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Summary

To reduce the carbon footprint of her two-up, two-down cottage (with an added bathroom extension), Sheila Gore explains that she has concentrated on insulation: ‘The biggest thing to realise was that fitting solar panels and wind energy were inappropriate for this house. Far better has been to look at ways to increase insulation.’ Her motivation has been both to cut costs and live more lightly on the planet.

Sheila has also installed a woodburning stove, which she uses for practically all her heating needs. She has further reduced condensation and energy use by simple measures like drying washing outside, and using curtains across doorways to cut down drafts and improve insulation.

Outside, there is a long garden with a small greenhouse. Sheila gardens organically, mixing vegetables and flowers.

Green features in the home

• Externally insulated walls
• Increased loft insulation
• Double glazing
• Low flush toilet
• Low energy lighting
• ‘Eco’ paints from Osmo (for wood) and Earthborn (for walls)

Green features outside

• Wood store
• Rainwater collection
• Small greenhouse, and beds for organic vegetable and flower growing
• Composting
• Pond and uncultivated areas for wildlife

Energy use

• Between January and December 2008, gas costs for heating, cooking and hot water, were £168. The woodburning stove was installed in March 2008.
• Electricity figures not available (due to over-estimate by electricity company)

To find out more

To find out more about this property, contact Sustainable Frome at sustainablefrome@gn.apc.org

Directions

To get to Milk Street on foot from the town centre, walk along Cork Street and turn right up Zion path, just past the old people’s home. At the top of Zion path, turn right, and number 41 is the third house before Vallis School, on the right.
If coming by car, park on Selwood Road near the Griffin pub, and walk the short distance from there.

See the calendar for open days and times