The ‘Green Designs’ open doors series will reach Alexandria this weekend when homeowners Mary and Ian Sweetland invite local residents to look through the keyhole at their green home.

The events showcase properties on the Green Homes Network, managed by the Energy Saving Trust, and allow visitors to look around, chat to the owner about their experiences, and get specialist advice about energy efficiency and renewable technology for their own property from Home Energy Scotland.

The homes taking part across Scotland this year include sustainable new builds, unique eco-homes and historic properties that have been modernised with green technology.

The Sweetlands’ aspirational architect-designed home built to Passive House standards definitely has the ‘wow factor’.

Mary said: “The house is so comfortable, throughout the year, we only require the use of our wood-burning stove on the worst of days. And despite what people think, you can open the windows to enjoy a warm summer day if you want.

“Besides comfort, the other great difference has been the drop in bills. In our old home we spent roughly £1600 on heating and electricity. Now, we’re only £300, and that’s before deducting the money we’ve earned through the Feed-In Tariff.”

Anthony Kyriakides, Scottish renewables manager at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “The Sweetlands are great ambassadors for the Green Homes Network and will be more than happy to share helpful and honest insights with everyone who visits. What’s more, they will show that all homes no matter how big, small, new or old can be made greener, more comfortable and cheaper to run.”

The property will be open to visitors on 17 September 2016 from 10am to 3pm. For more information or to find details on other events visit www.greenhomesopendays.org.uk.