Learning from our neighbours: What’s possible in listed homes
Making your home more energy efficient can feel overwhelming, especially when tackling it alone. That’s why we introduced our Home Energy Neighbourhood project: a collaborative approach where you and your neighbours work together to upgrade energy efficiency in similar homes.
At BWCE, this kind of shared learning and collective action is at the heart of our mission as a non-profit community organisation.
An open-house evening in Bathwick
As part of this project, BWCE held a sociable open-house event in November for residents of Sydney Buildings and Darlington Place, in Bath.
The owners of two listed buildings on these streets – both of whom had both benefitted previously from our Listed Building Energy Assessment & Planning Advice service – kindly opened their doors to showcase the improvements they have made since receiving their surveys.
Over 30 neighbours visited at staggered intervals on a wet Thursday evening to find out about energy efficiency and see the improvements that had been made to these homes. Alongside a short talk on what’s possible in listed buildings, people enjoyed drinks and nibbles whilst asking questions about how the measures had been designed, approved and installed.
What was on show
The homes included some fantastic examples of what can be achieved in listed buildings, including:
Bath's first known heat pump installation in a historic listed home – proving that heat pumps can be a great viable option for older homes, even those that are listed
Four different window upgrade options now possible in listed buildings – including highly efficient vacuum glazing (suitable where existing panes are not original), and convenient magnetic secondary glazing
Breathable internal wall insulation, installed on ‘non-historic fabric’ walls
Importantly, draught-proofing and ventilation options that are applicable to many types of homes.
Together, these examples helped bring retrofit possibilities to life in a very tangible way.
Mitchell & Dickinson improving windows on a Bath listed property.
From inspiration to action
Many neighbours who attended the open-house event went on to book further support with BWCE to get started on their own energy efficiency journeys. Some also expressed interest in taking a collective approach to installing solar (PV) panels, making use on their ‘hidden valley’ created by their M-shaped roofs.
Retrofit in listed buildings – yes, you can
This event helped spread the key message from our Green Heritage Homes project: retrofit in listed buildings – yes you can!
People are often surprised to learn that heat pumps and other measures can be suitable for listed homes. As our heat pump support work continues to show, these technologies can be a great option for a wide range of properties, including historic ones.
Heat pump installed by Good Energy in the garden of a listed property.
What’s next
Learning with your neighbours can be a powerful way to explore energy efficiency. We plan to continue our Home Energy Neighbourhoods project, supporting streets and communities to learn from each other, with more detail coming soon. This will involve getting neighbours together at the survey stage not just once measures are installed.
In the meantime, let us know if you’re interested in getting involved.
Inspired to take action on your own home?
If so, you might be interested in:
One of our Free Home Visits to understand what’s possible in your home and explore practical next steps
A detailed home energy retrofit plan or heat pump assessment – with 70% discount this winter thanks to Retrofit West funding
One of our Listed Building Energy Assessment & Planning Advice surveys, to help you understand which energy efficiency measures are most suitable for your listed home
Hosting a get-together with some of your neighbours to explore what’s possible in your homes. Having an additional survey discount in exchange for hosting a get-together with some of your neighbours once the survey is complete, to explore what’s possible in your homes.