York Open Eco Homes 2026 - introduction
Visit local homes that are better for people and the planet: more comfortable, with lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. You will see a great variety of energy saving measures, from draught-proofing and insulation to heat pumps and solar panels. Learn from the hosts’ experiences, ask questions and perhaps find inspiration for your own home. This year's event is part of the Home Upgrade Champions partnership project and York Environment Festival.
Free entry, children must be accompanied. To help us manage visitor numbers, you need to book a time slot for each home you want to visit by using the individual links below - some homes don't have a lot of space, and addresses are only supplied after booking. For assistance call 01904 922781 - please leave a message and we will call you back.
Book for Saturday 17th October – homes open on the east side of the Ouse:
- A 1930s semi (Fulford area) main features: highly insulated and airtight, triple-glazed windows, underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR), heat pump, solar PV panels, gas supply removed
- B NEW 2001 end terrace (grant-funded project, Rawcliffe/Clifton area) main features: heat pump, solar PV panels, battery, gas supply removed
- C NEW 2014 detached house (Strensall) main features: heat pump, solar PV panels, battery, gas supply removed, electric car
- D Victorian semi (Fishergate area) main features: insulation, triple-glazed sash-lookalike windows, mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR), heat pump, wastewater heat recovery, solar PV panels, battery, electric car
Book for Sunday 18th October – homes open on the west side of the Ouse
- E 1880s end terrace (off Bishopthorpe Rd.) main features: insulation, air source heat pump, PV solar panels, batteries, electric car, gas supply removed
- F 1960s detached house (Dringhouses) main features: insulation, triple-glazed windows, underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR), heat pump, gas supply removed, solar PV panels, electric car; a lot of work done DIY
- G Wheelchair-friendly 1996 detached house (Copmanthorpe) main features: insulation, air source heat pump, PV solar panels, batteries, gas supply removed
- H Victorian end terrace (Knavesmire area) main features: highly insulated and airtight, triple-glazed sash-lookalike windows, Passivhaus standard extensions, mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR), solar PV panels, battery, green roofs, gas supply removed
- I Wheelchair-friendly Passivhaus extension to 1831 semi (Bishopthorpe) main features: extension is highly insulated and airtight with triple-glazed windows and mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR); main house has solar PV panels
- J NEW New community-build homes (Lowfield Green, Acomb) main features: House type 1: Passivhaus standard build, triple glazing, mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery MVHR (also providing heating and hot water), wood fibre insulation; House type 2: Highly insulated, heat pump, water saving features
This event is part of York Environment Festival running from Sat 3rd October - Sunday 1st November - do check it out for other great events.
The Home Upgrade Champions project is a partnership between York Community Energy, University of York, Stockholm Environment Institute and Abundance Investment; supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
