Event Report: Skyhouse Zero Carbon B&B

On a glorious sunny morning, delegates met in Lewes for a visit to Skyhouse Eco Chic B&B, the UK’s only zero carbon B&B. The event was held as part of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform events programme. Host Amy Burgess of Skyhouse welcomed guests for an informative talk and tour of her home and businesses nestled in the South Downs.

Built in 4 days by German eco specialists Baufritz, the house was pre-fabricated using low-carbon construction processes, sustainable timber and other recyclable and biodegradable building materials. The house has many features which enabled it to meet the Zero Carbon standard including, triple glazed windows to ensure the building is airtight and sustainable high grade insulation made from sawdust. Even the dog door in the property is passivhaus standard!

Electricity for the property is generated from an 8kW solar PV array in the garden and heating and hot water is generated from a wood pellet fed biomass boiler. A heat exchanging ventilation system ensures that heat is not lost by introducing fresh air into the house.

Two rainwater harvesting tanks also collect water which is used for flushing toilets, laundry and watering the garden. Large floor to ceiling windows maximise natural daylight and for darker times the house is equipped with LED lighting throughout, many on sensors or timers to avoid lighting be left on unnecessarily.

The focus of the property is not only on energy efficiency but also focusing on the health and wellbeing of the residents and visitors to the property. Extra care was made during the construction process to use non-toxic building materials and finishes, although no compromises have been made to the quality of the finish and the accommodation.

Guests are provided with natural, organic toiletries and refreshments, and this even stretches to four legged friends who have their own organic wash station for after a long walk in the Downs.  Arriving on public transport, bike or on foot is encouraged and guests are rewarded with 10% of the cost of their stay if leaving the car at home.

Amy is keen to share the story of the house and her journey with guests and hopes that everyone can take away something from their stay. The B&B has won Green Tourism Gold award and also a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellent, Green Leaders Platinum award.