Women making homes better for people and planet

Hear three women's good and bad stories of carrying out energy saving home upgrades. With varying levels of expertise - from retrofit professionals to an environmentally concerned mum - they have all made homes more comfortable, healthier and cheaper to run. Join us for the whole day or just one session:

10am - 1:15pm Morning session and lunch in Room 1 of the Southlands Methodist Church (accessible venue), with presentations by:

• Camilla of Wrapt Homes - a Passivhaus and Retrofit Consultant as well as professional insulation installer and Draught-Buster who has upgraded her own as well as other people's homes. She will provide an introduction to the principles of good home retrofitting and things to avoid.
  
• Ivana of York Energy Advice - a qualified retrofit assessor and organiser of peer-learning events such as this and the annual York Open Eco Homes. She will be sharing experiences of gradually improving a 1930s semi.
  

• Elizabeth simply wanted to maintain a good level of home comfort in a more sustainable way. Following a home assessment she's had some insulation and a heat pump installed but there's a lot more to her home, which featured in last year's Open Eco Homes.

This event is part of York International Women’s Week 2026 and includes a free lunch, followed by a visit to Elizabeth's home nearby. Delivered by and aimed at women but any adult is welcome. Event costs are covered by public funding.

Free entry, booking is highly recommend to help us with catering though you can just turn up on the day. Please indicate which part/s of the day you plan to attend. 

We are delighted to be part of York International Women’s Week 2026, 1st-8th March, with some excellent events just outside these dates. The programme offers over 50 events, many free, organised by the local community and focussing on both local and global issues: from films to informative talks, from dancing to tennis, from creative workshops to yoga, from music and poetry to photography, from exhibitions to clothes swaps and activist events – and more. Do check out the full programme on www.yorkwomen.org.uk and join us in celebration and hope.