HISTORIC Environment Scotland (HES) has confirmed plans for a new dedicated national centre to champion the retrofit of traditional buildings.
The organisation has welcomed £1 million of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council to establish the new hub, which will put heritage science and research at the heart of its approach to developing best practice for the retrofit of traditional buildings. The centre will also focus on delivery of training and foster innovation in the use of low-carbon retrofit materials.
HES said retrofit interventions required to improve energy efficiency in modern buildings are often inappropriate for traditional buildings, which require specific considerations around heat, moisture and airflow, as well as special care to ensure their cultural significance is maintained in the adaptation process.
Dr David Mitchell, director of cultural assets at HES, said, “We’re very pleased to welcome this funding, which will mark a step-change in our work to help improve the energy efficiency of traditional buildings. This infrastructure investment by AHRC recognises the role that the Engine Shed – our national building conservation centre – plays in supporting the stewardship of traditional buildings through heritage science and traditional skills.
“There is no route to net zero without viewing existing buildings as assets and ensuring we have a sound base on which to make retrofit work for both the buildings and the occupants. Without this understanding and expertise we could negatively impact the health of both buildings and occupants. The Retrofit lab will help us meet our objectives by enabling us to expand and enhance our research and training capacity. Collaboration will be key to our approach, from academic and commercial partners to local authorities and third sector organisations, as we work together to build best practice and develop the technical skills traditional building retrofit requires.
“Retrofit of our traditional buildings can bring many wider benefits if done properly to protect the special character of these buildings that give local places their unique identities. There are also huge potential economic benefits and new employment opportunities to be realised through ensuring our existing building stock is in a good state of repair and that retrofit measures are technically sound and effective. We have over 4000 years of traditional building experience in Scotland – our heritage and traditions are integral to our future success.
“The scale of the challenge ahead to meet national targets at the pace required will require an acceleration of efforts across all sectors, and the Retrofit lab will enable HES play its part to support retrofit and the historic environment’s transition to net zero while making a real and lasting positive difference to people’s lives.”
The announcement of the new national centre for traditional building retrofit comes as a recent survey by HES revealed strong support for retrofitting traditional buildings.
