A new series of free energy-efficient demo home events can be booked, and York residents and industry professionals are invited to step inside a retrofitted traditional terraced house in Clementhorpe.
The guided tours will offer a unique opportunity to see how energy-efficient upgrades can transform everyday homes into warmer, more affordable and more sustainable places to live. Residents and industry professionals are invited to book a tour.
The property on Vine Street is the first of two recently renovated properties, owned by City of York Council, to showcase the latest energy-efficient improvements. After the demonstration events new tenants are expected to enjoy greater comfort and lower energy bills thanks to the new features.
The terraced demo home on Vine Street, off Bishopthorpe Road, features a heat pump, solar panels and solar battery storage system to maximise energy efficiency. Also included are natural internal insulation, loft insulation, double glazed windows, a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR), and floor insulation which are upgrades that can help lower bills and make homes more comfortable. The updates to the home are sympathetic to the history of the building, with unique skylights and period features preserved.
Guided tours will run three times per week, offering tailored sessions for homeowners, estate agents, suppliers and wider supporters of York’s journey to net zero.
Cllr Jenny Kent. Executive Member for Environment at City of York Councils, said:
This demo home aims to inspire residents with ideas to make their homes more comfortable, energy-efficient and to lower their carbon footprint. The YorEnergy partnership will guide and support residents to make these improvements."
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:
After acting as a temporary demo home, this will be relet to tenants who will benefit from lower running costs and improved comfort.”
What to expect as a homeowner or buyer
If you are a homeowner or thinking about buying a similar property, this is a rare opportunity to see energy-efficient solutions in action. You’ll be guided by friendly experts who will walk you through the solutions and materials used, explaining how they work, why they were chosen, and how they could work for you. There will be plenty of chances to ask questions, whether you’re curious about costs, comfort, or where to start in your home.
These sessions are designed to help you feel more confident about your options. You don’t need any technical knowledge to attend, just an interest in making your home more insulated, comfortable and more affordable to run. Some tours also include an overview of YorEnergy’s free home assessment service, so you can see how the journey might begin in your own home.
What to expect as an industry professional
If you work in construction, architecture, green energy or trades, these events are a hands-on chance to explore retrofit in action. Led by experienced YorEnergy contractor Wrapt, professional-only tours will focus on technical aspects like material choices, installation processes, and integration into existing homes. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions, network with peers, and explore how to join the YorEnergy supplier marketplace.
Supporting net zero in York
If you're someone who champions sustainability, local innovation or York’s net zero ambitions, these events are an ideal way to see community-led carbon reduction in practice. Whether you’re part of a community organisation, local government, education, or simply interested in practical climate action, you’ll get an inside look at how projects like YorEnergy are making real impact. Learn how traditional homes are being adapted for a low-carbon future, and hear how local partnerships are helping York lead the way.
Local experts leading the way
The demo home events will be hosted by three trusted local partners, each bringing specialist knowledge and a different perspective:
York Community Energy, a volunteer-run social enterprise, will guide attendees through YorEnergy’s free home assessment process and explain how personalised advice and support can help people get started.
Wrapt, an experienced YorEnergy contractor, will lead professional-only sessions exploring the technical side of retrofit. These events are ideal for tradespeople, architects and designers interested in installation methods or joining the YorEnergy supplier marketplace.
City of York Council will lead sessions designed for homeowners and estate agents, focusing on the practical benefits of retrofit, such as improved comfort, lower running costs, and increased property value.
Learning from the demo homes
Across both homes, Energy Systems Catapult will monitor and share data on energy savings so visitors can see how the solutions perform in real life.
Please book a tour on the YorEnergy website.
The demo home is part of the ‘Retrofit One Stop Shop York’ project, a collaborative programme led by City of York Council and funded by Innovate UK. The consortium includes York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Brightsparks Agency Ltd, Energy Systems Catapult, Wrapt Homes Ltd, University of York, York Community Energy CBS Ltd, and Abundance Investment Ltd. Together, they aim to support home owners to access low-carbon energy solutions to help York reach its 2030 net zero target.