Heating, Ventilation & Services Feature
Heating, Ventilation & Services
Fabric first still makes sense
Stewart Clements of HHIC highlights that while “Fabric First” is key in decarbonisation strategies, it needs further explanation. This approach is crucial for improving sustainable housing and tackling fuel poverty in the UK.
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t’s important that those responsible for building new homes and for upgrading existing homes – including both social and private housing providers and landlords – recognise the different factors involved in
minimising energy consumption and in making tomorrow’s homes the efficient properties needed to achieve decarbonisation and reach the net zero target for 2050. Although broadly similar, it is essential to acknowledge that the way fuel
poverty is measured differs between different countries in the UK. In England, fuel poverty strategy is focused specifically on prioritising low-income households for energy efficiency support. In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the fuel poverty strategies do not make this specific distinction. Other main differences in the metrics include whether housing costs are
accounted for and the heating standards used for vulnerable households. Te latest English Housing Survey Report (2022-2023) demonstrates quite
clearly that existing homes still have a long way to go to improve insulation measures to reduce heat loss in domestic homes. Tis has a major influence on energy usage no matter what heating technology is used. It reports that 88% of homes in England are fitted with full double glazing compared to 79% in 2012, along with 52% of homes having cavity wall insulation which is an increase of 45% from the report produced in 2012. Perhaps surprisingly, only 38% of homes have 200 mm or more of loſt insulation which the report advises is an increase of 34% compared to 2012. If we conclude that double glazing has increased significantly in this time period, it leaves the two key measures that will be vital when planning for any
The latest English Housing Survey Report (2022-2023) demonstrates quite clearly that existing homes still have a long way to go to improve insulation measures to reduce heat loss in domestic homes
heating and hot water system upgrade. Te Energy Saving Trust advises that 25% of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated loſt space. Reducing heat loss in homes lowers carbon emissions, so it makes sense to make low-carbon retrofitting easier which saves on household running costs. Older properties upgraded with double glazing, loſt and wall insulation have significantly lower heat demand. Tis makes them better suited to low temperature heating systems such as heat pumps, with potentially fewer heating system components changes required. Although the Government has relaxed the requirement for insulation when
installing a heat pump, we believe this is a false economy and consumers will be better advised to save money in the long term by insulating their home with at least 200 mm of loſt insulation and have cavity wall insulation installed if double glazing is already installed. Tose older homes built with solid walls could require financial support for measures such as external or internal wall insulation to help reduce heat loss – and the Government needs to have a plan
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMOctober/November 2024 | 33
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