Local dignitary joins Stone Cross students for energy efficiency display at Hawthorn Grove

The visit formed part of a dedicated Barratt Homes campaign, created to raise awareness about the energy efficiency of homes.

Pupils were invited to join the tour after taking part in a hands-on workshop with Barratt Homes’ charity partner Sussex Green Living in September, which taught students about carbon footprints and heat loss by using thermal imaging cameras and games.

The guests toured the one of the homes being built at the development where the housebuilder had created an interactive display showcasing energy efficient features, including hand-painted watering cans designed by the Eastbourne Brownies, to demonstrate the amount of water saved in a new build home.

Gavin Blake-Coggins, Chairman of Wealden District Council, commented: “It’s fantastic to see collaboration across the community, with local students and youth groups all coming together to champion sustainability. Barratt Homes is setting a great example by involving young people in these conversations about how we can all make a difference.”

Emma Kesper, Deputy Head Teacher at Stone Cross School, added: “Our pupils really enjoyed the recent visit and were fascinated to learn about the small changes that can make a big difference. Seeing the communities’ creative efforts alongside the interactive session led by Barratt Homes helped to bring these concepts to life.”

Mark Vanson, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties, commented: “This campaign continues to bring together schools, youth groups and local stakeholders to consider how we can all live a greener lifestyle. It has been great to see how passionate the next generation is about this and to share how we’re building more efficient homes in communities across Sussex.”