NEWS

Low Carbon Hub is extending our community-based energy planning approach, first developed for the Eynsham Primary Substation Area (PSA) for a very different setting: Cowley Local. A place of contrasts Cowley Local is one of Oxfordshire’s most complex and contrasting places. It includes the two most deprived neighbourhoods in the county, both within the 10% […]

The Community Action Plan for Zero-Carbon Energy (CAPZero) is showing what good partnership looks like in practice. Across West Oxfordshire, communities, businesses, local authorities and organisations are taking practical steps towards a more sustainable community together, and the results are tangible. Here we look at what the project achieved in its second year.   Unlocking investment in local businesses  Working in partnership with Energy Solutions Oxfordshire […]

I recently visited Julia Shay and Martin Groves, who have lived in their 18th-century thatched cottage in Eynsham for about twelve years. The house is Grade II listed and sits in a conservation area, which has shaped almost every decision they make about improving it. The windows were one of the biggest projects to undertake. […]

They wanted to reduce their energy usage, make the house warmer and well insulated, and possibly replacing their gas boiler with a heat pump.  

Eynsham Fire Station has recently installed infrared heating panels across the building, covering the crew office, communal areas, changing rooms and the engine bay itself. The core problem with heating a fire station is that it is not a building you can ever really seal up and keep warm in the conventional sense. The engine […]

We recently visited a sustainable homeowner in West Oxfordshire to find out more about the real benefits and challenges of the entire installation process. With three in four Brits wanting to invest in eco-features on their home*1, there’s a growing market for sustainable measures that shows no sign of slowing down soon. Despite this huge […]

Don’t let scammers take advantage of your good intentions. Here’s how to protect yourself, stay informed, and find genuine ways to make your home more energy efficient.  Ever had an unsolicited phone call from your ‘local energy advisor’? Seen social media adverts for FREE solar panels and batteries (just enter your personal details to check […]

Heat pumps are one of the most efficient, low-carbon ways to heat your home – but what do they really cost? This guide explains installation prices, running costs, grants, and practical steps to make sure a heat pump works for your home, your comfort, and your long-term energy savings.

Is there really such a thing as free solar panels? With energy prices still high, many households are wondering whether solar can really be installed for free – or if those online offers are too good to be true. We explain which government-backed schemes genuinely support low-income households, who qualifies, and how to avoid misleading or fraudulent offers.

As more households turn to solar to cut energy bills and carbon emissions, demand for installations is rising fast. But with so many new companies entering the market, choosing the right installer can be confusing. Our guide explains how to find a trustworthy solar installer, what to check before you sign, and how to protect yourself from common pitfalls – with insights from local experts and community experience across Oxfordshire.

The national housing shortage is a hot topic at the moment, as are the carbon emissions associated with new developments (such as Salt Cross in West Oxfordshire). I recently visited a unique eco-homes project in Eynsham to find out more about how communal living can set a positive precedent. When entering the site of Mike […]

A competition for children living in or attending schools in the CAPZero area (see map of area), other students at EPA Trust schools and those visiting the area over the summer holidays. Our zero-carbon future: clean energy, healthy planet! What does a world with clean, green energy and a healthy environment look like to you? […]