Workshop card resources

The following resources are linked to the options workshop cards. They provide more in-depth information on each option plus links to downloadable resources and other websites including those detailing potential grants and funding.

1. Roofing

It’s estimated that a quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. Insulating and draught proofing your loft, attic or flat roof is an effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills. There are a range of airtightness measures and insulation options. Some measures such as loft insulation, if installed correctly, should pay for itself many times over in its 40-year lifetime.

2. Walls

Insulating walls could cut your heating costs considerably, and make your home more comfortable. When your home was built and its planning status will dictate what options are available to you. The wall structure has a significant influence over the measures and products you can use; appropriate works to deal with damp and choosing the right materials is crucial.

3. Flooring

Insulating and draught proofing your ground floor is a great way to keep your property warm. Generally speaking, you only need to insulate the ground floor. However, you should consider any floors that are above unheated spaces such as garages. The type of floor you have will influence both the cost and disruption as well as whether a professional tradesperson is needed to install measures.

4. Windows and doors

Making your doors and windows more energy efficient will reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint. This can be expensive when compared to other fabric measures. Typically this means installing either energy efficient double or triple glazing or you can install secondary glazing. If you live in a conservation area or your home is listed, then there will be restrictions on what you can do.

5. Ventilation

As we improve the airtightness and insulation of our homes, ensuring appropriate ventilation is crucial. Good air quality is essential to a healthy, comfortable home; reducing stuffiness and maintaining the wellbeing of residents. It is also essential to deal with excessive humidity, which if not controlled, can lead to condensation, damp, mould and health problems such as respiratory illnesses.

6. Heating and hot water

Prioritising fabric improvements will reduce upfront heating and hot water system costs. Improving the insulation of homes results in the need for smaller sized boilers and radiators, which means lower energy costs. Once the house is better insulated and less fuel is needed then these systems should be made more efficient and, where appropriate, replaced with low carbon solutions.

7. Renewable energy systems

In order to transition to a fully renewable system we must switch water and space heating to electricity away from fossil fuel boilers. A key step is to minimise electricity use and heating demands by increasing the efficiency of the system by adopting heat pumps or solar water heating. Wind, hydro and solar photovoltaic electricity can then be used for all building services.

8. Lighting and appliances

The focus of a retrofit should prioritise reducing heating and hot water use as this can represent 85% of total energy use. A typical relatively poorly insulated property has cooking, lighting and appliances making up less than 20% of the total household energy consumption. Selecting high performance appliances and energy efficient lighting helps lower electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions.