Arthur A. Williams
Dept. Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Mark Gillott
Dept. Architecture & Built Environment, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110572126Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:50, p. 2126-2133
Published: 2011-11-03
ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
Before 1930; most houses in the UK were built with solid brick walls; which have high heat losses and are difficult to insulate. These homes represent nearly one-quarter of the UK housing stock. This paper covers a case-study that shows some of the difficulties to meet the UK government’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Such a target can only be met with refurbishment of all older properties and even then; energy-savings initiatives are probably not sufficient; integration of renewable energy sources is also necessary. Comparison with refurbishment initiatives in Germany demonstrates the massive investment that needs to take place; and some of the practical limitations. Strategies to limit increasing demand for energy use will be required in order to meet these ambitious targets. The case-study demonstrates the types of practical problems likely to be encountered; but also shows the importance of disseminating the experience gained by pioneers of refurbishing older homes in the UK.
