An exciting scheme is returning to Solihull this October to showcase the wide-ranging benefits of retrofitting a home.
The Green Doors initiative aims to bring homeowners and housing professionals together for educational tours and see energy efficiency measures in action. Solihull Council are collaborating with Good Work Co-operative to bring this scheme to the borough, with funding for the scheme provided by Midlands Net Zero Hub.
Jane and Colin from Hampton-in-Arden will be the first to open their retrofitted home to small groups of people, with the first tour coming on Friday 24 October.
Retrofitting a home may seem like a complicated process, but through the first-hand experience shared by residents like Jane and Colin, visitors will learn about what they can expect from the process and all the benefits that come with it.
There has never been a more important time to start thinking about making energy efficiency upgrades to a property. Data suggests that over two thirds of homes in Solihull do not have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above, costing them extra every year. Estimates from the Energy Saving Trust suggest that for a typical mid-terrace house, residents could save approximately £140 per year on heating bills by taking energy efficiency measures.
The first visit is on Friday 24 October from 1pm until 2:30pm, with two more visits available on Saturday 8 November 2025 starting at 11am and 1pm.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Mark Parker, said:
“We are very enthusiastic to be partnering with the Good Work Co-operative and Net Zero Action Hub to bring this scheme back to our borough.
“Whether its guidance on choosing and working with contractors, or talking to the organisers about where to begin when upgrading your home, Green Doors can teach us so much about how to make retrofit a positive, stress-free process.
“If you are unsure about installing a heat pump, solar panels, or making other upgrades to your home, these educational tours will show you how simple it can be to improve your wellbeing and home energy efficiency.”
Good Work Co-operative spokesperson, Phil Beardmore, said:
“Green Doors aims to showcase energy efficient homes. It’s a unique opportunity to learn from residents who have made energy saving improvements to their homes, through the host’s own words, free from technical jargon.
“We are pleased to be working with Solihull Council on this and are very grateful to Jane and Colin for opening their home and telling their story.”
To sign up for a tour and hear about future events, please visit the Green Doors website.
Booking is essential as spaces are limited, but there will also be a webinar for those that cannot attend in person.
For more information, please visit Energy and housing | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Image credit: Fovea Creative