
NEWS
The latest news and updates from Low Carbon Hub
Match funding will double the next £60k of investment
We have some exciting news: two organisations have stepped up to provide £60,000 in match funding to back our Ray Valley Solar battery share offer. We Have the POWER have contributed £30,000, and another institutional funder has committed a further £30,000. This means the next £60,000 invested will be matched pound for pound, instantly doubling […]
Energy efficiency and comfort in an 18th century home
I recently visited Julia Shay and Dr 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 […]
An old house with new challenges
The time needs to be right for retrofit When Lucy and Ian bought their Edwardian detached house in Eynsham 20 years ago, they had enthusiastic plans to renovate the property. They planned to tackle cold spots and areas of damp but soon found that combining full time work with a busy family life and volunteering […]
Keeping staff and kit warm at Eynsham Fire Station
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 […]
Interview with a sustainable homeowner
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 […]
How to spot and avoid eco-scams
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 […]
The real cost of a heat pump
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?
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.
How to choose a good solar installer
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.
Eco-homes in 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 […]
CAPZero kids' summer art competition
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? […]
Make your home more energy efficient with the Warm Homes: Local Grant
Funding is now available via Oxfordshire County Council through the Warm Homes: Local Grant. It is designed to provide fully funded energy efficiency upgrades for homeowners and private tenants on a low household income and at risk of fuel poverty. Eligibility You may qualify for the funding if the following statements apply to you. And […]
Salt Cross examination - an important week for net-zero standards in new developments
What’s Happening at Salt Cross? Many local residents will be aware that Salt Cross is a proposed garden village, consisting of 2,200 homes and employment space, and located north of the A40 across from Eynsham. To guide this major development, West Oxfordshire District Council created a strong and ambitious planning policy, known as Policy 2 […]