ENERGY HERITAGE
 |
Improving energy efficiency in traditional and historic homesEnergy Heritage is a groundbreaking Changeworks project, which demonstrated how to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions in older and historic properties without compromising their appearance or original fabric. Key to the success of the project was the partnership approach taken, and tenant particpation in the process. |
About the Energy Heritage project
The project ran from April 2007 to June 2008, and involved three stages:
1. Research identified the main issues linking energy efficiency, fuel poverty and historic homes. Changeworks led negotiations with key organisations including Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Scotland, The City of Edinburgh Council, and The Cockburn Association This established common ground and mutually acceptable solutions to maximise energy savings while minimising visual impact on properties.
2. A demonstration project saw a range of energy efficiency improvements installed to nine flats in a ‘B’ listed Georgian tenement in the historic heart of Edinburgh; the flats, owned by Lister Housing Co-operative, are also in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Householders also received visits from energy advisers. Improvements were monitored by Smart Monitors, National Home Energy Rating (NHER) surveys, thermal imaging, householder surveys and thermal testing (carried out in collaboration with Historic Scotland).
3. The lessons learned led to the publication of comprehensive good practice guide (available below) to inform future projects throughout the UK. The guidance was launched at a highly successful conference on energy efficiency in traditional and historic homes, and continues to be promoted through stakeholders’ websites and presentations.
 |
Energy Heritage: a guide to improving energy efficiency in traditional and historic homes Please note this is a large file (5MB) |
All publications from the conference held on 2nd May 2008 can be can be found on our Conference Downloads page.
Take a look at this video on our work with Lister Housing Co-operative to improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings.
The partnership
The pilot study was a partnership between Changeworks, Edinburgh World Heritage and Lister Housing Co-operative, and also involved conservation bodies, planners and householders.
The key to a successful project was identifying and building on common ground to ensure all stakeholders’ perspectives were considered.
Funding
Changeworks’ Energy Heritage project was funded by eaga Charitable Trust.
The capital works were funded by Edinburgh World Heritage, the Scottish Government's Wider Role Fund, Lister Housing Co-operative and ScottishPower.
The good practice guide and conference also received funding from Edinburgh World Heritage and Sust.
Contact us
General consultancy enquiries: Catherine Fong
Specific project enquiries: Energy Futures Team
T: 0131 555 4010
