Energy Efficiency Measures in Older and Traditional Buildings

The most sustainable building is normally the one which already exists. 

Maintaining historic and traditional buildings, and keeping them in use, reduces the overall need for new construction materials helping to reduce carbon emissions. But these buildings may also need to be adapted to be more resilient to the changing climate. 

This publication covers the things which need to be considered when fitting energy efficiency measures to older and traditional buildings. It is aimed primarily – but not exclusively – at learners undertaking the Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings. 

Traditionally constructed buildings were made using different materials to modern buildings, and therefore need different treatment. This handbook gives an overview of how older and traditional buildings perform; the suitability of energy efficiency measures for different construction types and the heritage considerations which must be incorporated into decisions about the introduction and evaluation of energy efficiency measures. 

It has been created in collaboration with Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland and is designed for learners to use as an additional resource alongside their guided leaning hours delivered by a registered training provider. It will also be useful for anyone assessing, coordinating, designing or installing retrofit energy efficiency measures in traditionally constructed buildings.