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Our ever-popular technical training course covering emerging research, best practice and case studies in the field of upgrading traditional and historic buildings.

• How do we protect our traditional buildings but make them fit for the future?
• What are the risks for small- and large-scale retrofit projects?
• How can unintended consequences be addressed when upgrading solid-walled buildings?
• The Whole Building Approach to retrofit

About the course

Addressing energy efficiency is fast becoming one of the most pressing issues for older, traditionally-constructed buildings. However, retaining character and significance can be at odds with achieving improved thermal efficiency, and there is increasing evidence highlighting not only the benefits but also the risks of different technical solutions.

Upgrading traditional building fabric is notoriously complex, particularly where planning restrictions apply, and a holistic understanding of buildings, upgrade measures and occupant behaviour is required to ensure compatibility and appropriateness and manage technical risks.

In this one-day technical training course expert trainer Nicholas Heath examines current issues, solutions and emerging best practice in how to achieve ‘responsible retrofit’ – sustainable, low-energy traditional buildings with retained character, minimal risk to buildings and occupants and real benefits for all.

Principles including energy & building survey, maintenance, moisture assessment, thermal bridging, building and insulation materials, ventilation & airtightness, design and installation are complemented by practical solutions for domestic buildings, with a focus on solid walls, windows and ventilation as part of a whole-building approach.

Practical application is demonstrated by case studies and practical sessions, and technical detail encompasses recent research findings & guidance from organisations including the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA), SPAB, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland and others, as well as detailed case studies from leading retrofit specialists.

Both good and bad practice will be covered, in order to highlight the importance of adopting an appropriate, responsible approach to traditional building retrofit. Case studies of large-scale solid wall insulation failures will be presented alongside comprehensive guidance on how to avoid these pitfalls and adopt robust, low-risk, effective approaches.

About the trainer

Nicholas Heath MA MSc is a Certified Passivhaus Consultant and Founding Director of NDM Heath Ltd, an independent sustainable energy consultancy working across the UK. He has a wealth of experience in the challenges of achieving meaningful building upgrades that address environmental, economic and social agendas. In particular, he has a special expertise in the sustainable, low-energy retrofit of traditional and historic buildings.

Nicholas is the author of numerous traditional building retrofit guides, technical papers, research reports and planning guidance, and has extensive experience of technical training development and delivery. He has led several award-winning historic building retrofit projects, which have led to changes in local planning policy and are regarded internationally as examples of best practice.

Nicholas has led high-profile research into solid wall insulation on traditional buildings, and has worked with several local authorities and social housing providers to develop city-wide strategies for the responsible retrofit of traditional buildings. He has worked nationally and internationally with a wide range of public and private clients including the Scottish Government, Historic England, Historic Scotland, UNESCO, EST, CITB, RIBA, RICS, STBA, SPAB and the UKCMB, as well as numerous architect firms, local authorities and housing associations, universities and community groups.

Nicholas is also Associate Director of the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA), Affiliate of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), Fellow of the former Centre of Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE), Member of the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB), Steering Group member of The Green Register and a part-time lecturer at the University of York. In addition, he is a licenced PHPP, SAP, RdSAP and BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Assessor.

What have our delegates said about the Retrofitting Traditional Buildings seminar?

"Excellent overview by very knowledgeable expert"
"All was useful, in depth and interesting – stimulating the mind!"
"Case studies and product information were particularly useful and applicable to my projects"
"Excellent specific examples!"
"Concise, covers a lot of information, good product guidance and good practice guidance"
"Advice for the local householder’s perspective was invaluable"

SPECIAL OFFERS:

• Book RTB1 and RTB2 at the same time for a discount.
• Book 3 places for the price of 2. Use this discount code when registering: 342
  The 342 discount can only be used for 3 people from the same organisation booking a place at the same event / whole series of events.

Add Part 2 - Case Studies

This course (RTB1) is a day long course split into 2 half day sessions, to ease online digestion.

Many people then attend the follow up course, Retrofitting Traditional Buildings 2: Case Studies, which can be purchased at the same time, see below options. 

Please note if you book RTB1 only, you have access to RTB1 only (both parts).  You can book RTB2 separately at a later date if you wish.