• Swindon & Wiltshire Events
• Tuesday April 22 2025
• Author Name: Louisa Davison

A Festival of advice for sustainable homes

With the government pledging 1.5 million homes in the next five years, the Festival of Sustainable Homes will offer advice for responsible and sensible self-builders and home renovators.

Although great news for many Britons, the ‘biggest building boom in a generation’ will be less kind to the environment. Construction is responsible for 25 per cent of greenhouse gases (GHG) and home energy use contributes 14 per cent. To reach the UK target of net zero GHG in 2050, UK buildings need to eliminate their emissions.

Sustainable homebuilding 2025

Organised by Swindon’s National Self-Build and Renovation Centre on the weekend of 16 and 17 May, the Festival has plenty of expert advice in sustainable homebuilding to create and upgrade energy efficient and environment-friendly houses.

Before the rise of global temperatures and peak energy and water bills, the biggest consideration for UK homes was heating and insulation. Low energy bills, water conservation, flood protection and cool indoor temperatures in summer are the hot topics of sustainable homebuilding 2025.

The Festival offers talks and seminars by experts in eco-friendly insulation, water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renewable energy systems and heat pumps, smart tech, EV charging, reclaimed timber and natural building materials, Passivhaus design, natural lighting and ventilation, ecological surveys, flood resilience and plot finding.

The latest energy efficiency advice includes how to claim a £7,500 grant via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Over the weekend of the Festival, visitors can tour the NSBRC’s educational zones, watch demonstrations and browse 200 exhibitor displays.

The Nature Zone features advice from charities and non-profits to improve the natural environment, which can improve drainage, provide shade and increase well-being.

The Festival of Sustainable Homes is part of the NSBRC’s commitment to sustainable homebuilding and ethical business practices. After they were awarded the Good Business Charter in 2024, the Charter’s CEO, Jenny Herrera, said, “The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) reflects the values we champion at the Good Business Charter [and highlights] their dedication to ethical and sustainable business.”

In April 2025 the Centre became majority employee owned “with a genuine personality and purpose,” said managing director Harvey Fremlin. “We see the NSBRC as a trusted national brand, an outstanding business and the beating heart of a thriving community.”

The Festival is free to enter, suitable for families, with a coffee shop, free parking and eight EV charging points.

Book free tickets or VIP upgrades at the NSBRC’s website.

Top photo: NSBRC exhibitor © Stu Jotham Photography

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