Boosting Energy Efficiency in Older Buildings

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide for improving energy efficiency in traditional buildings. It outlines key steps, from assessing building performance to implementing upgrades, focusing on a balanced approach that respects the building’s heritage. The guidance emphasizes actionable steps for both specifiers and installers, ultimately leading to more sustainable and comfortable spaces.

Successful low-energy building design hinges on careful planning. Focus360 Energy can help.

** Main Story**

Okay, so boosting energy efficiency in older buildings? It’s a tricky one, right? You’re trying to bring these old places up to modern standards without, you know, completely gutting their character. It’s a real balancing act for us specifiers and installers. So, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate this challenge effectively.

Understanding the Building’s Soul

First things first, before you even think about ripping out windows or installing solar panels, you’ve gotta understand the building, like, really understand it. I mean, you wouldn’t prescribe medicine without knowing what the patient is suffering from, would you?

• Dig into its Past: Start with a deep dive into the building’s history, I mean construction methods, and if it has had any previous renovations that are of note. You can often find original plans or deeds in town historical archives, and you can learn a lot about the thinking of the original builders.

• Take Stock of Where Things Are: Then, do a comprehensive energy audit. Where is it losing heat? Where are the air leaks? What systems are just plain inefficient? Tools such as the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager can be your best friend here. I once worked on a project where the audit revealed that the original fireplaces were the biggest source of heat loss, crazy, right?.

• Respect the Heritage: And, of course, you’ve gotta identify any architectural or historical features that need special treatment during the retrofit. It might not be possible to modernize everything, some features might need to be preserved at any cost.

Prioritizing Where to Focus First

Now, once you’ve got that understanding, prioritize your energy-saving measures. I like to think of it as a triangle, you know, with these stages to get through:

• Sufficiency (Use Less): Start by simply reducing demand. Behavioral changes, small adjustments, they can make a huge difference. Think optimizing heating schedules, using natural light when you can, making occupants aware of how they’re using energy. I mean smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and automated lighting, those can be game-changers.

• Efficiency (Minimize What You Use): Next, focus on upgrades that minimize energy waste. Better insulation is a big one. Sealing those air leaks. And upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors. For traditional windows, secondary glazing or well-fitted shutters can be excellent. You know, it’s about making the most of what you’ve got.

• Generation (Create Energy): Finally, then you can explore renewable energy sources, like solar panels. It makes no sense to add solar panels to a poorly insulated house, right? Doing this right reduces the building’s carbon footprint even further. Battery storage on-site? That’s next level, enhancing energy independence and resilience. I’m a big fan of this part, but only when the other stages have been completed!

Upgrading What the Building Is Made Of

Let’s talk about the building envelope, the walls, roof, doors and windows. It’s the first line of defense against energy loss, but remember you want to keep the building original where possible:

• Insulation is Key: Adding insulation to walls, roofs, and floors is a must, but you’ve gotta be respectful of the building’s structure. Breathable insulation materials are your friend here, especially with solid masonry walls. You don’t want to trap moisture and cause problems down the line. I have seen internal insulation do a good job, and it can be a less invasive option.

• Windows and Doors Should be Addressed: Improve window and door performance! Draught-proofing, installing secondary glazing, adding those thermally efficient shutters we talked about earlier. And, if possible, always repair and maintain historic windows and doors. The character of the building is in these details.

• Airtightness, Airtightness, Airtightness: This might sound obvious but make sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. It minimizes draughts and, most importantly, heat loss. I had one client in an old Victorian, who was complaining that she couldn’t get the house warm, after sealing some drafty windows she was more than satisfied. She said, “It’s like I have a new house now”.

Making The Electrics and Plumbing More Efficient

Let’s talk about modernizing the building systems. It’s not just about slapping in the latest gadgets. So, what kind of systems are we talking about?

• HVAC Systems: Upgrade those old heating and cooling systems to high-efficiency models. And don’t forget smart controls. It’s a whole-building approach, especially during major renovations, to really optimize performance. Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) can help identify those hidden opportunities for improvement. It’s like giving your building a tune-up. Do you want to be comfortable, or not?

• Lighting Needs Modernization: Replace the old lighting with energy-efficient LEDs. It’s not just about saving energy; it’s about improving light quality too. And with smart lighting systems, you can optimize energy use even further. The energy savings alone can be substantial.

• Don’t Forget Water Heating: Install efficient water heaters and low-flow fixtures. Every little bit counts, right? And reducing water consumption also reduces energy consumption.

Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring Is Critical

So, you’ve done the work, now what? You can’t just walk away and forget about it. These steps are essential:

• Maintenance is Key: Implement a preventative maintenance plan for all building systems, HVAC, lighting, plumbing, everything. It’s like taking your car in for regular service.

• Monitoring Performance Is Important: Regularly monitor energy consumption. You can use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or similar to help you. That way, you can identify any deviations from the expected performance and address them promptly. If I was working on the Burj Khalifa, I would want to know immediately if the heating bill suddenly spikes!

So, there you have it. By following these steps, we, as specifiers and installers, can successfully improve the energy efficiency of older buildings. It’s a holistic approach that yields the best results, creating more sustainable, comfortable, and historically sensitive spaces for everyone. It’s not just about preserving the past; it’s about building a better future, too.