The PACT Buildings and Energy Group focuses on environmentally friendly building technologies and energy use, particularly in the home.
Please get in touch using our contact form or take part in the discussion forum. Click on the Buildings and Energy tag on the left to see what else is online here.
February 2012: Achieving zero: delivering future-friendly buildings report available online.
The PACT Buildings & Energy Group are focusing on encouraging homeowners to install insulation. We would first like to find out about people's current level of insulation and energy use, and we have access to a thermal imaging camera which we would like to use as a publicity tool, to help people to see where heat is being lost from their homes. Before starting on the general public, as a pilot project we have decided to start by asking PACT members about their current insulation. Based on this information we hope to then visit a representative selection of local properties to take thermal images of these homes.
After staging their very successful Home Energy Fair in the autumn, as part of the Cumbria Green Build Fortnight, PACT’s Buildings & Energy Action Groups has recently been getting training on the use of a thermal imaging camera. The aim is to start doing basic surveys of typical properties in our area, providing visual evidence of how thermally-efficient the dwelling is, and where possible making simple recommendations on possible improvements. This will include sign-posting to likely sources of further information.
The Group has also been working with a college student to establish a benchmark of current energy usage in the Penrith area, as a starting point for then looking at how energy consumption can be reduced.
Eco Eye
As part of last year’s Home Energy Fair, 10 ‘Eco Eye’ energy monitors were obtained by PACT’s Buildings & Energy Group for use by the local community. These measure and cost a household’s use of electricity, and help to identify areas where savings can be made.
The units can be lent out by PACT free-of-charge for periods of about 1 month – if you’re interested please contact Peter Ward.