With the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the need for sustainable, energy-efficient buildings has never been more urgent. This is particularly important when it comes to upgrading older and historic properties, which present unique challenges in balancing preservation with modern energy standards. To address this, the Growth Lancashire Heritage Team has undertaken professional training and earned the Level 3 NOCN Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings.
Supporting Sustainable Solutions for Historic Buildings
This industry-recognised qualification enables the team to better understand the complexities of retrofit proposals for older properties, ensuring that modifications not only improve energy efficiency but also respect the character and structure of these buildings. The Heritage Team’s expertise is now a valuable asset in advising local authorities on sustainable adaptations, making sure that historic buildings can be upgraded in ways that deliver environmental benefits without compromising their historical value.
A Fabric-First Approach
One of the key principles behind the team’s approach is the whole house, fabric-first strategy. This method focuses on improving the overall thermal performance of a building’s structure before introducing other energy-efficient measures, ensuring that proposed retrofits are appropriate and effective in both cost and environmental impact. This holistic view is essential when dealing with traditional buildings, as inappropriate retrofits can lead to unintended consequences, such as damp, structural issues, or damage to heritage features.
Expertise in Retrofits for Traditional Buildings
The NOCN Level 3 Award is a government-approved qualification specifically designed for those involved in retrofitting traditional buildings. It provides the necessary knowledge for retrofit assessors and advisors to work on projects where proposed changes may affect historic properties. This qualification ensures the team is well-versed in BSI PAS 2035 and PAS 2038 standards, which govern energy efficiency retrofits, as well as BS7913, the British Standard for work on traditional and historic buildings.
Given that over one-third of UK buildings are of traditional construction, understanding the unique needs of these properties is crucial. The Heritage Team is now fully qualified to assess, advise, and work on ECO (Energy Company Obligation) funded retrofit projects, ensuring that any energy efficiency upgrades meet both modern standards and heritage preservation goals.
Leading the Way in Heritage Conservation and Sustainability
By achieving this prestigious qualification, Growth Lancashire’s Heritage Team has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable conservation. The team is now even better equipped to provide specialist advice on energy efficiency improvements to older buildings while ensuring that these historic properties remain protected for future generations.
This knowledge and expertise are invaluable in helping Lancashire’s local authorities meet government energy targets while preserving the unique charm and heritage of the region’s architecture.