City energy experiment shows historical results

Published on Monday 12 May 2008 10:45

A GROUNDBREAKING pilot project carried out in Edinburgh has highlighted how simple energy-saving measures can have a dramatic effect in making historic homes more energy efficient.

The Energy Heritage project, a partnership between the sustainable development charity Changeworks, Lister Housing Co-operative and Edinburgh World Heritage, focused on nine B-listed Georgian tenement flats within the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.

A series of energy-saving measures such as secondary glazing, draught-proofing, replacement shutters, floor and loft insulation, low-energy lighting and smart monitors were fitted to the homes last year.

The study then measured differences in energy consumption with similar houses that did not have any such measures.

It found that the measures reduced carbon emissions for each flat by around one tonne, and reduced energy costs for each property by around 200.

David McDonald, world heritage projects manager at Edinburgh World Heritage, said: "This study proves that simple, non-invasive measures can increase the energy efficiency of historic homes, without damaging their character.

"This is a clear issue for Edinburgh, where around 75 per cent of the buildings within the World Heritage Site are listed, but there is also a need to reduce household energy bills and alleviate fuel poverty."