SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONS)

BUILDING SERVICES I
(BLD60403)
TOPIC : ENERGY EFFICIENT IN HERITAGE BUILDING
LECTURER : MS LIM TZE SHWAN

NO. NAME

STUDENT ID

ADELE LU KHAI SYN

323151

CHRISTINA HO CHIA HUI

326499

KAM PEI CHI

327295

LIM HONG WEI

322741

RANEE LEOW KAI YEN

328173

SOO YON LI

322821

WONG JIA JING

327221

Table of Content

No.

Content

Page(s)

Introduction

3-4

Installation Process

5-15

A.
B.
C.
D.

Loft Insulation
Roof Insulation
Floor Insulation
Wall Insulation

Management System

16-17

Advantages and Disadvantages

18-19

Case Study : Houses of Edinburgh

20-27

A. Overview of Edinburgh
B. Energy Efficiency in Old Houses in Edinburgh
C. Problems with Old Houses of Edinburgh

Possible Problem to The System

28

Future Recommendations to Heritage Building

29-33

Learning Outcome

34

Reference

35-36

10

Appendices

37-38

Introduction
Energy Efficient in Heritage Building
When designing a home, there are many aspects to consider, for example from the number
of bedrooms, purpose of space partition to the colour of interior wall and for many homeowner,
saving money is a primary concern. Therefore cost is a heavily considered aspect of home design.
In this situation, building an Energy Efficient home is one of the best ways homeowner can save
money and still have a beautiful and comfortable home.

What is energy efficient?

Energy efficient simply means using less energy to provide the same service, use less
energy to accomplish the same task. A building is said to be energy efficient when the amount of
energy required to provide products and services are reduced. Element used in a building plays a
very significant role in enhancing energy efficiency of a building. For example, when a single pane
window in a house is replace by an energy efficient window, in hot weather, it keep the heat out, so
air conditioner does not run as often which help save cost of electricity. Whereas during winter in
country with four season, the energy-efficient window prevent heat from escaping, therefore reduce
or saved the used of furnace or electric heater while the indoor temperature of building still remain
in a comfortable condition. In summary, the more efficient use of energy throughout the country
result in less money spent on energy by the government as well as homeowner.
Confusion may arise when it comes to energy efficient and energy conservation. To make
make this topic clear, energy efficient is NOT energy conservation. Energy efficient is using less
energy to provide same services as mentioned above whereas energy conservation on the other
hand means reduce or avoid services to save energy from using. Therefore, achieving a balance in
energy efficient in building should be more comprehensive than simply trying to minimise energy
consumed.

What are the features of an Energy Efficient building?

There are a few guidelines of the features and elements which make a house more energy
efficient. Home design of an energy efficient house can begin from improving the structural
elements such as roof, wall, floor and ceiling by installing the following :
Insulating pitched roofs
Insulating flat roof
Insulating thatched roofs
Insulation of timber framed walls
Insulation of solid walls
Early cavity walls
Insulation of suspended ground floors
Insulation of solid floors
Insulating at ceiling level / cold roofs
Chimneys and flues
Insulation of dormers
Draught-proofing windows and doors
Secondary glazing

Besides improving the structural element of the house, energy efficient technologies and
products can also be installed throughout the home to reduce energy usage because all of these
factors work together to create a more efficient, comfortable and healthier place to live with lower
utility bills year after year.
Despite providing guidance on the application of energy efficiency of a house, not all of the
guidelines and measured outlined will be suitable for all situations. Therefore careful consideration
is needed when applying energy efficiency measures to prevent long term deterioration of the
buildings elements or loss of the buildings significance.

Installation Process
After the First World War, government of Scotland responded to urban deprivation with an
immense council house building programme. Semi-detached homes, terraced cottages and also
extensive private building of suburban bungalow belts, especially in Edinburgh. In the 1980s,
theres a growth of speculative house built by developers which had introduced English Brick to
Scotland.
In most urban core, tenement flat is a substandard multi family dwelling, usually old and
occupied by the poor. Tenement flats up a large percentage of the housing stock of Edinburgh and
Glasgow in Scotland. However Edinburghs tenements are much older, dating from the 17th
century. Large number of tenements were demolished in the 1960s and 1970s due to slum
conditions, overcrowding and poor maintenance of the buildings. Nevertheless, the many
remaining tenements have accomplished a rejuvenation in popularity due to their large rooms, high
ceilings and ornamental details.
During the second half of the 19th century, the group of stone terraced houses known as
The Colonies of Stockbridge was the first several colonial houses to be built in Edinburgh. The
colony houses were built as homes for artisans and skilled working-class families by philanthropic
model dwellings companies. The first scheme of 44 houses in four blocks was developed by
architect Patrick Wilson, and built between 1850 and 1851. In the decade or so after The Colonies
were built, as many as 2000 people lived there.
The housing in Edinburgh boasts an outstanding variety of buildings with different
architectural design, materials and unique characters. These heritage buildings already have
certain standard in terms of environmental sustainability, including their longevity, thermal mass,
locally-sourced materials and natural ventilation. Opposing to popular belief, it is possible to reduce
energy efficiency even in traditional buildings, without compromising their originality.
The first step in reducing the energy consumption of any building should be to optimise how
the building is used and how the occupants behave. The purpose to reduce energy consumption of
any building is to improve the thermal performance of historic buildings, reduce carbon emissions
and lower fuel bills. Before starting to install energy efficiency measures, it is crucial to understand
and assess where your house needs improvement. Energy efficiency can be enhanced by
insulating the loft, reducing draughts and investing in more efficient fixtures and fittings, such as
heating and lighting.

Loft Insulation
The best ways to improve the EPC rating of your home is
insulating your loft. Loft Insulation is a cheap and easy to
install solution that provides instant energy savings by
trapping more heat. There is about 5% amount of heat loss in
a 4-storey traditional flat and 32% amount of heat loss in a
1/2-storey detached house by installing insulation loft. Install
insulation between the joints yourself is one of the most cost
effective ways to reduce your heating bills.
A classic loft needs clearing out first. If the loft has been insulated beforehand
with glass fibre you should get kitted out in hooded overalls, gloves and a dust
mask before entering. Perching on ceiling joists is a risky affair, so its a good
concept to take a long board that can span across a few joists.

Measure the depth of insulation you already have once inside the loft.
Calculate the amount of insulation material you require by measuring the
width and the length of the area of insulation in metres.Then, take the
material into the loft area and unpack a roll at a time. Slide one end into
the eaves. Leave at least a 25mm gap at the eaves end to allow for a
free flow of air in the loft space but at the same time it is important to
leave no gaps for the heat to escape to ensure adequate ventilation
around the eaves to prevent moisture building up.
After that, lightly press the insulation down between the
ceiling joists and continue across the loft. After reach
ing the eaves on the opposite side, cut the insulation
25mm short. Continue with fitting the insulation this way
across the rest of the loft but steer clear of insulating
under the water tank as warm air will rise from the room
below and help to halt the tank freezing in the winter. To
avoid overheating, electrical wires should be layered on top of the insulation. Any light fittings that
come through the ceiling should have an absolute minimum of a 75mm insulation-free zone around
them.
If 100mm-thick insulation is used, its likely to be level with the top of the joists after the first pass. If
its not, double the insulation over on itself and reinstate across the loft. But to build up to an ideal
270mm thickness or more, youll need to cross-lay the insulation. Lay the insulation at right angles
to the joists until the desired depth is achieved. Finally, dont forget the loft hatch. Cut a section of
insulating material and glue it to the hatch.

Roof Insulation
1. Insulating pitched roof
While insulating a pitched roof at rafter level there are a few
key design considerations which will influence the build-up of the
roof and the choice of insulation. Firstly, to justify, when talking
about rafter level it means the timbers that support the pitched
roof. Joists are the flat horizontal beams at ceiling level, and will
be the subject of another blog post in time ahead. The main
decision to make when insulating a pitched roof is if you are going
to have a warm roof or a cold roof. This will depend on the
construction on your roof, and if it is a refurbishment, whether the roof tiles are going to be
removed. For a new build, or if a detached dwelling is being re-roofed, then there is scope to
choose the build-up of roof that suits your intentions best, however if the roof insulation is being
added to an existing roof, for example as part of a loft conversion, then a cold roof is the most likely
solution as you cant insulate above the rafters.

Warm pitched roof

In a warm pitched roof construction the thermal Insulation is located
in the rafter line. The spot of the Insulation can be wholly above or
partially between and above the rafter; on the other hand it can be
placed between the rafters or partially between and below the rafter. If
the insulation thickness only partially fills the rafter depth the vapour
permeable underlay should be wrapped over the rafter in the traditional
method. The underlay should not be permitted to touch the surface of
the Insulation and a clear air space ensured between the membrane
and insulation. The vapour permeable underlay laid directly on top of
the insulation in a fully supported situation should be stabilised by counter battens to allow water to
drain effectively across the membrane surface and from the roof.
Benefits Of Sealed Warm Roofs

Energy efficient.

Decreases air leakage / infiltration.

Reduces condensation risk.

Minimises the thermal bridge at the eaves.

Negates the need for ventilation products.

Lower installed cost.

Better use of space within the building.

Ensures all services are within the heated environment.

Eliminates large cool voids within the construction reducing thermal stress.

Cold pitched roof

The secured cold roof system does not need the supply of ventilation
directly into the loft space and works on the principle of a Monarperm
vapour open or permeable underlay being used under the roof tiles
simply permitting vapour drive to diffuse any water vapour safely into
the batten space and the external atmosphere beyond. The underlay
should be wrapped as in traditional roof construction generating a
minimum 10mm drape between the rafters. To attain a truly secured
roof all laps in the underlay, all penetrations and all junctions should
be secured with Monotape. When using a tight fitting covering such as
imitation slates it may be mandatory to provide an additional ventilated batten space above the
membrane in which case the slate manufacturers guidance should be act in accordance with. In
this situation the underlay should be pulled taught across the rafters and secured using counter
battens to generate a deeper airspace under the slates / tiles which will aid drainage and enhance
the dispersion of water vapour. The closed eaves should be packed tightly with mineral wool
insulation removing thermal bridging.
Benefits of Sealed Cold Roofs

Energy efficient.
Decreases air leakage / infiltration.
Reduces condensation risk.
Minimises the thermal bridge at the eaves.
Negates the need for ventilation products.
Lower installed cost.
Cleaner roof void.

2. Insulating flat roof

Flat roof is normally described as having a pitch not greater
than 15 to the horizontal plane. A genuinely flat roof would
not allow rainwater to drain away so most flat roofs have a
fall on them so that the rainwater naturally flows to collection
points. The basic construction of flat roof is made up of
roofing timber, or joists as theyre commonly known that are
laid across two uprights. The steels are often built into one
or both walls to give added stability to the roof structure. The
joists are then laid on top of the steels. These joists are spaced at specified distance apart, usually
400mm depending on the width.

There are two types of flat roof which is warm flat roof and cold flat roof. A typical construction of
warm flat roof. It consists of six basic elements.
1. A Waterproof layer which resists water
2.Thermal insulation which retains heat within the building rather than allowing it to escape
through the roof
3. A vapour barrier to prevent moisture escaping
4. A timber deck, often of plywood sheeting, which allows the roof to support a load such
as someone walking on it
5. Wooden roof joists which are supported by the walls
6. Plasterboard ceiling

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3. Insulating thatched roof

Thatched roofs provide greater insulation than any other roof construction, they are highly
environmentally friendly and very easy to preserve so with detailed maintenance and proper
insulation, they can do you much good. Before contemplating adding insulation to a thatched roof
know that thatched roof structure is normally covered with natural products, such as straw as the
most common one, but also reed, ferns and gorse.
Cold thatched roof

An effectively ventilated thatched roof: sound and normal wear and tear (cold roof).

Vents at the eaves.

It is very draughty in the roof space. As a result the thatched roof is very dry. The rain
intrudes about 5-6 cm into the top layer and can dry swiftly. Even in mixture with a fully converted
attic the thatched roof can be built as a cold roof. A double partition is used and its shells are
thermally separated by a ventilated air layer. The inner shell has a heat insulated build-up. The
outer shell is the thatched roof. There is an air layer of 6-8 cm in turbulent flow in between. This
ventilation only occur if the air can enter the roof at the eaves and stay at the ridge for a period of
time. The fresh air is a rule which is already provided by the permeability of the reed eaves.
However, if the reed is very fine, which makes it more steam-tight, additional vents at the eaves or
in the walls are suggested. If the masonry is back ventilated, then the ventilation of the masonry
should be connected to the ventilation of the thatched roof. At the ridge area, the escaped air is
ensured by cross ventilation in the cock loft (between the open frontispieces). The air below and
above of dormers should be permitted to flow freely between the individual interspaces of the
rafters in order to prevent standing air.

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Hot thatched roof

A thatched house without ventilation but with a vapour barrier (hot roof)

A thatched roof is known as hot roof if it does not have a ventilation or if there is only
features a layer of standing, non-ventilating air between the substructure and the reed. The layer of
reed, which at the time being of thatching is normally 35 cm thick, is used as heat insulation. The
problem is that this layer of reed does not ensure a stable level of vapour permeability and of heat
conductivity.
During dry conditions, it can be assumed as a diffusion resistance coefficient of 2-5 W
and a heat conductivity of = 0.04-0.073 W/mK. During or after a rain shower however, the outer
5-6 cm of the thatched roof are damp. As a outcome of the thatched roof becomes nearly perfectly
tight. That is why it is necessary to implement a vapour barrier on the inside of the roof
construction, if the roof does not have a ventilation. If this vapour barrier is absence in a thatched
hot roof or if it is damaged, then the humidity increases due to vapour pressure condenses at the
outer 5 cm of the rainy roof. During the period of November to March the humidity penetrates
deeper and deeper into the roof. During the winter this roof at least on the north side will not
get dry again.

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Floor Insulation
Floor insulation is an insulation which is installed in a floor.
Installing floor installation can cut down energy costs, make a
home more efficient, and contribute to the longevity of a home.
Insulating a floor involves adding an insulating material
beneath the floorboards, thereby reducing heat escaping
through the floor into the ground. A traditional cottage or a
detached house loses nearly 6% of its heat through the floor.

1. Suspended Timber Floor

There is a movement of air in the space beneath coming from the outside
through a vent when there are suspended timber floors. This is necessary
to allow the wood to breathe.

Suspended Timber Ground Floors made up of the finished timber

floorboards being connected to floor joists, which are suspended above
the subfloor of the foundation.

These floor joists are lifted above the subfloor on small supporting
walls called tassel walls (or sleeper walls).

A wall plate is then attached to the top of the tassel walls, on which the
floor joists rest on.

A damp proof course detached the wall plates from the tassel walls,
restrain from any rising moisture. Also, the gap in the block work of the
tassel walls to ensures adequate air circulation.

Vents are located in the external wall to ensure that adequate ventilation is given to the timbers,
and also the circulation of fresh air, keeping the timbers dry and preventing decay.

13

 Note the stepped Damp proof course that are installed above the vent to prevent moisture
penetration.

Ensuring the floor is thermally insulated, either rigid or blanket insulation is placed between the
floor joists.

The quilted insulation is sustained by netting stapled to the joists, while the rigid insulation can
be supported on battens between the joists.

2. Solid floor

Commonly it is more challenging and costly to retrofit insulation to solid floors, especially if
the existing finishes and floor height must be retained. Flagstones can be carefully lifted, the
subfloor dug out, insulation and screed installed and finished by relaying the flagstones back in
place. Alternatively, a new floor can be laid over the existing. The existing floor will be conserved,
but it will result in a higher floor built up by about 100mm. It is not advisable to add an impermeable
membrane and it is preferable instead to use an insulated, breathable lime- concrete floor.

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Wall Insulation
Wall insulation is used to minimise heat loss through a cavity wall by filling the air space
with material that inhibits heat transfer. This immobilises the air within the cavity, avoiding
convection, and can substantially reduce space heating costs. Heat loss through outside walls
represents 45% of the overall loss in a traditional flat with solid stone walls and nearly 24% in a
detached house. If insulation is added, careful construction detailing is needed not to trap
condensation within the wall.

1. Internal wall insulation

Houses built from around 1920 onwards often have cavity
walls, which are simpler to insulate than solid stone or
brick walls: insulation is simply blown into the existing
cavity. If you are able to insulate your walls, you can
prevent moisture becoming trapped, by using a
breathable membrane and moisture permeable insulation
such as sheeps wool, hemp and sisal, which should be
as thick as possible for maximum energy efficiency.

2. External wall insulation

External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems composed of rigid
insulation boards fixed to the exterior walls of a property which
are then over-coated with a weather protective, breathable, hard
wearing, attractive finish. This enhances the building's energy
efficiency. The insulation material is connected with a strong
adhesive and reinforced with anchor pins. After that, it is
rendered with plaster or cladding and painted over. External
Wall Insulation can also be applied on brick walls. This method
involves fixing insulation boards to the brick walls with a very strong adhesive and then glueing a
thin layer (20mm) brick fascia above the insulation. External Wall Insulation involves applying a
layer of insulation material to the external walls. The insulation material is attached with strong
adhesive. It is then rendered with plaster or cladding and painted over.
External wall insulation:
improves weatherproofing and sound resistance.
fills cracks and gaps in the brickwork, which will reduce draughts
increases the life of your walls by protecting the brickwork
requires good access to the outer walls

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Management System
Developing a management plan to observe the upcoming energy consumption in buildings
will contribute to beneficial energy efficiency results. These includes retaining and comparing
energy consumption and purchasing green energy to ensure a full effort of managing energy
efficiency of the building. Passive design of the building is ensuring the fabric of the building and
the spaces within respond efficiently to the local weather and the site conditions which is to
maintain personal comfort for the occupants in the building in order to minimise the energy
consumption.

1. Ventilation
Ventilation is a fundamental function in a building. The effect of ventilation is to create a
comfortable indoor climate which uses the least energy consumption. A good ventilation is
important to maintain the fabric of the building and some of the heritage buildings shows many
modern passive design in the location of site and the overall design of building.
(a) Windows
Ventilation and heat are interrelated in some ways. When the weather is hot, it creates negative
pressure in the building and flows up the building which leads to the stack effect. Therefore,
ventilation is needed to achieve thermal comfort. During hot season, windows are opened for
ventilation. Windows are installed in every room and were fitted with fixed inner casements. The
kitchen and living areas had their own exhaust air flues and air intake via windows and vents in the
external wall.
(b) Chimneys
Heritage buildings were restored with bathrooms and central heating. In 1920s, majority of the
heritage buildings are deep. Therefore, bathrooms are placed at dark cores of the building. To
ventilate these places, a form of stack ventilation which is called the Stockholm ventilation was
developed. This principle of ventilation has developed the design of bathroom which has separate
ducts for intake air and exhaust air. The air in the bathroom rises thermally due to stack effect, and
the air will flow out through exhaust air vents which is placed near the ceiling via a brick built
chimney. This form of stack effect forms during winter whereas during summer, the top of the
chimney is warmer than the intake air duct which creates negative pressure in the flue and speeds
up the air flow out of the building and cool air is drawn into the bathroom.

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2. Maintenance
One of the important thing to maintain a property is to carry out regular maintenance and
repair of the building. It does not cost much to hire a professional to inspect the building because
this can avoid larger problems in the future. It is a must to ensure:
a) external fabric is sound
b) the roof is watertight
c) stonework is in order
d) ironwork and timber are well maintained
e) gutters are clear
f) downpipes are running freely
g) gas pipes are free from corrosion and well-jointed
There are a few precautions to follows to avoid larger problems to happen such as:
a) Remove ivy and plants - may weaken mortar, hold damp, damage stone & conceal
decay
b) Remove sources of damp such as soil heaped
c) Provide site drainage where necessary
d) Provide easy access and good lighting
e) Keep a constant moderate temperature throughout building
f) Ventilate rooms and ducts by keeping flues clean and open - humidity should be 50%
g) Protect important fabrics and contents against ultraviolet radiation from sunlight

3. Annual Inspection
In order to maintain the building, it is a must to have an annual inspection and an inspection
every five years. There a few things to do during annual inspection such as sweep the chimney if it
is in regular use by the owner to keep it clean and ventilated. Besides, inspecting the rod drains to
be clear to avoid blockage by hiring a plumber to check. Other than that, hiring a heating engineer
to inspect the heating system, water circulation, inspect boiler is important in maintaining a
persons personal comfort.it Last but not least, it is to inspect the fire extinguishers to ensure that it
is working to prepare for emergency in the future.

4. Every 5 years inspection

In every five years, it is a must to inspect and test the electrical installation by the electrician
to avoid explosion due to the wiring is too old to work. Besides, an architect could prepare a
schedule of repairs in order of urgency for the next five years. Other than that, reporting on the
condition of the building is done by an architect to avoid collapsing of building and to maintain the
building. Lastly, external woodwork and ironwork should be repaint.

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Advantages and Disadvantages

In this 21st century, building a house can be quite a challenge. More and more buyers are
looking for their ideal houses based on their sustainability. In the latest trend, Malaysia has been
moving in the direction of greener mindset. Nowadays, there is more sense of environmental
awareness than previously although it is still low as compared to more advanced countries.
Houses that incorporate all elements of energy efficiency have many advantages. However, to
every advantages there is a corresponding disadvantage.

Advantages
1.Economical
Improving your homes or buildings energy efficiency will save cost on energy bills. In
energy efficiency buildings, the usage of mechanical ventilations is greatly reduced. An average
Malaysia household spends RM6000 annually on energy bills. The reduction of mechanical
ventilations usage directly bring down the usage of electricity. Hence, lower energy bills. The need
of replacing and maintaining mechanical ventilation system will not be necessary. Therefore,
maintenance fee can be set aside. In the end, your energy-efficient house will provide you with
superior comfort and lower operating costs , not to mention a higher real estate market value.
2.Air Quality
Many energy efficiency upgrades can improve the standard of indoor environment.
Protecting and even boost Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) without the need of sacrificing energy
performance. A great number of factors interact to create an unhealthy indoor environment. Mainly
due to indoor and outdoor pollutants near the buildings. Energy efficiency as an air quality measure
is the most cost effective means to meet state air quality regulations. Energy efficiency jointly
reduces all pollutants like criteria pollutants, toxic pollutants, and greenhouse gases. Recent years,
datas collected from regions reflected that energy efficiency has helped to sustain long-term air
quality enhancement.Thus so, future generations will have the opportunity to breathe healthy, fresh
and clean air.
3. Environmental
When we use less energy, we save precious natural resources and cut down on pollution. If
energy efficiency doesn't exist, wed have to produce or import energy sources like oil, natural gas
and coal. So, energy efficiency helps us retain resources on our planet.We are already
experiencing the effects of climate change. Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are
shifting, and more extreme climate events like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures are
taking place all around the world. These changes are linked to the climbing levels of carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. From power plants to vehicles, consuming energy
can produce gas emissions that is harmful to our environment. Cutting down buildings carbon
emission will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

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Disadvantages
1. Cost
The materials used to build energy efficiency buildings may be difficult to find especially in
urban areas where preserving the environment is not the peoples main priority. A lot of eco-friendly
materials are not available in the countries, so materials are hard to find. If you order them online
you would have to pay additional costs for shipping and handling. Constructing an energy
efficiency building can cost a lot more than normal buildings as it requires recruitment of expertise
to finish up a project. Moreover, it may take longer to complete an energy efficiency building.
Therefore the costs associated with these structures are believed to be quite lavish. In fact, house
owners might have to invest lots of money. However, in the long run, the invested money will be
returned through energy-saving possibilities.
2. Location
Building orientation is the practice of facing a building so as to maximise certain aspects of
its surroundings. In order to best optimise sun exposure, energy efficiency building may need a
suitable structural orientation. For instance, a structural positioning right opposite of other
neighbourhood homes which might cause friction among neighbours. In addition, differences in
structural orientation will influence how natural daylight enters the building structure and at the
same time how to shade some part of it. With this in mind, there may be a need of installing more
overhangs, blinds, or shades.
3. Temperature regulations
Energy efficiency buildings uses cooling components like natural ventilations, which cannot
be regulated. Particular cooling components that control precisely the indoor temperature in these
buildings do not exist. Consumers do not have precise mechanism to increase or decrease exact
temperatures. This is a difficult hurdle for many energy efficiency building occupants to overcome.

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Case Study: Old Houses of Edinburgh

Overview of Edinburgh
Since the 15th century, Edinburgh has been the Scottish capital. It has two distinct areas:
the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neoclassical New Town, far- reached
influence on European urban planning whose development from the 18th century onwards. The
harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important
buildings, is what gives the city its unique character.
When it comes to conserving energy, Edinburgh has particular challenges in addressing
carbon emissions from its built environment. There are over 235,000 homes in the city and around
18,800 non-domestic buildings including 2,000 public-sector buildings. This presents a very mixed
property portfolio with a high percentage of tenements as well as large numbers of historic and
listed buildings. This presents significant challenges in energy retrofitting buildings of this type. For
domestic properties especially, there will be specific issues given that 65% of Edinburgh homes are
flats. A quarter of these are pre-1919 traditional stone-built tenements which are commonly known
as hard to treat properties. There is also a high percentage of private rented flats. These account
for 22% of Edinburghs homes and can present issues with fuel poverty and multiple ownership.
However energy solutions for buildings do not always need to rely on technology and systems.
Many solutions can be simple and there is great potential to reduce consumption and minimise
total costs by using existing technologies and raising awareness.

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Energy Efficiency in Old Houses in Edinburgh

Older houses in many instances are thought to be cold and draughty, but they can vary
greatly in their energy efficiency depending on how they are constructed and maintained.There is
growing evidence that many perform better than assumed, and some outperform modern houses
in terms of energy demand and comfort. Generally, some of the old houses of Edinburgh consists
these elements that can affect the energy efficiency, while some modern houses conserve these
elements and modified into a better one.

Examples of Old Houses in Edinburgh

1. Good maintenance
A well-maintained older home will generally outperform those that is neglected. For
example, badly maintained drainage (such as gutters and downpipes) can lead to damp walls. The
building become much less energy efficient as heat loss through the wall increases.

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2. Materials
A significant characteristic of older buildings is the widespread use of 'breathable' (or
'permeable') materials, which are able to absorb moisture and release it again without damaging
the building. Contradistinction arise as most of the modern buildings rely on materials that keep
moisture out. Maintaining the building's ability to control moisture levels in this way is basic to its
effective thermal performance.When looking after or making changes to your home you therefore
need to use materials that are compatible with it.

Traditional built solid walls are breathable

3. Heat-storing ability
In older masonry houses, thick wall were often constructed to both external walls and
internal masonry walls. This type of construction can store warmth as the building is heated. The
heat is then slowly emitted as the building cools down. As a result they can maintain a much more
even temperature than much modern lightweight construction.

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4. Ventilation
Another main issue to consider is ventilation. The majority of older buildings are made of
porous materials that both absorb moisture and allow it to escape. Ventilation stops this moisture
developing in any one place and causing damage and problems with condensation and mould.
However, too much ventilation can lead to a draughty and uncomfortable home. Draughts are
particularly common at window and door frames, and also at joints between different forms of
construction. For example, porous ceramic bricks are used in some of the old houses of Edinburgh

Porous Ceramic Bricks

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Problems with Old Houses of Edinburgh

When talking about older and traditional buildings, it can be relate that it is constructed
using methods and materials common before 1919. In Edinburgh, Scotland, this generally means
buildings with walls formed of mass masonry of stone or brick, held together with lime mortar and
potentially with lime external and internal coatings on the wall. Old houses functions very differently
compared to modern houses.

An example of a bad house that has zero energy

efficiency

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Below are some of the problems with old houses in Edinburgh that can affect the energy efficiency,
1. Moisture, air movement and thermal behaviour of a traditional building and modern
building

Ventilation of many older buildings can make them less prone to condensation and its
associated effects. The higher thermal mass of older solid walls retains heat better than modern
cavity walls, which can help regulate the temperature of a home, keeping it cool in summer and
warmer in winter. The layout of traditional building tenement buildings is potentially very energy
efficient, due the low proportion of external walls to cross walls / party walls (the exception being
end of block tenement flats).
However, older buildings can often be draughty and can leak heat unnecessarily. This can
be accentuated by larger window sizes and a predominance of sash and case windows, which
provide a greater area of low efficiency glazing and more potential for draughts. Older buildings
sometimes have larger rooms with higher ceilings, which can need more energy to keep them
warm. They were built long before modern Building Standards existed, with no insulation (although
there is generally a layer of 'defeating' material between floors). Many older building components
have lower levels of thermal efficiency than modern materials, leading to greater heat lose. Older
heating systems also tend to be inefficient compared to modern systems, using more energy and
generating less heat.

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2. Construction Fabric Uses in Old Houses of Edinburgh

Old construction fabric uses in old houses in Edinburgh which unable to withstand air
pollution which are drastically getting serious as well as extreme weather due to climate
change.The burning of fossil fuels will continue to increase in line with our increasing energy
demands, adding to air pollution and acid rain, both of which are detrimental to the fabric of old
houses in Edinburgh. Besides, the effects of extreme weather are also likely to be detrimental to
these old houses of Edinburgh, which may not have the capacity to withstand long-term extreme
weather cycles.
3. Unnecessary Droughtiness and Heat Loss
This is due to heat lost through open flue or chimney. This condition is not energy efficient
when it comes to winter season where by heat is essential and does not hope to be loss
unnecessarily. Droughtiness can also be accentuated by larger window sizes and a predominance
of sash and case windows, which provide a greater area of low-efficiency glazing and more
potential for draughts.

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4. Thermal Insulating Issue

Old houses are poor in thermal insulation as compared to modern buildings or houses
which are installed with double-glazed window . This is because double glazed window helps slow
the movement of heat from one side of the window to the other side which cant be experienced in
most of the old typical Edinburgh houses. Not only that, high ceiling and building materials which
causes poor thermal insulation. Old houses in Edinburgh sometimes have larger rooms with higher
ceilings, which may require more energy to keep the room warm and comfortable during cold
season. This is one of the problems that makes old houses of Edinburgh less energy efficient in
thermal insulation.

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Possible Problems to The System

1.

Water usage - Saving water can reduce your water bill (if youre on a water meter),

reduce your energy use and bills, reduce the impact on your local environment, and reduce carbon
dioxide emissions by using less energy to pump, heat and treat the water. To heat the water we
often are using energy from the water we use. Generating energy produces carbon dioxide
emissions which is one of the main greenhouse gases causing climate change

2.

Windows Energy efficiency windows, Double-glazed windows have two sheets of glass

with a gap in between, usually about 16mm, to create an insulating barrier that keeps heat in. This
is sometimes filled with gas. Normally three sheets of glass are called triple-glazed windows but
arent always better than double-glazed windows. Energy-efficient windows come in a range of
frame materials and styles. Performance criteria vary according to the following:
How well they stop heat from passing through the window?
How much sunlight travels through the glass?
How little air can leak in or out around the window?

3.

Doors Energy efficiency doors, like any other part of the home, doors can be insulated

and draught-proofed to prevent heat from escaping.To install a new door requires approval from
the relevant buildings structure, and new external doors now generally contain integrated insulation
to reduce heat loss and comply with the regulations from the building regulations

4.

Lighting - Lighting counts for 18 per cent of a typical households electricity bill. You can

cut your lighting bill and energy use by changing which bulbs you use and how you use them.
Houses typically use a mixture of standard light fixtures and down lighters or spotlight fittings.

5.

Roof and loft - Heat rises, and in an uninsulated home, a quarter of heat is lost through

the roof. A simple and effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills is to insulate
your loft, attic or flat roof. Loft insulation is effective for at least 42 years and it should pay for itself
many times over.

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Future Recommendations for Heritage Buildings

To avoid the excessive heat lost from the building, we recommend that old houses should
install insulate loft (room which is directly under the roof of a house, accommodation), utility pipes
and water tank to retain heat. The reason being is because a house should be kept at the room
temperature, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It might look too technical and
sounds hard to install but theres always an easy way to solve problems. By using curtains, blinds
and shutters can definitely reduce heat loss from your windows.

In order to keep the heat in the building, the concept is

the heat loss must be less than the heat output.

The complexities of homes make preparation particularly important for any

improvement works. The diagram above show the main considerations.

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Well, sometimes we can feel the humidity in the room and everyone who enters the room
will feel it without doubt. With high humidity in a building, people in the building will feel chilled in
cold weather and hot and sticky in warm weather; whereas with low humidity can cause dryness
and discomfort in the nose and make skin feel dry and itchy. To prevent a building from trapping
too much moisture, we can draught-proof and weather-strip the openings like windows, doors and
gaps to minimise building leaks. We think that this could be one of the best way as draughtproofing is one of the cheapest and efficient way to save energy.

The image shows the way to draught-proof a door

Heat lost through windows occurs either through the glass itself or through gaps between
the windows and its frame. Sealing these gaps provides a relatively simple and inexpensive way of
improving the energy efficiency of windows.

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The thermal efficiency of material or building component is defined by its U-value. This is a
mathematical value that illustrates the rate of heat loss through a material or combination of
materials. The lower the U-value, the greater the thermal efficiency.

U-values allow for relatively easy identification of the areas most prone to heat loss, but
consideration should also be given to heat loss more generally.
Heat loss from a typical home can be broken down as following:-

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The old construction fabric uses used in the old houses in Edinburgh unfortunately cant
afford to resist the air pollution and the extreme weather due to climate changes. Open burning
and the acid rain would be the good examples of air pollution. Seasonal climate like winter and
summer will also affect the quality of fabric. Furthermore, the fabrics can be affected from the
outside as well as from the inside.

The picture above shows us the primary sources of indoor air

pollution

While windows typically account for only 10% of the heat loss of a house, householders
often place great importance on being able to make improvement to them. The appearance of
windows is a significant factor in shaping the overall character of the building.

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In terms of thermal efficiency, the impact of the improvement measures covers in this guide is as
follows:

There are two main considerations regarding window appearance: the frame and the glazing.
Frame
A double or triple glazed window frame generally has wider
astragals and transoms (the vertical and horizontal glazing bars
which separate individual panes of glass in the main frame) than a
single glazed equivalent.

Glazing
Modern production techniques, and the glass used for modern
double or triple glazing, differ significantly from those in older single
glazing. Modern glass has a flatter, more reflective quality than
older glass.

Window replacement can be avoided in many cases by proactive window maintenance.

Even relatively large areas of timber rot can often be replaced. If well maintained, a timber-framed
window could be viable for hundreds of years.

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Learning Outcome
Energy has appeared as a critical economic issue and top concern for policymakers.
Unsustainable energy supply and demand have serious implications for everything from household
budgets to international relations. Buildings are on the front line of the issue due to their high
consumption of energy. Studies have repeatedly shown that efficient buildings and appropriate
land use offer opportunities to save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the same
time. However, little did we know that, the practice of energy efficiency in buildings started long ago
during the era where our ancestors live. Historic buildings were originally designed to allow plenty
of air circulation and adding insulation may be a delicate operation. Different energy efficiency
features are found in different buildings depending on the location and climate of the environment.
From the research made based on our case study, we are aware that Edinburgh which is
the capital of Scotland since the 15th century has exceptionally challenges in addressing carbon
emissions from its built built environment. Edinburgh had proven that energy solutions for buildings
do not always need to rely on technology and systems. Many solutions can be simple and there is
a great potential in reducing energy consumption and hence minimising the total costs. There are
many historical buildings in Edinburgh that already have certain benefits in terms of environmental
sustainability, including their longevity, locally sourced materials, thermal mass and natural
ventilation. Edinburgh is a fine example that it is possible to enhance energy efficiency in heritage
buildings, even without compromising their originality.
In hot and humid countries like Malaysia, the year-round routine of heavy rains and high
temperatures contributes to unpredictable fluctuations in indoor climate and does eventually create
changes to the systems used in historic building. The highest numbers of heritage buildings around
Malaysia are found in Penang, followed by Perak, Johor, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and other states.
In recent years, Malaysia has seen a grow in energy consumption by buildings from all sectors. A
significant portion of the energy consumed annually is spent to cool residential and commercial
buildings. Many modern buildings have been observed to ignore the general characteristics of the
regions vernacular architecture. Energy efficiency feature found in buildings of Edinburgh can be
corporate into our urban planning as there is yet many to learn from the past. Despite providing
guidance on application of energy efficiency improvements, not all of the improvement measures
outlines will be suitable for all situations. Careful consideration is needed while applying energy
efficiency measures to prevent long term deterioration of the buildings fabric or loss of buildings
significance.

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References
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11. External wall insulation 2016

Retrieved 17 November, 2016 from
http://www.ecobuildersdublin.com/home-insulation/wall-insulation/
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http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/FAQ/Insulation/Floor_Insulation/
Suspended_Timber_Floor_Insulation.html
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Warm_Pitched_Roof.aspx

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Appendices

37

Group member having discussion and doing research .

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