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  • Thinking of retrofit? Tips for insulation

    Thinking of retrofit? Tips for insulation

    This is our third blog in our series exploring different aspects of retrofit. This one looks at insulation – and it’s a big topic! 

    Most modern houses are now built with cavity wall insulation, but many homes from the 1950s onwards were built with empty cavities that have been filled more recently or could have cavity wall insulation installed. Not all of these are suitable for cavity wall insulation. Older properties tend to have solid walls, or cavity walls that are not suitable for filling with insulation. These properties may be suitable for insulation either internally or externally. 

    It is also worth understanding the latest version of the Building Regulations – not all builders or plasterers realise that after taking off a certain percentage of the plaster off a wall, they may be obliged under the Building Regulations to insulate the wall. 

    Some things to think about:

    • Adding insulation to a house (particularly an older property) may create problems with damp, if the wrong kind of insulation is used, or if the thickness is too great, or the insulation is not installed in the right way. 
    • Insulating the ground floor needs care too – it can cause the joists to rot if done in the wrong way! 
    • Insulating the loft with mineral wool between the joists is the most common, low cost way to reduce heat loss from a house – but there are some dos and don’ts. 
    • Not all forms of loft insulation are a good idea – spray foam on the underside of the tiles is risky and most mortgage lenders will not lend on a house with this installed. 
    • Always think first – do you need a designer or specifier? The average builder is not insured to decide how to insulate your home – they probably don’t have the qualifications or the necessary professional indemnity insurance. 
    • If you are installing windows and internal or external insulation, the position of the windows relative to the insulation really matters, so make sure you get it designed right. 
    • If you’re thinking about internal or external wall insulation, floor insulation, or insulating a room in the roof, you are making a big change to your home. It’s really time to make a whole house plan to make sure you get all the benefits and don’t suffer from the unintended consequences. We can help you with that journey here.

    To find out more about insulation, take a look at our Eco-retrofit Webinar – #insulation (youtube.com) 

    You can read the other blogs here:

  • Thinking of retrofit? Tips for draught-proofing

    Thinking of retrofit? Tips for draught-proofing

    Our series of blogs exploring home retrofit hints and tips continues with a look at draught proofing. Read about windows and doors in the first blog here. 

    Draught-proofing and ventilation are 2 sides of the same coin – Seal Tight, Ventilate Right.  

    Some ideas to think about:

    • Sealing up the biggest and most obvious draughts is usually the easiest and cheapest way to save on heating bills (think letter boxes, around pipes and cables that run out through the external wall, open fireplaces, putting a carpet with underlay on a suspended timber floor and sealing around the edges) 
    • Some draughts are harder to find and harder to deal with. Many houses have cold air coming in through bricks, blocks or mortar joints, and this air can come through plug sockets or flow unseen in the gap between the ceiling of one room and the floor of the room above, leaking heat out of every room. 
    • Cold outside air moving behind plasterboard can wick heat out of a room even if there isn’t a crack or gap in the plasterboard to allow cold air into the room or warm air out. The heat transfers through the plasterboard and is carried away by the cold air on the other side. 
    • An airtightness test with thermal imaging is one way to measure how draughty a house is, and to show where the cold air is getting in.

    What’s wrong with air escaping through cracks and crevices in my walls? Well, if that warm, damp air from your home cools and condenses in the walls, then you could get damp and mould hidden in the walls.  

    What’s wrong with air coming in through gaps in my walls, ceilings or floors? Surely my house needs outside air to come in? Well, yes, but if mould has developed hidden in the walls, in the loft or under the floor, incoming air could pick up the mould spores and the quality of that air may not be what you really want to breathe in! 

    It’s  better to bring fresh air in through deliberate pathways such as a ventilation system inlet or trickle vents than through random gaps in the building.   And better to control when and where this fresh air comes in – when you need it, not just when the wind blows! 

    If you are sealing up draughts and adding insulation, you need to have a new ventilation strategy. It might be time to consider a whole house approach – find out how we can help you here. 

     

    To find out more about draught-proofing, take a look at our free video Eco-retrofit Webinar – #airtightness – YouTube 

  • Thinking of retrofit? Tips for windows and doors

    Thinking of retrofit? Tips for windows and doors

    In the first of a series of blogs to help you with a home retrofit we start thinking about replacing windows or doors.

    Windows can make a room feel too cold….. or too hot. 

    • The U value of the whole window (Uw) is a measure of total heat loss through the glazing, the frame and the perimeter of the glass. 
    • Uw depends on the size and shape of each window and the amount of glazing relative to the frame. 
    • The g value tells you how much heat from the sun can get in (the lower the better if you have an overheating issue on sunny days) 

    Think about the seals to prevent draughts. Some windows and doors have better seals than others. Bifold doors and sash windows are particularly prone to failure of seals over time. Also think about heat loss around the frame when the window is installed. There may be a gap you can’t see between window and reveal (often hidden by trims and finishes). This can lose more heat than the whole window, so make sure your windows are installed properly! These hidden gaps can also cause mould growth around the window.   

    If a room is overheating because of excessive solar gain through a window, consider external shading (it is much more effective than internal blinds or curtains). South facing windows may benefit from a brise soleil, while west facing windows may benefit more from external blinds or shutters. Think about this before you buy your windows. It may affect the windows you choose, which way they open, and how you control your external blinds or shutters. 

    Think about your wall insulation before you buy windows or decide on shading options – are you planning to insulate your walls externally or internally, now or in the future? Think about this before selecting windows and installing them. 

    If you’re in need of a whole house plan to allow you to consider all of the home improvements you’d like to make and how they fit together, click here to find out how we can help.

     

    For choosing windows, see our free recorded webinar: Eco-Retrofit: Focus on Windows and Doors Unit 1: Choosing doors and windows – Webinar recording – YouTube 

    For installing windows, see our free recorded webinar: Eco-Retrofit: Focus on Windows and Doors Unit 2: Window installation – Webinar recording – YouTube 

  • Penrith Building Society’s Amazing Summer Fundraising Efforts 

    Penrith Building Society’s Amazing Summer Fundraising Efforts 

    Our charity partnership continues with the amazing Penrith Building Society who are running several activities this month to raise vital funds for CAfS.

    This includes a Cake Sale on 25th and 26th June, so if you’re in Penrith that day and feeling peckish, why not head into the branch and support their efforts? A good deed and a slice of cake, what’s not to like? Plus, we hear there are some talented bakers working at the branch so there shouldn’t be any soggy bottoms at this cake sale!

    The branch is also holding a month-long book swap event throughout June so there is still time to pop in and trade in your old books for new ones. There’s also a raffle!

    Last, but by no means least, the PBS team will be walking the Ullswater Way on 27th June. At 20 miles, it is a truly great challenge. We have our fingers crossed for good weather for them. If you would like to show some support for the team, you can sponsor their efforts on their JustGiving page.

    Or if you feel inspired to start your own charity challenge whether it’s a bake sale, a long-distance walk, a clothes swap event or something else entirely, you can set up a sponsorship page using CAfS’ Give as you Live.

    If you’re a business and would like to find out more about becoming a charity partner with CAfS, then please contact our friendly team on [email protected] or call 01768 593 272.

  • Green Enterprise Hub Success Stories: Crossbank Dental Care

    Green Enterprise Hub Success Stories: Crossbank Dental Care

    Growing a sustainable business network and finding innovative solutions in a clinical environment.

    View the case study here: Crossbank Dental Care

  • Welcome to new Climate and Carbon Literacy trainers!

    Welcome to new Climate and Carbon Literacy trainers!

    Our award-winning Climate and Carbon Literacy team has expanded this month by three new trainers.

    We welcome Joe, Gina and Matt to our expert and experienced team!

    Growing our team is a testament to the appetite for understanding carbon and climate science, here in Cumbria and beyond in some cases! The team has currently trained over 1,900 people in Climate and Carbon Literacy, meaning more people than ever are now more aware of their carbon footprint, more confident in their understanding of the science, and able to share what they know in their communities and workplaces.

    Our growing team means that we can now reach more businesses, communities and individuals who want to grow their knowledge. It also means that we can offer a wider range of courses (more about that later), and it means that we can offer courses across Cumbria and in neighbouring counties.

    It’s an exciting time and it feels good for CAfS to be part of this wider movement, which has seen the Carbon Literacy Project train over 92,000 citizens and reach over 26 nations. It also means that we can continue to grow and develop the courses that CAfS can offer, including our new Climate Fresk half-day course.

    You can see individual profiles for our training group here, and find out more about the courses we offer here.

     

  • Introducing Climate Fresk

    Introducing Climate Fresk

    Over 1.6 million people worldwide have attended a Climate Fresk – a new way of learning about climate science and the causes and consequences of climate change.

    And now, the CAfS team have also experienced this interactive and dynamic way of understanding climate change which has been rolled out in over 160 countries.

    Climate Fresk is a three hour activity where participants link the causes and effects of climate change by organising and arranging cards. It’s effective, accessible and fun, as well as being easily adaptable for different audiences. It’s a powerful tool for ensuring quality climate education.

    Our Climate and Carbon Literacy trainers now include experienced Climate Fresk facilitators and thanks to our staff team undergoing the session, we were able develop our own confidence, discuss how Climate Fresk could support our projects and explore the differences in the climate science and carbon literacy courses that we offer.

    Hazel Graham, our Climate and Carbon Literacy Training Manager explains how the course can support our aims:

    “Fresk means that we can facilitate a course that is really hands on, dynamic and will reach an audience who enjoy learning-by-doing. As we often get requests for half day courses the3hr timing of the course means this suits that – and we’re proud to be bringing this to Cumbria and can’t wait to get started.”

    If you’re interested in finding out more about Climate Fresk, you can see our latest courses over on our events page. 

     

     

     

  • 6 Climate-friendly policies to look out for: a voters’ guide to achieving net zero by 2037 in Cumbria

    6 Climate-friendly policies to look out for: a voters’ guide to achieving net zero by 2037 in Cumbria

    As the urgency of climate change intensifies, the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2037 becomes more critical. This ambitious target requires collaborative effort. 

    As Cumbrian voters, you have the power to shape a sustainable future for our region. By supporting candidates and policies that prioritise climate action, we can achieve net zero emissions by 2037. Here’s a quick guide to the key climate-friendly policies to look for: 

    1. Renewable energy

    What to look out for: 

    • Investment in wind energy, solar, and hydroelectric power. 
    • Investment in community-owned renewable energy projects.
    • Faster transition towards renewables and away from fossil fuels. 
    • Review of planning policy to support and encourage adoption of renewables and zero carbon technologies 

    Why it matters: 

    • Reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. 
    • Keeps energy benefits local. We don’t have to import. 
    • Reduces the cost of energy. 
    • Local jobs and economic development opportunities in the renewable energy sector 
    1. Energy efficient buildings

    What to look out for: 

    • New energy efficiency standards and incentives for new and existing buildings, including retrofitting older buildings. 
    • Funding to help people make their homes more energy efficient. 
    • Development of smart grid infrastructure. 
    • Replacement of fossil fuel heating with low carbon technologies, such as heat pumps and solar panels 

    Why it matters: 

    • Lowers energy consumption and bills. 
    • Makes our energy system more resilient. 
    • Better living conditions for all. 
    • Skills development opportunities and local jobs associated with retrofit. 
    1. Sustainable transport

    What to look out for: 

    • Improved public transport and active transportation infrastructure. 
    • Expansion of electric vehicle (EV) network, with incentives to transition towards EVs. 

    Why it matters: 

    • Reduces carbon emissions from transport. 
    • Makes getting around easier and greener. 
    • Health and social benefits associated with active transport. 
    1. Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use

    What to look out for: 

    • Incentives / subsidies for regenerative farming practices. 
    • Forest conservation and reforestation projects. 
    • Management of peatlands 

    Why it matters: 

    • Enhances soil health and biodiversity. 
    • Protects against flooding and sequesters carbon. 
    • Cleaner water – less pesticides and fertiliser use 
    1. Consumption and Waste Emissions Reductions

    What to look out for: 

    • New kerbside and recycling collection schemes. 
    • Net zero solutions for current waste management. 
    • Promotion of a circular economy- practices that encourage repair, reuse, recycle and remanufacturing of materials. 
    • Plans and policies to reduce wasted food.

    Why it matters: 

    • Cuts industrial pollution. 
    • Encourages recycling and waste reduction.
    • Skills and job opportunities in the circular economy. 
    1. Climate Education and Public Awareness

    What to look out for: 

    • Plans for Climate change education in schools. 
    • Community awareness campaigns on sustainable practices. 
    • Plans which raise awareness of the links between climate change and nature. 

    Why it matters: 

    • Empowers future generations. 
    • Informs and engages the community in climate action. 

     

    Take Action 

    When you vote, ask your candidates whether they are supporting a sustainable Cumbria. Choose candidates who prioritise these climate-friendly policies. Advocate for local initiatives that support sustainability in our county. Cumbria can lead the way towards a better future for all of us. 

  • Great Big Green Week Fever Hits Cumbria!

    Great Big Green Week Fever Hits Cumbria!

    Communities across Cumbria are gearing up for a host of events and activities to celebrate Great Big Green Week from the 8th – 16th June, centered around the theme of ‘Let’s Swap Together for Good.’ 

    Twenty seven organisations have been successful in receiving additional funding from the Westmorland and Furness council locality boards towards the events, and many other groups across the county including schools, youth groups, musicians, artists, poets, mental health charities, churches and community groups are also doing their bit for climate and nature during the week. 

    Helen Attewell, Coordinator of the Cumbria Sustainability Network said, ‘We know that the climate is changing and weather is becoming more unpredictable. However we also know that Cumbrian communities are resilient and care deeply about nature, and want to play their part in ensuring that future generations can continue to flourish here.  I’m so inspired by the range of ideas that have come forward in response to our call for action on climate.  It’s going to be a busy, but really fun week.’ 

    Events listed on the Zero Carbon Cumbria website include litter picks, planting for pollinators, making bug houses, guided walks, workshops on energy saving, films and talks, as well as swap events – plant swaps, dried and tinned food swaps, clothes swaps and even story swaps.   

    Cumbria Action for Sustainability have awarded over £7,300 worth of grants from the National Lottery Community Fund and Westmorland and Furness council, on behalf of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership. 

    Terri Prophet from Ormsgill Stronger Together in Barrow said, ‘We’re looking forward to taking part in Great Big Green Week and doing a Clothes Swap at the community centre. We have asked our local community to bring in any old, unwanted garments they no longer use or have grown out of, in exchange for someone else’s clothes they will use. We have also collected surplus clothes from Asda that have not sold in store – a much better solution for the community as well as the planet, rather than good clothes going off to landfill.’  

    Suzanne Edgley from Ford Park in Ulverston said, ‘We plan to build on our Great Big Green Week successes last year and link with Mums of Ulverston to involve children in the planting of a community herb garden at Ford Park. This is an ideal opportunity to educate them on growing their own foods and how easy it is to grow herbs at home too. 

    ‘We will also be holding a ‘Let’s Swap’ event in the Williams Room swapping books, children’s toys, seeds, plants and small garden tools. Our team will be on hand for top tips for growing at home and we have invited Ulverston Repair Café to join us for the day so we can encourage people to repair and not replace. We have also invited local groups to join us’ 

     Sara Barnard, from Blue Jam Arts in Penrith said, ‘Great Big Green Week is a great opportunity to get people together to learn songs about nature and the environment. We will also garden together to continue to develop a wildlife friendly garden at BlueJam Arts, and plan to host a plastic-free picnic (as a challenge to encourage thinking about use of plastic), with a ‘books and plants swap’ table to encourage sharing our resources.’  

    Full listings of events taking place can be found on the Zero Carbon Cumbria website: Great Big Green Week – Zero Carbon Cumbria – Carbon reduction action across the county. 

    The Great Big Green Week is being organised by The Climate Coalition, the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change, whose members include the National Trust, WWF, Women’s Institute, Oxfam, and RSPB. 

     

  • Be a CAfS Trustee – hear from our Chair!

    Be a CAfS Trustee – hear from our Chair!

    We caught up with Tracey Hart, our Chair of Trustees, to find out more about how and why she decided to join CAfS in the fight against the climate crisis.

     

    Where did you first hear about CAfS?

    I first came across CAfS through its “Green Build Festival” – an annual fortnight of visits, talks and training events focusing on sustainability in the built environment, a topic very close to my heart. I was in the process of breathing new life into an old and unloved farmhouse tucked away in the Far Eastern Fells of the Lake District, so I decided to take part by hosting visits, during and after the build.

    What made you decide to become a trustee?

    Through taking part in the festival, I came to realise how fantastic the team at CAfS are, and wanted to do more to help them achieve their goals. When the newsletter landed with a call for trustees to join the charity’s board I jumped at the chance, and although I hadn’t been a trustee or on a board of directors before, I hoped my skills as a low carbon architect in a commercial practice and my passion for sustainability would be useful to the team.

    What was it like when you started as a trustee?

    When I was invited to join the board I was one of four new trustees from varied backgrounds such as social impact, corporate project management, and psychology, but what we had in common was that we were all new to being a trustee, and we all felt passionately about fighting the causes of climate change and making people’s lives better. We had an illuminating day of training to get us up to speed with our new role, then rolled our sleeves up and – along with the existing members of the board – got stuck in.

    What has challenged you in this role?

    There have been many challenges, not least in navigating the pandemic, but the way members of the board approach those challenges with open minds, willingness to debate and utmost respect for each other has been incredibly rewarding. Our relationship as a board with Karen, our CEO, is absolutely key to the success of the team. That’s not to say that we all see eye to eye on everything, and definitely can’t be accused of ‘groupthink’, but all opinions and ideas are welcomed. A sense of humour also helps!

    How has this role helped you grow professionally?

    An added benefit for me has been in developing skills beyond my own profession, such as in strategic governance. Also, getting involved in the Zero Carbon Cumbria Buildings Emission Reduction Action Plan has ultimately led to a new and exciting change in my career, even at my advanced stage!

    Do you have any advice for anybody who is interested in becoming a CAfS trustee?

    Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the CAfS team, including my fellow trustees, for making this role so fulfilling. If you’re unsure if you’d enjoy being a trustee, I say give it a try, you may be surprised.

     

    If you are interested in joining our board of trustees, you can find out more about the role and apply here.