Energy Efficiency Advice

The energy efficiency of traditional buildings can be improved without altering their character.  Simple measures such as draught-proofing, loft insulation, thermostats and the use of blinds, shutters and curtains on traditional windows are very effective.

Traditional building materials are often more sustainable and more durable than the modern alternatives. Traditional timber window frames have a number of benefits and are fundamentally environmentally friendly since timber is a truly sustainable construction material. If well maintained, timber windows could last 100 years or more.

Some useful guides for practical advice are listed below. For more information on our research activities related to climate change, please visit our Energy Efficiency Research section.

• Inform Guide on Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings [pdf, 715 kb] deals with what can be done to improve energy efficiency with regard to floors, windows walls, insulation, and also how this relates to building standards.
• The Conversion of Traditional Buildings [pdf, 6.38 mb] provides a useful general guide to some of the issues to consider during retrofit projects and conversions.
• Energy Heritage [pdf, 4mb] and Renewable Heritage [pdf, 5mb], published by Changeworks provide helpful guidance to simple and effective measures to improve energy efficiency in traditional buildings. For tenements, also refer to their Tenement Fact Sheets [pdf, 560kb]
• Historic Scotland Technical Papers provide research results on matters such as energy efficiency of traditional windows, and the thermal performance of moss walls.