Take a look inside some of Dorset’s green homes this weekend.

Dorset’s Greener Homes are opening their doors for the fourth year; this year's event started last weekend and continues today and tomorrow Saturday, September  21, and Sunday 22.

Dorset Greener Homes is organised by Dorset Climate Action Network (DorsetCANs) as it looks to offer residents of Dorset an opportunity to learn more about greener energy solutions. Learn more about their work at www.dorsetcan.org​. 

Almost 40 homes in Dorset will take part in the annual event to showcase greener and sustainable energy installed in their homes.

Many feature solar panels, battery storage, air and ground source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation. According to organisers, others show low cost solutions, using natural materials which can be recycled at the end of the life of the building, and wildlife-friendly gardens.

This event has proven to be a great help to those interested in making sustainable and greener energy changes to their homes, with impartial advice from the homeowners giving visitors detailed knowledge of the installation processes, costs and healthy payback times on investment.

Homes to see in the local area:

  • The Barn in Charlton Down is a converted barn which has been highly insulated, boasting triple glazing, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery as well as underfloor heating.
  • Weymouth Passivhaus is one of the only homes built to the Passivhaus standard and is so well insulated that heating is almost never turned on.
  • Wood Cottage in Weymouth is a thatched cottage with heat pumps and solar panelling on the garage.
  • 17 St Martinsfield in Martinstown is a 1950s ex-council house with cavity wall insulation, solar panels, organic garden of vegetables and a wildflower meadow.
  • 67 Chafeys Avenue in Weymouth is a 1960s bungalow is almost a net zero home.
  • Solar PV House in Melcombe Regis is a converted mid-terraced Victorian home with a loft conversion and a three-story extension at the back.

Most homes are open for one or two of these days and may require prior booking – details and opening times can be found on www.dorsetgreenerhomes.org . The website also features mini-films of some of the homes. Many homes are also open outside of the event dates all year round by appointment.