Ruskin Lane Consulting Autumn 2013 | Page 22

FEATURES PROJECTS Energy Efficiency and the Older Property Norman Kerr, Director of the charity Energy Action Scotland, discusses aspirations to make homes more energy efficient. ew people will have failed to notice the sharp rise in fuel bills to heat and power our homes in the last few years and in particular over the last long winter. As a result, many people want to cut back their fuel bills and may well be turning down their heating just when they need it most. While some of the remedy lies in the careful management of domestic energy use and in shopping around for the best energy deals, there is a widely held view that the real solution is to make our buildings more energy efficient. Of course, improving levels of energy efficiency may not only be good for the bank balance, but can also bring wider environmental benefits through emissions reduction and social benefits such as a reduction in fuel poverty. By reducing heat loss through the fabric of the building, for example, it is possible to achieve lower fuel bills. Because of these multiple factors, government at all levels is keen that we take action to make our homes more energy efficient. In recognition of this aim, building standards have been improved to take cognisance of energy performance. But as the bar is raised for new-build, what is being done to improve existing housing and older, more traditional properties, in particular? Does living in an older property mean that energy efficient living is beyond our grasp? F Legislative Framework The Scottish Government has set out its housing priorities in ‘Homes Fit for the 21st Century’. As a result of this and other plans – such as its widely publicised climate change targets - it has published an Energy Efficiency Action Plan. The action plan sets out the framework for the Scottish Government's approach to energy efficiency and microgeneration. It focuses on the contribution these can make to energy and economic development, their role in reducing energy consumption in buildings and transport, and in delivering climate change targets. The plan states that: “In order to deliver the targets set in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, we must deliver a step-change reduction in energy use and move to noncarbon alternatives … this plan reinforces the urgent need for action on energy efficiency.” It continues: “Improving the energy efficiency of the 22 I THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND I AUTUMN 2013 domestic sector is vital, as around 29% of all energy consumed in Scotland is used in our homes for space and water heating, cooking, lighting, and running electric appliances.” Specifically, Action 2.5 states that Historic Scotland will take the lead in researching and promoting energy efficiency in traditional buildings. As part of this it will: i. carry out research and case study projects, and disseminate findings to and through relevant partners, publications and digital media in order to improve advice provision, skills and qualifications for the public and professionals on energy efficiency improvement of traditional housing; and ii. include energy efficiency in domestic properties in its existing and future regeneration and grants programmes, such as the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme. Indeed, Historic Scotland has published an online series of Refurbishment Case Study reports. The reports cover a series of projects where 19th and early 20th century buildings received energy efficiency and thermal improvements. The examples include detached rural cottages and tenement flats, and describe practical options for improving the thermal properties of roof spaces, walls, floors, doors, windows, fireplaces and chimneys. This summer and following consultation, the Scottish Government published its Sustainable Housing Strategy which sets out its “vision for warm, high quality, affordable, low carbon homes”. Launching the strategy in June, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said that by 2020 all homes in Scotland are to have loft and cavity wall insulation, where this is possible, and every home with gas central heating will have an energy efficient boiler with appropriate controls.