Sustaining Our Heritage: The Way Forward for Energy-Efficient Historic Housing Stock

Abstract

Typically, a historic building consists of what today would be considered traditional features, such as fireplaces and chimney stacks, as well as cellular room plans with high ceilings and draught lobbies which reduce air infiltration and heat loss and increase its thermal mass. Such inherent properties should not be overlooked when considering a historic building’s future thermal performance, as they may be able to make a valid contribution to improving its energy efficiency. This paper aims to research the link between conservation principles and sustainable refurbishment schemes, appraising the impact of sustainable technologies on historic dwellings. A key theme of the study is the fine balance to be achieved when managing change in refurbishment projects of heritage value. In addition, recent additions or alterations of less heritage value may still form part of the fabric of historic dwellings and must be managed or rectified so as not to detract from the overall character or functionality of the building. This brings to the forefront the role of conservation principles and guidelines as well as energy-efficiency standards and building regulations, and the effect of governmental policy on piecemeal change, in light of the high level of importance given to the sustainability agenda. Home-owners are given incentives and permitted alteration rights that do not always respect the sensitive character of historic dwellings. Currently, if a building is not listed, then its intrinsic features are not protected. Local planning authorities require clearer guidance on how to reach sustainability targets without compromising the heritage value that makes historic dwellings so unique and distinct to the era to which they belong.