This webinar will focus on addressing energy efficiency, which is fast becoming one of the most pressing issues for older, traditionally-constructed buildings.

However, retaining character and significance can be at odds with achieving improved thermal efficiency, and there is increasing evidence highlighting not only the benefits but also the risks of different technical solutions.

Upgrading traditional building fabric is notoriously complex and costly, particularly where planning restrictions apply, and a holistic understanding of buildings, upgrade measures and occupant behaviour is required before modern materials are applied to older structures. In this webinar you will hear from experts in their field about current issues, solutions and emerging best practice in how to achieve ‘responsible retrofit’ – sustainable, low-energy traditional buildings with retained character, minimal risk to buildings and occupants and real benefits for all. Principles including moisture movement, thermal bridging, building and insulation materials, energy assessments, planning and finance are complemented by practical solutions for domestic buildings, with a focus on solid walls, windows and ventilation as part of a whole-building approach.

Agenda

14:00 Introduction – John Maclennan, CSIC

14:05 Renovating rural communities for economic and social benefit – Joe Gribben, Community Housing Trust

14:15 Technical challenges and solutions for retrofit – Chris Morgan, John Gilbert Architects

14:25 Retrofitting pre 1919 tenement buildings – Sandy Macgregor, Energystore

14:35 Spotlight Session – David McGrath, Orbis Energy

14:40 Audience Q&A