Cumbria hosts third Green Build Fortnight

9:50am Monday 18th August 2008

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CUMBRIA is set to showcase all things green as it hosts its third Green Build Fortnight later this month, reports Natalie Stewart.

The event, organised by Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS), will give people the opportunity to visit, explore and learn about Cumbria’s hidden revolution in renewable energy, sustainable building design, insulation products and sustainable transport.

The Lake District National Park Authority will launch the special two-week event on Tuesday, August 26, at Murley Moss, Kendal, where a variety of innovations aimed at helping businesses to reduce their carbon emissions will be showcased.

Eco-friendly designs will be the focus on Wednesday, August 27, with trips to The Yan community and resource centre at Grizedale and the Blencathra field studies centre along with discussions on sustainability.

A sustainable reed bed system, bracken-based compost and soil conditioner and sheep’s wool insulation are highlights for Thursday, August 28.

There are visits to Timber Frame Construction and an energy-efficient Carlisle home take place on Friday, August 29, followed by Talkin’s Tremendous Festival on Sunday, August 31, where visitors can have fun learning about the qualities of wood.

Week two kicks off with low energy solutions and a Question Time special where a panel of Cumbrian architects, insulation specialists, renewable energy and building surveyors will answer questions on topics such as damp, insulation, heating and design and use of materials.

One-to-one sessions with green-minded structural engi-neers will be available at Penrith on Tuesday, September 2.

There will also be presentations and visits to carbon neutral designs such as a straw bale building in Windermere and a swimming pool near Penrith that uses a river and solar thermal panels to warm the pool.

A visit to a furniture designer and makers and a timber merchant on Wednesday, September 3, will reveal why choosing a local company for flooring, furniture, workshop and timber needs makes sense.

And a series of evening presentations will discuss the hypothetical and the real scenarios facing the area and Britain as a whole.

Presentations on the design, engineering and renewable energy for a sustainable school will take place on Thursday, September 4, at Cockermouth Eco School.

Alternative sustainable fuels will be discussed on Friday, September 5, and the event will be rounded off on Saturday, September 6, with an Eco fair in Ulverston, showcasing oppor-tunities to get involved in energy efficiency, installing renewable energy and much more.

Many of the events have limited spaces and booking may be necessary.

For more information and event updates, visit www.cafs.org.uk.