Building Retrofit
The UK has some of the oldest buildings in Europe, with almost a quarter of homes in England built before 1919 and the advent of cavity walls. The UK has also set a target of an 80% reduction in CO2 by 2050, where buildings account for one third of our emissions.
Much as we like to play a part in sustainable, energy conscious new build design, there is no ignoring the fact that a huge majority of the 2050 housing stock has already been built. The challenge lies in old, hard to treat houses which are typically poorly arranged and limited for space.
Build Energy Retrofit Service
We can provide bespoke services to suit your own objectives. Perhaps you would like to know whether renewables will really help you to cut your energy use? Perhaps you are a Housing Association requiring an independant view of your stock, demonstrating the effect of new insulation, heating systems or new construction?
Our approach is one based firstly on an accurate survey of the dwelling. Our in-house assessors will then model SAP Calculations based on the existing building and provide detailed energy costs and CO2 emissions data. From this basepoint we can model a host of fabric, heating, lighting, ventilation or renewable options to show you where you can make a difference.
Not only will we show you CO2 emissions and energy cost data but we can also demonstrate independant payback periods for renewable technologies.
Fabric First
Retrofit should always start with improving the fabric of a building - the walls, floors and roofs together with fittings like windows and doors. These measures can be relatively cheap and simple to deliver, and also provide the largest benefit.
We can also provide air leakage testing - something every new dwelling requires. This shows uncontrolled air leakage from gaps and cracks in the building fabric and will in turn identify where remedial work may be required.
Build Energy can also provide independant advice on products to suit your needs and budget.
If we can help with your retrofit project, or you just need advice - give us a call
