The world has begun its shift towards a greener and more sustainable future with many countries like the UK pledging to become carbon neutral in the future. However, to achieve this, both individuals and large corporations must play their part.
The third largest contributor of carbon emissions in the UK is buildings which means a strong focus is needed to place on them to help forge a more sustainable Britain.
Some studies suggest that Victorian terraced houses can be more energy efficient than semi-detached & detached homes. This is because you can enhance the eco-friendliness of a Victorian terrace house through a series of retrofitting strategies.
So, if you live in a Victorian terrace house and want to play your part in creating an eco-friendlier Britain then this is the article for you. Read on to find out how to do just that.
COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS
Compare prices from local companies fast & free
Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy
Retrofitting: What is it?
Each new build home now has to meet specific requirements to ensure emissions are kept down but with millions of homes built before these new regulations came in, retrofitting is needed to make them more efficient with their energy consumption.
This strategy is when you add new technology designed for energy efficiency to older systems. It is a huge part of the government hitting its climate targets and helps individuals lower their own carbon footprint.
Easiest ways to retrofit your Victorian terrace house
Now you know what retrofitting is, it’s time to do it to your home and the following two methods are the easiest way to do just that.
Get the right materials
This is known as the ‘fabric-first’ approach and is all about maximising the performance of the materials that a house is built from. The main aim of this is to maximise airtightness, increase the levels of insulation, optimise solar gain, provide natural ventilation, and use the thermal mass of the building fabric.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint by using recyclable B-form materials like plywood for your construction needs.
Implement renewable energy sources
Most new build homes are now built with energy efficiency in mind which means they usually have a source of renewable energy powering it. Old homes, however, will likely have an old boiler that costs a fortune to run. Implement one of the following into your Victorian terrace house:
- Heat pumps
- Biomass boilers
- Solar panels
As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to retrofitting your Victorian terrace house. These solutions aren’t always super cheap, however, but given the current energy price rises, you can expect lower bills when you implement the aforementioned retrofitting methods. Make the change today and live an eco-friendlier home life.
by Nathan Hunt
