: phase two
'Warm & Cosy' - Draught-proofing & Insulation

This explains concepts and links between, breathability, ventilation, draughts and insulation along with issues relating to existing solid-wall constructions. It highlights issues to consider when researching appropriate retrofit measures for your building. The event will include draught-proofing and insulation demonstrations from local specialists who will be fitting materials to the exhibit live throughout the event.

'Warm & Cosy' runs until 16 March

‘Natural Energy’

This explains the concepts of natural solar gain, biomass heating, and renewable technologies such as solar hot water & solar electricity. It shows simple measures you can take to work more effectively with the natural solar of your property, and options for energy generation from renewable sources, from wood burning stoves to solar thermal (hot water) and solar pv (electricity) systems. The event will offer the chance to meet local specialists who can answer more detailed questions and discuss some of these options further.

'The Generation Game' runs until March 28th.

For further information: www.realrefurbs.org

EXHIBITION:

Inspiring Change - Bristol's Green Roots

until end of March

Celebrating the Schumacher centenary

This fascinating exhibition examines Bristol’s green history through personal stories, archive documentation and contemporary footage and invites you to join in the debate about what makes a sustainable city.

EXHIBITION:

Bristol - a European Green Capital?

February - March

Is Bristol green enough to take on the best in Europe?
See how your city's bid for EU Green Capital 2014 compares with previous winners.

EVENT:

Behind the Green Door

Discovering Bristol’s eco-friendly homes

Saturday 17 March

This will feature around 35 homes across Bristol including the Ecohome at Create. Find out how to make your home energy smart, more comfortable, cleaner for the environment and cheaper to heat. The event is organised by Bristol Green Doors