The Festival of Sustainable Homes is returning for a second year
The Festival of Sustainable Homes is an exciting, family-friendly show highlighting how we can enjoy better, sustainable homes and reduce our energy bills and impact on the environment.
Produced by the team at the award-winning National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon, this two-day festival offers the latest advice – for both new builds and existing homes – while avoiding ‘greenwash’ and providing genuine inspiration for anyone interested in creating well-designed, healthy homes.
There is a packed timetable of seminars, case study talks and live debates, alongside an unrivalled line-up of experts and the NSBRC’s extraordinary educational exhibits.
From planning advice to budgeting, plot-finding and renewables to ecological surveys and water conservation, our free talks are a great way to pick up a wealth of valuable information.
More than 200 exhibitors will be showcasing their solutions and technologies with experienced representatives on hand to demonstrate, answer questions and offer their professional advice.
Here’s feedback from one 2024 visitor: “We were absolutely blown away by the layout, the atmosphere of ‘can do’ and the helpfulness and knowledge” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
Free guided tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic educational zones are the perfect way to help visualise how you will achieve your own perfect home, whether you are building on a fresh plot of land or improving or extending an existing property.
The Festival’s programme of free talks will provide relevant, up-to-date guidance for newcomers to housebuilding, people keen to improve their own homes and skilled housing professionals.
Highlights Include:
- Nature Zone – shining a light on non-profit organisations aiming to improve the environment
- The latest energy saving advice – including a £7,500 grant available via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Guided educational tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic life-size exhibits
- Inspiring talks each day
- 200-plus exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies and services – without the ‘hard sell’!
- 1:2:1 expert advice
- A coffee Shop and sustainable food options
- Free entry, free parking (including 8 EV charging points)
Some more feedback from another 2024 visitor: “A great day out with expertise in abundance – a real education about all things self-build”. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
For the second year, the event sponsor is Good Energy, Britain’s greenest energy supplier. Based in the South West at Chippenham, the firm started out by supplying 100% renewable electricity sourced from independent British generators. Today, it not only provides green tariffs, but installs bespoke heat pump, solar and battery systems designed around your home.
The Festival takes place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May with FREE advance tickets available from: www.nsbrc.co.uk
The Festival of Sustainable Homes is easy to get to – the NSBRC is located on Junction 16 of the M4 and parking is plentiful and FREE.
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Swindon, SN5 8UB.
Here’s some more of the incredible five-star reviews from 2024’s Festival of Sustainable Homes:
Mark: “What a fantastic venue and sustainable energy/building ideas. As I have a project in mind, it was a perfect place to collect ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm.”
Alec: “Never having even heard of NSBRC and never even imagining people might actually get together in one place to show off what you can do to be sustainable. We were absolutely blown away by the layout, the atmosphere of ‘can do’ and the helpfulness and knowledge of all the stand representatives.
“That was a really worthwhile day trip to Swindon, the electric car made it there and back and still had 100 miles in the tank and when we’ve designed the house we’ll be back for the finishing touches. Thank you, it was inspirational!”
Lesley: “Just spent a day at the NSBRC. Fantastic facility if you are learning about buildings. Easily found off M4 and easy parking. They have some mock-ups, a full-size house, full-size drainage, an opportunity to peep under foundations, a house through the ages & scaffolding up to the roof which you can climb without PPE! My only annoyance is it wasn’t here when I was training. Brilliant facility & resource for self-builders and up-and-coming professionals.”
Steve: “Festival of Sustainable Homes was a great opportunity to meet experts in eco-friendly technology and discover the best solutions.”
Peter: “A great day out with expertise in abundance – a real education about all things self-build.”
James: “This is my third visit to NSBRC. It is a great place to get up-to-date information on the complete spectrum of building materials and processes without the pressure of being sold to. The Sustainability event, with many useful presentations was just an extra bonus. I hope this becomes an annual event.”
