Energy Efficiency: Roofs and Insulation
Green roofs
Medieval timbrel vaulting is inspiration for a new eco-home near Staplehurst in Kent which incorporates a green roof and solar panels.
The Greater London Authority published Living Roofs and Walls. Technical report: supporting London plan policy (PDF 2.58MB) in February 2008.
The latest issue of Sustainable Drainage News published by Ciria (February 2008) includes an article on ‘Green roofs - lifting the lid on guidance’ (PDF 250KB).
A green roof installation in Blake Mews, York, 1 August, 2007
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham published Green Roofs: planning advice note 1 (PDF | 724KB) in December 2005.
The Green Roof Centre provides information on intensive and extensive green roofs.
Roofs
Clay roof tiles
IHBC Conservation: Neil Tobin in Context 72, 2001, pages 27–28
“All six members of the Clay Roof Tile Council (CRTC), the trade body for manufacturers of clay roofing tiles, have secured the right to be a part of government-led Energy Efficiency Agreements as part of the Climate Change Levy. The clay roof tile industry has demonstrated its commitment to helping meet the UK’s objectives, set by the Kyoto agreement, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Results of a CRTC survey of more than 200 building professionals, including specifiers, released in 1999 revealed that 95 per cent regarded clay tiles as a sustainable roofing product which enhanced the built environment. Clay tiles were viewed by specifiers as sustainable for their durability, their long-term visual effect, their properties as a plentiful natural resource and for their energy efficiency in use.”
Thatch
English Heritage published ‘Thatch and thatching: a guidance note’ (PDF c6.8MB) in June 2000.
Insulation
North Kesteven District Council has advised it will be the first local authority in the country to build straw bale houses for social housing. The houses have been designed by Amazonails and construction is expected to begin in late spring, early summer 2009.
The English Heritage publication ‘Energy conservation in traditional buildings’ (PDF 1.22MB, June 2007) includes a section on insulation.
English Heritage publication ‘Building Regulations and Historic Buildings - Balancing the needs for energy conservation with those of building conservation: an Interim Guidance Note on the application of Part L (of the revised building regulations) 2004’ 10.5 Improving insulation internally (PDF 1.05MB). In historical terms it is important to ensure that internal walls are always investigated with care in advance of any changes, in case ancient or interesting features - such as early plaster and paint schemes - are hidden in the plaster or behind panelling or other coverings. Timber panelling, plaster mouldings or enriched decorations are all-important and need to be preserved.
SPAB ‘Why old makes environmental sense’, Cornerstone 27, 4, 2006, page 35–36
“…even if good airtightness can be achieved on old buildings, and insulation installed, there are great risks to building fabric and health because of cold bridging and the inevitable problems associated with trapped moisture.”
“It is my understanding that only natural materials that are fully breathable (that is vapour permeable, hygroscopic and with some capillary qualities) are compatible with historic building fabric.”
Centre for Alternative Technology ‘The benefits of insulating buildings with sheep’s wool.
