Woodstock resident Maggy Beeton has been named winner of Pye Homes’ sustainable energy-saving challenge after she reduced her home’s consumption by 14 per cent.
More than 50 Oxfordshire families took part in the challenge to reduce gas and electricity consumption over a four-week period.
In second place was Jane Greig from Radley, who managed to bring down her household’s energy usage by six per cent over the same period.
The competition, designed to encourage households to be more energy-conscious, was inspired by the energy-efficient properties at Pye Homes’ new community at Church Farm, which champions a greener way of life.
The challenge saw families follow the developer’s tips and tricks on how to improve their consumption. A bundle of prizes worth more than £500 was shared by the winners.
Maggy (pictured) said: “I grew up in post-war Britain during the 1950s/1960s. We had no central heating and I remember that our sitting room had a Winter and Summer layout, as our only source of heat was an open fire.
“Energy costs and caring for our planet were not particular issues at that time, but fast forward and we all became so used to warm houses and electrical machines, designed to save time and effort and without any thought of cause and effect.“When I saw the energy challenge, I decided to see if I could improve on my current efforts – the tips and tricks provided reaffirmed what I was doing. If there is one message to take away from this challenge, it is to encourage everyone to keep trying and to nurture our very fragile planet.”
Karis McMahon-Lane from Pye Homes said: “Huge congratulations to Maggy, our energy-saving champion. We know that energy consumption is a real concern for everyone, given the increasing rise of household bills and the cost of living.
“Our aim was to encourage people in the area to join us and take on a simple and fun challenge to be more eco-conscious, but also to discover new ways to try and save some pennies on their energy bills.
“We were so pleased to see so many families sign up; it’s an initiative we hope to develop even further and bring back every year.”
Properties at the Church Farm development, built in partnership with Radley College, have air source heat pumps, in-roof solar panels and includes homes which are ready for EV charging.The 240-home scheme of two, three and four-bedroom units, will also have cycle paths, green spaces and a play area, created among wildflowers.
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