1. The majority of homes standing today will still be standing in 2050. There is thus an urgent need to update existing housing stock to ensure it is up to modern efficiency standards. What are the levers needed to meet the Government’s 2050 targets on CO2?
Given the economic environment that we have all been through in the past year, and with full recovery still a long way off, long-term government CO2 targets are pretty low on the agenda of most home-owners right now. On the other hand, high energy prices and the likelihood that more efficient houses will command better selling prices make a strong case for owners to invest in better insulation, heat pumps, solar energy, biomass and similar ‘green’ solutions. Turning theory into action on a meaningful level will require government to make available a substantial package of incentives – similar to the feed-in tariffs recently introduced to encourage installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic generating systems which pump surplus daytime capacity back into the National Grid. If incentives are insufficient, a future government may need to consider legislation compelling owners to ‘go green’ – although this would be a most unpopular solution.
2. Structural repairs are often costly in time as well as money. Do you think techniques have moved on to the point where the old adage of ‘it’s cheaper to build new’ is not always true nowadays?
There are many cases where building from new is a valid choice – for example, where a site is being redeveloped for a radically different usage, or where existing structures are unsound or simply unsuitable for refurbishment. While we gain the triumphs of modern architects and builders, we lose many of their predecessors’. Fortunately, advances in building materials and systems make refurbishment much more attractive than in the past, facilitating ingenious conversions and renovations which provide comfortable modernity behind traditional streetscapes – at reasonable cost. Our polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation boards – for walls, roofs and underfloor heating applications – are a case in point. They are quick to install, saving time on site; they are remarkably thin, so they don’t compromise room dimensions; and their thermal efficiency ensures long-term energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions.
3. The RMI sector is not currently covered by the Code for Sustainable Homes, what standards are you working to when it comes to refurbishment, are Building Regulations joined-up enough to create sustainable solutions?
As insulation manufacturers, we provide solutions that meet the highest criteria so that we automatically cover any lesser requirements. Regulations are an essential element of modern life, but we must be careful that we don’t become over-regulated. There is a need for greater clarity between the various codes to simplify the creation of truly sustainable buildings, either from new or through refurbishment, and in the long term we would look for a single, catch-all code.
4. Is there an argument that in Conservation Areas rules should be relaxed to allow properties to be updated more readily?
Are restrictions on appearance and materials proving difficult obstacles in such refurbishments? In our experience, this applies in relatively few instances, and as our products are completely concealed, it is not a direct concern. However, we would support relaxation of rules where entire projects are delayed or even shelved as a result of arguments with planners over more visible products such as uPVC windows or rainwater goods.
5. Under the Government’s Decent Homes initiative, it was expected that 92 per cent of all social housing would be upgraded to a ‘decent’ standard this year. Some landlords have been allowed to move this deadline, to achieve better value for money, or higher standards of housing. What effect is this having?
Decent Homes is a noble cause, but sadly it is somewhat behind schedule. This is particularly unfortunate while the building sector is feeling the effects of recession, and one would hope that the programme will accelerate again in the near future. But it is highly debatable whether social landlords will actually achieve better value for money next year or the year after – and while there is much innovation in building materials these days, it’s unlikely to produce significantly better housing standards in the same time-frame.
6. Could you give any examples of how homes have been upgraded to meet ‘Lifetime Homes’ standards, is it practically possible to create a genuine Lifetime Home this way?
7. How far is it possible to retrofit truly holistic energy efficiency solutions, such as external insulation in commercial properties, without there being some compromise on thermal efficiency?
The ability to retro-fit insulation in any circumstance depends on the basic construction of the building and the available access. For example, it is possible to add insulation and waterproofing to the roof of an existing building while it is in use. Adding insulation to the walls requires at least part of the building to be vacant. Additional insulation improves thermal efficiency of a building, leading to enhanced energy efficiency. With zero ozone depletion potential, polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam is excellent for external wall insulation and we have recently introduced Eco-Liner, a PIR foam core faced with a 12.5mm tapered edge gypsum plasterboard, for this purpose. Eco-Liner, for dab or mechanical fixing, easily achieves UK Building Regulations standards by offering excellent thermal resistance in practical thicknesses. It is also a quick and cost effective solution, combining insulation and dry lining in a single application.
8. Are you aware of any best practice guidance on refurbishment which could provide useful to specifiers and architects?
The two best examples are the Construction Products Association’s recent and excellent publications: Loft Conversion and the Low Carbon Domestic Refurbishment Guide, both available online. Although sponsored by a wide range of building products manufacturers, the publications present an extremely impartial view of all the available alternatives, enabling specifiers and architects to make well-informed choices for each project they undertake.
9. How can refurbishing older housing stock help to renew communities for the locals and create more sustainable communities. Any examples?
In theory, refurbishing older housing stock to provide attractive homes has the potential to stimulate economic activity as people move back into these areas. A larger population creates opportunities in commercial and social services, and it makes extended public facilities more viable. However, enthusiasm for refurbishment and community building must be tempered by economic reality because the theory holds only for housing that is reasonably close to areas of sustained employment. There is a considerable amount of housing that could be refurbished at short notice because it is vacant – but this is generally because the area does not have the job opportunities to support more residents.
10. What are the possibilities of upgrading dilapidated housing stock to both provide the necessary homes for the huge demand, and to increase the value of homes and commercial properties, in a challenging property market?
If the basic structure of the buildings is sound, and the interiors can be upgraded to modern standards of energy efficiency, comfort and safety at reasonable cost, then old housing stock – in areas of demand – clearly has much to offer future home-buyers. From our perspective as insulation manufacturers, we know that it is possible to provide wall, roof and underfloor solutions that guarantee – and often exceed – today’s thermal performance and energy efficiency requirements. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) is extremely effective, so we are able to provide maximum insulation in minimum thickness – this means that there is no impact on valuable living space, even in tiny terrace houses. Refurbishment to modern standards increases the value of the individual properties concerned, and has a positive spin-off for other owners as an area becomes more sought-after.
With production facilities across Europe, and a brand new high-capacity line at its plant in Essex, EcoTherm supplies its product range in the UK through insulation distributors and builders’ merchants nationwide.