Green Open Homes Day – FAQs for prospective home openers

General Questions

1. What is Green Open Homes Day and what’s the goal of the event?
Green Open Homes Day is a community-led event where local residents open their doors to share energy-saving improvements they’ve made to their homes. Whether it’s insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, or DIY draught-proofing, the aim is to help others learn about retrofit by seeing real-life examples and hearing honest experiences.

2. Who is organising the event, and who else is involved?
The event is organised by ELCoE, in partnership with Retrofit West CIC and Bristol Energy Network. It will be part of the wider, national Green Open Homes network but stands alone within that.

3. Why should I take part? What impact does opening my home have?
By sharing your story, you’ll be helping others take the first steps toward making their homes more comfortable, energy efficient, and affordable to run. It’s a great way to pass on what you’ve learned, inspire others, and contribute to a more sustainable Bristol.

Eligibility and Participation

4. What area is ELCoE’s Green Open Homes Day covering?
We’re looking for homes in Staple Hill, Mangotsfield, Downend, Emersons & Lyde Green, Blackhorse, Pucklechurch & Westerleigh (including all areas in between). Take a look at our Solar Map for a guide on the area we work in.

5. I don’t live in the ELCoE area, can I still take part?
If you’re not in or close to our area, then Bristol Energy Network will be running their own Green Open Homes Weekend across Bristol on the 6th & 7th of August. Send us an email if you’re unsure about whether you live near the ELCoE area!

6. Does my home need to be fully “eco” or “finished” to take part?
Absolutely not. In fact, homes at different stages of their retrofit journey are exactly what we’re looking for. Seeing an “in-progress” home can be even more useful for visitors.

7. I’ve only made a few small changes – can I still get involved?
Yes! Even small steps like draught-proofing, secondary glazing, or changing heating controls can be really valuable to showcase to someone starting out.

8. Can I take part if I rent rather than own my home?
Yes, if you’ve made changes with your landlord’s permission or have relevant experience toshare, you’re welcome to participate. Just let us know your circumstances.

9. Can I showcase a shared space, community building, or garden project instead of a home?
Community buildings and alternative spaces can be excellent for demonstrating sustainable improvements and shared learning and we’re interested in hearing from all sorts of spaces this year.

What’s Involved

10. What will I actually need to do as a home opener?
You’ll greet visitors, talk about the improvements you’ve made, answer questions, and share what worked well (and what didn’t). Some hosts like to create a small display or materials board, which we can help with.

11. Do I need to be available all day?
The Green Open Homes Day will run on Saturday 20th September from 11-3pm.

12. How many visitors should I expect, and how long will they stay?
It varies, but we’re aiming for about 10 visitors per home. Some might stay for 10 minutes, others for longer chats.

13. Will I know how many people will be visiting?
Yes – we’ll help you manage visitor numbers through our Eventbrite sign up site so you will know how many people to expect on the day. We will welcome drop-ins too but you can choose not to have drop-ins if you prefer.

14. Do I need to give a presentation or tour, or is it more informal?
Totally up to you. Most home openers give informal chats or mini-tours. Some create info boards or use printed photos (which we can print for you) to show elements not easily seen (e.g. loft insulation, heating systems).

Support and Safety

15. What support will ELCoE provide before and during the event?
We’ll provide public liability insurance, printed materials, signage, feedback forms, and event coordination. We’ll also run short planning meetings and provide guidance and risk assessment templates.

16. Is public liability insurance included?
Yes. ELCoE’s public liability insurance will cover the event and all registered open homes (though we recommend also having your own home insurance).

17. Will someone be there to help on the day? Can I ask a friend or neighbour to help?
If you’d like a volunteer or ELCoE team member to assist you, we can arrange that – just let us know in advance. We ask that all homes have two people present at all times to share the workload and keep everyone safe and happy.

18. What health & safety measures are in place?
We’ll follow any current public health guidance and help you create a simple risk assessment. We will provide and ask you to put up trip hazard and no entry signs where appropriate which you can also use to limit access to certain areas of your home or ask for shoes off, etc.

Logistics and Promotion

19. How will visitors find out about my home?
We’ll promote the event through ELCoE’s website, flyers, local press, and partners. Your home will be added to the Green Open Homes online map and included in printed materials (unless you opt out).

20. Can I remain anonymous online or only share limited info publicly?
Yes. You can choose how much detail appears online – we can publish your profile without your name or full address if needed then share the full address only with those who have signed up via Eventbrite.

21. Will my address be published, or is it shared only with registered attendees?
Most hosts opt to have their addresses on the website and map to make things easier, but this is your choice. Let us know what you’re comfortable with.

22. Can I opt out after signing up if my situation changes?
Yes – life happens! Just keep us updated as early as possible so we can adjust plans and materials.

Other

23. I’d like to help but can’t open my home – are there other ways I can get involved?
Yes! You could help by volunteering on the day, promoting the event locally, or sharing your story online or at a future session.

24. Are there any expenses I’ll need to cover?
No. ELCoE provides all printed materials, signage, and promotion. We may even be able to reimburse small expenses if agreed in advance.

25. Is there a deadline to sign up as a home opener?
We’d love to hear from you as soon as possible to help with planning and promotion. Ideally by late July 2025 – but just get in touch and we’ll do our best to include you. Email info@elcoe.co.uk or use our form here to register your interest!