Crowds gather for a second year at Kingston’s Efficient Homes Show

Exhibitors and experts were on hand at The Hollyfield School on Saturday 18 May to provide information and answer questions on how to make changes at home that will have a positive impact on quality of life, bills, properties and the environment.

The event was created by the council in partnership with Kingston Chamber of Commerce and Kingston Green Business Community, as part of collaborative efforts to help the local area take positive climate action while stimulating growth in the green economy and improving people’s lives.

81% of attendees surveyed said that they are more likely or a lot more likely to undertake some kind of home improvement as a result of the event.

Councillor Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action, Biodiversity and Planning Policy, said:

"It was great to meet and speak to so many local residents who were serious about reducing their home's energy consumption and carbon emissions.

“I was pleased that we could put so many people in touch with local businesses that were willing to help residents do these home improvements."

Throughout the day, a variety of informative sessions took place, with Transition Town Kingston's Energy Group leading talks on solar energy, home battery systems, coping in heat waves, ventilation, and insulation.

Panel discussions explored options for heating and cooling homes and businesses without relying on fossil fuels, as well as the benefits of active travel options, like walking and cycling. The opportunities to acquire new skills and well paid jobs in the relevant sectors were highlighted by speakers and exhibitors.

Examples of products and services exhibited include options for insulation, glazing, solar panels, training opportunities and home energy audits.

There was also an activity for younger attendees with the "School Journey Lab", led by Urban World Matters, that offered young people the chance to design their ideal sustainable commute to school. 

If you are interested in job opportunities and training you can register via Launchpad: Green Skills Kingston to receive personalised careers advice and guidance. 

If you couldn’t attend the Efficient Homes Show or would like to reconnect with any of the exhibitors or speakers you met on the day, please visit the event’s page on our website.

If you would like to be part of future events we organise, join the Kingston Green Business Community. It’s free to join and open to all businesses and organisations based and/or operating in Kingston.