Paul Southall, environmental advisor at the National Trust [Alliance member] and co-founder of the Fit for the Future Environmental Network has written an article on energy efficiency for the IHBC [Alliance member].
This concludes that ‘whatever the size or age of property, the guiding principle has been one of appropriateness, whether in aesthetics, technical viability or, most important, practicality. Start by understanding the use of a building and what is wanted from it; carry out a proper heat-loss assessment to ensure the required output. On practicalities, ask who loads it, manages it and delivers to it. Only then, and with a good understanding and a good brief, should we look at the technological options and engage with external specialists’.