Energy efficiency in traditional and protected homes

[biffvernon]

Nicked from Green Building Forum

Sustainable development charity Changeworks is hosting a FREE one-day conference on energy efficiency in traditional and protected homes, on Friday 2 May in Edinburgh. A new guide on the subject is also being launched at this event (which will also include sample improvement technologies, workshops and presentations from organisations including Historic Scotland, the Sustainable Development Commission, Energy Action Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage).

More details, and a conference booking form, are available on the Changeworks website at http://www.changeworks.org.uk/content.php?linkid=374. This is part of a project called Energy Heritage, which included a pilot study improving the energy efficiency of flats in a 'B' listed Georgian tenement in Edinburgh's Old Town, a conservation area and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more details please contact Changeworks on 0131 468 8660 or events@changeworks.org.uk

Thanks,

Nick Heath

 

[Nemesis]

But I've already posted it here - The Other Half has a place booked...

http://periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9190


do keep up Vernon.

It's part funded by Edinburgh World Heritage. Where me mate Adam starts today as Director.

 

[biffvernon]

Ah.

I heard on Radio 4 recently that Adam was moving on. Can't remember which programme or why he got a mention.

 

[Nemesis]

Radio Four eh - how very grand!

I'm still recovering from his leaving bash - as indeed is he. I have the photos with which to blackmail people. He has arrived safely and has a very nice office in Charlotte Square, which is a considerable step up from the SAVE cupboard! He'll be a great miss to conservation this side of the border, although I think Edinburgh's need is great.

Will Palin started today as the latest SAVE Secretary. I'm sure we all wish them the best of luck in their new roles.

Anyone interested - Adam is speaking at World Heritage Day April 18th:

http://www.ewht.org.uk

http://www.ewht.org.uk/Forthcoming-Events.aspx

 

[Nemesis]

Article

http://www.newbuilder.co.uk/news/NewsFullStory.asp?ID=2405

New guide to more energy efficient historic buildings

Posted: 02/04/2008

Sustainable development charity Changeworks is publishing a new guide to improving energy efficiency in traditional and protected homes. This is part of a project called Energy Heritage, being run by Changeworks to identify acceptable ways of improving energy efficiency in such buildings.

Some elements of traditionally constructed homes are notoriously hard to improve in terms of energy efficiency. This is exacerbated when properties are listed, situated in conservation areas or otherwise protected, when maintaining their historic character and appearance is paramount.

Residents of such properties can be at risk of fuel poverty (where a household spends more than 10% of its disposable income heating the home). This is because their homes, while visually outstanding, can have poor levels of energy efficiency, and improvement options are limited by their historic status.

Investing in existing housing is more sustainable than demolition and new build, which carry considerable economic and environmental costs and lose the embodied energy contained in existing buildings. Existing stock accounts for the vast majority of UK housing, and increasing CO2 reduction targets make the Energy Heritage project all the more timely.

Following extensive research into the key barriers and solutions to improving energy efficiency in historic homes, Changeworks carried out a pilot study testing a range of sensitive improvements. Measures were installed in 'B' listed Georgian tenement flats in Edinburgh's Old Town, a conservation area and part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The pilot study was conducted in partnership with Edinburgh World Heritage and Lister Housing Co-operative.

The works focused on windows, solid floors, roofs, heating and lighting systems, and included educational measures such as smart monitors and home advice visits. The works were monitored in several ways:
 National Home Energy Rating (NHER) surveys provided updated energy efficiency ratings and projected savings in CO2 emissions, energy consumption and fuel costs;
 Thermal testing was carried out in conjunction with Historic Scotland;
 Thermal imaging provided a visual illustration of the impact of the window works;
 Householder satisfaction surveys were completed;
 Seasonal fuel bill comparisons are being carried out.

All works were supported by Planning and building conservation bodies, as well as the householders themselves who are extremely happy with the improvements.

Energy Heritage has shown that, by working in partnership and selecting appropriate technologies, the long-term sustainability of these valuable buildings can be safeguarded without compromising their historic character or appearance.

The guide is being launched at a FREE one-day conference on energy efficiency in traditional and historic homes, in Edinburgh on Friday 2 May. This event will will include sample improvement technologies, workshops and presentations from organisations including Historic Scotland, the Sustainable Development Commission, Energy Action Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage. All delegates will receive a copy of the guide.

More details, and a conference booking form, are available at http://www.changeworks.org.uk/content.php?linkid=374. For more details please contact Changeworks on 0131 468 8660 or events@changeworks.org.uk.

Green Building Press