Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 23
Decarbonising Heritage
Architecture
Reducing operational carbon and improving energy efficiency in historic buildings
Upgrading building services in heritage properties requires a
sensitive approach, integrating systems that improve comfort,
reduce carbon emissions, and protect architectural integrity.
P3R Engineers are experts in this field, designing mechanical
and electrical services for a wide range of building types.
As sustainability advisors to the Dioceses of St Albans and
Southwark we advise parishes on the Church of England’s
Net Zero 2030 target. Here we set out necessary measures
for improving the energy performance of heritage and listed
buildings, and the path to achieving Net Zero in historic
architecture.
The UK has set a net zero target of 2050 for all UK
buildings, of which historic properties make up a significant
proportion. Appropriate retrofit of these buildings will be
increasingly essential over the coming years, and as building
services engineering consultants we understand our vital role
in supporting heritage property custodians along the way.
Our decarbonisation consultancy is based on a process which
would be tailored to the particular building and function.
The main stages of the process are:
1. Survey the building and existing services
The first stage involves a detailed survey to establish the
building’s current operations, assessing existing external
envelope for damp and draughts, a visual condition survey of
the services, to understand how the systems are controlled.
2. Review historic energy records
There is a wealth of useful energy information within utility
bills and meter readings. The data can be used to help
understand the current energy demand, and to inform the
energy strategy and targets moving forward. The data can
also be used as a benchmark to compare with a theoretical
demand derived from modelling (see below).
3. Thermal and energy modelling
Depending on available building plans, we can build a
3-dimensional computer model to calculate daily, seasonal
and annual energy demand. This assists in predicting the
comparative benefits of alternative energy saving methods. If
no plans are available, a simple model can still be developed.
4. Understand user occupancy patterns and
comfort experience
As part of the survey, we interview building users to
understand how and when they use the space, and any issues
with comfort level. This information is fed into the thermal
model, and can inform zoning strategies to reduce energy
wastage when spaces are unoccupied.
Below, Weavers House, London, image © French+Tye
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