If you're looking to create a more energy-efficient, eco-conscious home — whether through a self-build, a renovation, or retrofitting your current property — then this is the event you won’t want to miss.
The Festival of Sustainable Homes returns to the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon this Friday 16th & Saturday 17th May 2025, and it’s set to be bigger, smarter, and more inspiring than ever.
From heat pumps to home batteries, solar panels to building materials — this family-friendly event is packed with free seminars, live expert debates, hands-on demos, and over 200 exhibitors offering the very latest solutions for building or upgrading a sustainable, comfortable home.
Whether you're starting from scratch or updating a Victorian terrace, this show is your gateway to a greener, more efficient home — without the hard sell.
The Festival of Sustainable Homes is a ticketed event. Tickets are free when booked in advance, or £12 per person at the door. You can book them here. The show’s opening hours are 9 am - 5 pm. If you'd prefer a more tailored experience at the Festival of Sustainable Homes, there are a limited number of Premium Tickets available each day. These tickets offer several added benefits, including the option to pre-book one-to-one appointments with experts, access to a dedicated VIP lounge, guaranteed easy parking, and complimentary lunch and refreshments. Premium Tickets are priced at £35 per person or £50 per couple.
SEMINARS AT THE FESTIVAL OF SUSTAINABLE HOMES
The Festival of Sustainable Homes offers a full programme of talks, demonstrations, and advice sessions across two main theatres: the Build It Theatre and the Sustainability Theatre.
Each day includes expert-led seminars covering a wide range of topics such as heat pumps, solar panels, ventilation systems, battery storage, EV charging, and sustainable building methods. There will also be real-life case studies presented by people who have completed their own self-build or renovation projects, sharing insights and lessons learned.
In addition to the theatres, there are live demonstration zones throughout the venue, where exhibitors will showcase products and systems in action. This includes hands-on displays and the opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers and suppliers about the latest technologies.
The ACA stand (stand no. 63) will also feature Virtual Reality demonstration sessions, offering an interactive way to explore different design and construction options.
BUILD IT THEATRE
The Build It Theatre hosts a series of in-depth talks and expert-led panels exploring key topics in sustainable construction, energy, and design. Whether you’re planning a self-build, renovation, or retrofit, these sessions are designed to help you make well-informed decisions for a more energy-efficient and future-ready home.
Here are four standout sessions to attend:
Renewable Energy
Friday & Saturday – 11:00–11:40
Good Energy
Get an overview of how one company can help make your entire home greener. This session introduces renewable electricity and heat solutions and explains how to reduce your carbon footprint with a whole-home energy strategy.
Planning – Course Taster
Friday & Saturday – 12:45–13:10
Mark Doodes
This session provides a clear introduction to the planning process for self-builders and renovators. Learn how to improve your chances of gaining planning permission, avoid common pitfalls, and understand what local authorities are looking for in applications.
VAT Reclaim – Course Taster
Friday & Saturday – 13:15–13:40
Andrew Jones
If you’re building a new home or converting a non-residential property, you may be entitled to reclaim VAT. This practical session explains what qualifies, what paperwork is required, and how to make sure your claim is successful.
The Integrated Design Team
Saturday – 13:45–14:10
AC Architects
Discover how architects and engineers work together in the early stages of a self-build project. This session explains why involving both parties from the outset can de-risk your build, improve outcomes, and streamline the design-to-construction process.
SUSTAINABILITY THEATRE
The Sustainability Theatre will present a series of talks hosted by the exhibitors. Below you can see some of the most exciting events taking place at the Sustainability Theatre:
Finance & Funding Your Project
Friday & Saturday – 11:00–11:25
BuildStore
This session breaks down how to fund your project, from stage payment mortgages to cashflow planning. BuildStore explains the range of financial options available to self-builders and renovators, helping you understand what’s possible based on your budget and build type.
Architectural Design – From Dream to Reality
Friday – 11:30–12:10
AC Architects
Follow the journey of a self-build home from initial vision to completed design. This session outlines the key stages of architectural planning, what to expect when working with a design team, and how to turn your ideas into a practical, buildable home.
Question Time: Battle Of The Building Systems
Friday & Saturday – 12:15–12:45
Panel: Sustainable Building Systems
Explore the pros and cons of various building methods — including timber frame, ICF, SIPS, and traditional brick and block — in this moderated panel. Aimed at helping self-builders make the right structural choices for comfort, cost, and sustainability.
Question Time: Heat & Energy
Friday & Saturday– 14:00–14:40
Panel: Heat & Energy specialists
This panel dives into the latest solutions for low-carbon heating and domestic energy use. Expect practical discussion on integrating heat pumps, solar, battery storage, and smart controls into your home.
LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS WITH ACA
There will be several live demonstration zones at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, where the exhibitors will be presenting their products and services. One of them is ACA's Virtual Reality.
Virtual Reality – Allan Corfield Architects
Everyday – 11:00 and 14:30, Stand 63
ACA will be hosting Virtual Reality sessions at our stand no. 63 which will show visitors the capabilities of VR and how it can help in the design process. You will be able to walk around and fully appreciate the external design and internal spaces of a virtual house in unbelievable 4K clarity!
THE NEW BUILD TOUR & RENOVATION HOUSE
Join the NSBRC experts for an in-depth, guided tour of the centre’s Educational Zones; the New Build Zone, which walks you through each key stage you’ll encounter in a Self Build, and the Renovation House, a dilapidated 1920s property showing the before/after of the home renovation process.
EXHIBITORS
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre has over 200 permanent exhibitors, and many of them will be present at the show to provide expert advice to visitors. You will have a chance to learn about the various products and services they have to offer, and how they can benefit your project.
There will be exhibitors who specialise in construction, covering areas such as design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and many more.
CONSULTATIONS WITH EXPERTS
The Festival of Sustainable Homes will give you a unique opportunity to book a one-to-one slot with architects, planning experts, project managers, structural engineers and other specialists in the Professional Services Hub. This will provide you with a chance to discuss your project and learn what products and solutions will best meet your expectations.
The selected experts will be able to help you with:
- Architectural Design
- Planning
- Building Control
- Project Management
- Eco Design
- Heating Systems
VISIT OUR STAND AT THE SHOW
Our experts Jenny and Pearl will be available at our stand (no. TV63) to speak to you about your project and demonstrate our renowned Virtual Reality system. The VR sessions will be at 11 am and 2.30 pm on both days of the show.
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminar will take place on Friday 4th, July, at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre and will be hosted by Jenny.
This one-day course gives you practical advice and guidance from a panel of established experts in their fields of expertise, ready to impart their knowledge and experience to you. The course registration is FREE and includes lunch, refreshments, a full day of expert advice and opportunities for individual consultations.
SOME TOPICS THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINAR:
- Project feasibility
- Your project team and the design process
- Project delivery options
- Future home standards and construction systems
- Renewable systems integration
- Virtual reality demonstration
To find out more about the event and the experts and to book your place, click the button below.
Top 3 tips for making the most of your visit to the Book Your FREE Tickets For the Festival of Sustainable Homes!:
- Bring your plans, drawings and sketches – it will help the experts and exhibitors give you the best advice.
- Arrive early! There is a packed programme of talks, demos, case studies and tours. The show starts at 10am each day and you’ll want plenty of time to browse over 200 exhibitor displays.
- Don’t be shy to ask questions! Many experienced representatives will be on hand to answer your questions and offer support based on their experience.
Visiting the National Self Build & Renovation Centre is beneficial for anyone who wants to build their dream home and should be in the calendar of every conscious self-builder who wants to prepare thoroughly for what will be the biggest investment in their life.
The NSBRC is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 17:30, Sunday 10:00 – 16:30.
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UB
For more information visit: www.nsbrc.co.uk.