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We’ve partnered with ECD Architects and Keegans to explore innovative ways to improve energy efficiency in heritage homes such as those in New Earswick.
With support from new funding, we’ve launched a scheme for residents in York living in conservation areas or Grade II Listed homes with an Energy Performance Certificate of band D or below.
The Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) Home Energy Advice Scheme is a partnership between the City of York Council, the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub, Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Many homes managed by Joseph Rowntree Housing are in the historic garden village of New Earswick. These homes which are often listed or within conservation areas, pose unique challenges when it comes to energy efficiency improvements.
Heritage homes manage heat, moisture, and air differently to modern homes. Any updates such as insulation, heating systems and ventilation to these homes need to be done carefully to avoid overheating, mould and health issues.
Local planning requirements must be adhered to in order to preserve the historic character of the buildings.
The advice scheme focuses on a “whole house” approach to energy efficiency. By considering the home in its entirety, we can ensure residents live in homes which are healthier, safer and more affordable to heat.
Watch this video for more information on the whole house approach created by The Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance: https://youtu.be/fBJo4AEMKl4
As a first step, we have been conducting specialist assessments of 40 homes. These assessments examine the condition, energy performance and usage patterns of each home, enabling us to provide tailored energy efficiency advice to residents.
ECD will then develop retrofit design options for five common home types (‘archetypes’) within New Earswick. These will be selected based on their construction type and the materials used. This targeted approach will help Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust identify the most effective strategies for improving these homes in the future and also apply for future funding.
Amy Somerville, Retrofit Manager at Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust said “I am excited to be working in partnership with the City of York Council, ECD Architects and Keegans. This funding allows us to explore how to develop appropriate energy efficiency improvements in older homes. Everything we learn will help us to create a programme that makes residents’ homes warmer and more comfortable whilst ensuring that they are affordable to heat.”
The scheme will also support JRHT ‘s goal to achieve EPC ratings C and above for all social homes by 2030, as well as contributing to the wider ambition of reaching Net Zero by 2050.