The growing emphasis on energy efficiency as part of the Government's carbon reduction targets is relevant to traditional and historic buildings.
The Scottish Government are setting standards to help eradicate fuel poverty, reduce energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their aim is that homes and buildings are warm, dry and easy and affordable to heat. Measures include:
- improving the energy efficiency of heating systems
- insulating walls, roofs and floors
- installing micro-renewables (solar, heat pumps and biomass boilers)
- delivering air quality improvements
The aim is for all Scottish homes to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of at least C by 2040. There are also plans to extend the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 regulations to cover all non-domestic buildings by 2040. Buildings will be improved insofar as it is technically feasible and cost-effective. (Route Map to an Energy Efficient Scotland)
These standards will encourage owners to improve the condition of their properties. There will be implications for the sale or rent of buildings that do not meet minimum performance levels.
It is possible to improve the energy efficiency of traditionally constructed and historic buildings, without compromising their building performance dynamics. The Engine Shed, Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre, provides advice on how to improve energy efficiency.