Victorians can have a green makeover too

Mention eco houses and most people think of modern designs. What doesn't spring to mind is an Edwardian terrace in Hove, for 23 years home to Jeffery and Brenda Marchant. But the couple have spent 18 months making adaptations to their bay-fronted property which have reduced costs (58 per cent on gas and 48 per cent on electricity) and boosted its eco credentials.

'It started a couple of years ago when the energy market started getting tricky,' says Jeffery, a retired Seeboard employee. 'With Russia cutting off gas to Ukraine we thought: there's not going to be any more gas in the world, so what could we do to reduce our consumption?'

One answer, he decided, was solar thermal water heating, as heating water takes up a 'huge chunk' of each household bill. Although solar panels seem costly (around £3,200 with the help of a government grant) he reasoned it would cost twice as much for a 'fancy glass' conservatory. 'This way, I've got a capital investment on my roof which adds value to my property but is saving me money.'

The Marchants' home is one of 14 environmentally friendly homes in Brighton and Hove being showcased this weekend through Eco open houses, an event co-ordinated by the city council, Low Carbon Trust and Brighton Permaculture Trust. The thinking is to inspire change through demonstrating practical steps other householders have taken, from simple measures such as draught-proofing to building from new.
Karen Dugdale

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