Sustainability Report

The retrofit did not pursue a formal sustainability certification — EnerPHit (a Passive House Standard for refurbishments of existing buildings) is the only recognised standard for this type of project and is typically impractical at a domestic scale. Discussions with the clients are ongoing about developing a more accessible method for evaluating retrofits.

Embodied carbon strategies 

• Much of the material specification was developed in conjunction with Mike Wye, a UK-based supplier and consultancy specialising in traditional, natural, and breathable building materials. The project incorporates breathable wood fibre insulation to external walls, lime plaster, a below-floor membrane, and materials selected for recyclability or biodegradability at end of life. 
• The design retains and refurbishes existing elements where possible, reducing the need for new structural materials.

Operational emissions strategies 

• The whole house was re-insulated with breathable materials, airtightness was improved, and windows were replaced with heritage double glazing. 
• The home now operates without gas or oil. Systems include an air source heat pump, a building energy management system, MVHR, car charging infrastructure, and photovoltaics. The solar installation is the first approved in this Article 4 area, despite its strict planning controls.
• These upgrades have reduced the clients’ energy bills by approximately 65–70 percent.
• Green roofs were introduced to support water attenuation.