Decarbonising heritage and traditional homes

A recurring challenge for housing associations when it comes to decarbonisation is the difficulty of retrofitting heritage and traditional homes. Below is a round up of some of the key information and practical guidance for retrofitting heritage and traditional homes.

Heritage homes are those which have special considerations under the planning system, due to the character and historic interest attached to the building. Traditional homes are typically defined as those built before 1919. 

Often the construction of these buildings differs to contemporary housing. For example, many are 'moisture open' meaning they allow the ingress and egress of moisture through features such as timber flooring and ventilation through chimney chutes and draughts. Consequently, these houses may require special treatment to ensure the natural balance within the home and to avoid issues with damp and mold. Find out more about the barriers to retrofitting heritage homes.

In our decarbonisation guide, we advocate for a 'fabric first' approach to decarbonisation but this may not always be appropriate for every building. It is key that heritage homes are retrofitted responsibly to ensure the protection of its character, the comfort of residents and the cost-effectiveness of heating the property. 

This is especially important to consider in the context of minimum energy efficiency standards for social housing. Heritage and traditional homes will face specific challenges in complying with these regulations, so start planning early for any necessary works or to assess whether properties will be exempt from requirements.