Oak Tree House in Knaphill, Woking, is an ordinary three-bedroom detached house that has been refurbished to show local people how they can reduce their energy use and water consumption.

Working with its energy company, ecsc, building partner, Mansell Plc, and environmental partner, Woking LA21, Woking Borough Council has created the demonstration house to act as the focal point for its Low Carbon Homes Programme.

On this project GrEnergy installed the solar hot water heating system.  The Vaillant auroTHERM VFK 145 (vertical or horizontal model) flat plate collectors have the same high build quality as the auroTHERM plus but with a slightly lower solar efficiency. It has a toughened 3.2mm thick solar glass cover and new 40mm rear insulation.

The refurbishment has been designed to minimise the environmental impact of the house and maximise quality of life. It has been furnished using sustainable materials wherever possible and is intended to show that an energy and water-efficient house can also be a welcoming, attractive and a comfortable home.



Residents who are keen to make a difference can see for themselves how the sun’s energy can be used to provide electricity and hot water through the installation of both solar water heating and solar photovoltaic panels.

The Woking Low Carbon Homes Programme

• What is it?

The Woking Low Carbon Homes Programme aims to help local residents transform their homes into low carbon homes. It will provide easy access to the measures on show in Oak Tree House and provide support for households who want to reduce their energy and water consumption.

• Why is this important?

Nearly a third of all the energy consumed in the UK is used in our homes and it’s a significant source of carbon emissions. We can reduce our energy use by installing energy-saving measures and using energy more efficiently, saving money and reducing emissions at the same time.

We also use around 40% of the UK’s water supply in our homes and will need to be more water-efficient if we are to ensure that supplies can be sustained in the future; at the same time, we can help to avoid flash flooding by reducing the amount of water directly entering our drains.

• How can the programme help me?

To find out the latest news about the programme and how it can help you make your home more energy and water-efficient please check this page regularly for updates.