Energy Efficiency: Windows and Ventilation
Windows
All replacement glazing comes within the scope of the Building Regulations. Anyone who installs replacement windows or doors must comply with current thermal performance standards in order to reduce energy loss in line with Government policy. Useful information for home owners may be found on the FENSA website.
English Heritage publications:
- The Building Regulations part L1B sets out minimum energy requirements for all elements of existing buildings including windows. The latest revision took place in October 2010. (PDF 1.04MB).
- HELM have now published guidance on application of part L of the Building Regulations to historic and traditionally constructed buildings 2010.
- Recommended methods of improvement are discussed in English Heritage’s Framing Opinions Campaign (English Heritage, 1994; PDF 845KB).
- Draught-proofing and secondary glazing also published in June 1994 (PDF 1.2MB).
- Energy conservation in traditional buildings (PDF 1.22MB, June 2007) includes a section on draught-proofing.
SPAB advises on the replacement and maintenance of timber windows
Recent research into the thermal performance of traditional windows by English Heritage has suggested that there are major opportunities for improving the thermal performance of existing windows by relatively simple methods, including traditional curtains, blinds and shutters.
The CBA has an ongoing project to raise awareness of how proper care can make historic windows energy efficient. See our Window Watch page for details.
Ventilation
Hacker, J, Belcher, S and Connell, R, 2005, Beating the heat: keeping UK buildings cool in a warming climate (PDF 265KB), UKCIP & ARUP. This publication examines climate change impacts by region, building type, form and fabric, and looks at how designers will need to adapt their understanding of building performance to provide thermal comfort in the future, considering both traditional ‘passive’ and mechanical cooling measures.
IHBC response to Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change – Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1 (PDF 111KB). We have a specific criticism of the second provision, as drafted, of paragraph 35, which does not address the energy issues (which will increase) arising from air conditioning: current reliance on energy-intensive mechanical systems needs to be changed through a much stronger emphasis on natural, as opposed to mechanical, ventilation in both existing and new buildings. (See Archive of Past IHBC Consultations page on for 06/02/07).
