Existing housing

Under Government plans, all old homes will have basic energy efficiency measures by 2015, and by 2020 seven million homes will have been upgraded to significantly improve the energy performance.

This section of the Housing professionals website outlines the Energy Saving Trust recommendations in sustainable refurbishment. We provide guidance that will enable builders, developers and householders hit the emissions reduction target.

Updated - Insulation materials chart (CE71)

This guide details the thermal conductivities, environmental ratings and typical applications of insulation materials available in the UK. It is designed as an aid to specification.

New case study – Sheffield EcoTerrace (CE322)

The Energy Saving Trust presents a detailed case study of our work with Sheffield City Council and other project partners. The results are outstanding for this typical Sheffield small terraced property. It emits 76% less carbon emissions and lifted from an EPC band E to a band A using fabric services and renewable measures. Download the publication here.

Sustainable refurbishment guide

This guide provides an integrated package of measures that will enable builders, developers and householders to hit the demanding 80% target and make radical improvements to energy performance that go beyond current building regulations. Download the publication here.

House type scenarios

In conjunction to our Sustainable Refurbishment guide (CE309), these ‘House Type’ scenarios show the base case and improvements for refurbishing an existing dwelling to a high level of energy performance.

Eco-refurbishment of 1960s flats

The Energy Saving Trust, in partnership with MEARS and Travis Perkins, conducted research into the real life costs of reaching a 60% reduction in carbon emissions from 1960s flats.
Read the resulting report.

Hard to Treat homes

Revised in November 2008, this tool provides information so you can prioritise the range of refurbishment options available and develop an effective plan.

Exemplar home projects

The Energy Saving Trust teamed up with various refurbishment projects around the UK. These exemplar home projects achieve a high level of energy efficiency and are used to showcase or trial energy saving and low carbon technologies.