Mitigating for Climate Change whilst preserving our Heritage (Part 3)

By Anesh Chauhan

After all the free and low to medium cost measures have been explored there are other options for larger projects (see Part 1 and Part 2 for more information).  

Larger energy efficiency projects

These are more likely to require planning permission or Listed Building Consent so they are dealt with in more depth below. Opportunities for larger projects to improve energy efficiency include installing more energy efficient windows, installing improved insulation and upgrading the efficiency of M&E equipment, such as boilers. 

Looking at windows in more detail as an example, there are a number of ways the energy efficiency can be improved; however, in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings, these must take into account the impact of any improvements on the historic value of the building or area. The appearance of historic windows is important to their context. Replacement of original historic single glazed windows is unlikely to be permitted in Listed Buildings and will be restricted in Conservation Areas. 

Nevertheless there are a variety of measures which can improve the energy efficiency of windows, both where they can be replaced and where they are being retained. Where windows cannot be replaced, or budget constraints prohibit instalment of new windows, there are a range of simpler measures which can improve the energy efficiency of windows. 

These include:

• Secondary glazing - adding a second sheet of glass or plastic to a window frame can improve sound-proofing as well as energy efficiency. If carefully designed, it can be unobtrusive and appropriate in a Conservation Area property or Listed Building

• Draught proofing - much of the heat lost through windows is actually through leaks
• Secondary protection - e.g. shutters or heavy curtains, although these are predominantly a night-time option 

Other measures to consider for larger projects include:

• External/ internal wall insulation - insulating walls can improve the ‘u’ value and minimise heat loss through walls. However external wall insulation is unlikely to be permitted in Listed Buildings and in Conservation Areas, but consulting the local planning office will clarify this

• Upgrading heating system - Upgrading the boiler to an ‘A’ rated system which is 90% efficient will aid in the reduction of carbon emissions. Replacement of boilers and radiators do not require Listed Building Consent, but new flues will need consent as these they must be carefully positioned to reduce the visual impact 

Further information can be found at …
http://www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.uk/live/saving_energy.aspx

Mitigating for Climate Change whilst preserving our Heritage (Part 2)

By Anesh Chauhan
Part 2 of this blog describes some some simple measures which are free and low to medium cost which will improve the energy efficiency of listed buildings whilst being unlikely to require planning permission or Listed Building Consent.
No cost measures – simple behavioural changes
• Draw curtains/blinds in the evening to conserve heat
• Check your central heating temperature and your hot water temperature
• Avoid leaving electrical equipment such as TVs, computers or stereos on standby - switch them off at the mains

Low cost measures

• Use energy efficient light bulbs - they can last over 10 times longer than standard bulbs
• Check you have a well-fitting hot water tank jacket and consider insulating hot water pipes
• Install draught proofing around doors, windows and letterboxes
Medium cost measures
Installing insulation in existing roof voids is in many cases practicable and can help significantly in improving a building’s energy performance. Where a building has a historic timber roof structure insulation can be installed between rafters, without any visual impact or damage to the historic building.  

Insulating floors is another medium cost option. Timber floors can be insulated by lifting the floorboards and laying mineral wool insulation supported by netting between the joists. Gaps and draughts around skirting boards and floors are simple to fix by sealing with suitable sealants.   

In the final part of this series, I will look into larger projects which may be applied after the above options have been exhausted.

 

Read Part 1 here: http://rlbrm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/mitigating-for-climate-change-whilst.html

Mitigating for Climate Change whilst preserving our Heritage (Part 1)

By Anesh Chauhan

One of our largest clients at Rider Levett Bucknall has a large portfolio of buildings which are either a Listed Building, within a Conservation Area or in some cases, both. As part of a sustainable approach when adapting their buildings, we continually aim to reduce carbon in any way we can.

While there may be cases when climate change objectives conflict with conservation of heritage assets, many opportunities exist for enhancing and improving energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and improved adaptation in historic buildings, without adversely impacting on their Conservation importance.

So what are Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings?

Conservation Areas are areas of special historical or architectural interest which have a character that it is desirable to preserve. In conservation areas the view of a building from the public realm is considered the main concern to ensure that the street appearance is preserved as well as the quality of the architecture. 

Listed Buildings are buildings which are included on the national register of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest; they are protected by law. As such, a Listed Building may not be extended or altered, internally or externally, in any way which may affect its special character, without Listed Building Consent being approved by the local planning authority.

Overall energy efficiency is the most cost effective approach to carbon reduction and minimising energy use. There are a variety of free and low to medium cost measures to improve energy efficiency which is unlikely to require planning permission or Listed Building Consent.

These simple measures will be described in Part 2 of this blog.