We’ve published a free guide giving Devon homeowners, tradespeople and architects detailed advice about adding energy efficiency measures to the house types most commonly found in Devon.
We have led the production of the guide on behalf of Energy Saving Devon, as part of our work to improve the quality and speed of work to improve the energy efficiency of homes – also called ‘retrofitting’ .
The retrofitting of homes in Devon is needed to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050, lower energy bills and create comfortable, healthy homes.
Our guide focuses on how to upgrade four of the most common housing types in Devon: Victorian granite detached houses, mid-century detached houses, mid-century semi-detached houses and cob houses giving.
Almost 25 per cent of Devon’s greenhouse gas emissions come from our homes and around 80 per cent of the housing we will occupy in 2050 has already been built.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member Climate Change, Environment and Transport said:
“It is vital that homes are retrofitted with energy efficient measures to cut energy bills, make our homes warmer and reduce carbon emissions.
“Building in new energy-saving measures when planning other home improvements, such as a new bathroom, kitchen, or an extension, is an ideal opportunity to retrofit a home.
“When done properly, retrofitting can lower fuel bills and improve your quality of life.
“The Devon Retrofit Guide will help people ensure a high quality and long-lasting improvement to their home.”
Our Devon Retrofit Guide covers a range of retrofit components including insulation, renewable energy systems and ventilation. It gives technical details to equip installers and architects with the knowledge and tools to advise clients about how to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. It’s equally useful for competent DIYers.
Simon and Rowena installed solar panels, a battery, secondary glazing, internal cork wall-insulation and an air source heat pump into their traditional cob house in Crediton – one of the housing types included in the guide – transforming the energy consumption of the property to reduce their bills and carbon footprint.
Simon said:
“We have been here eight years now and the difference from when we brought the property is amazing in terms of energy consumption and making it work for us.”
The Energy Saving Devon Retrofit Guide is free to download here: The Devon Retrofit Guide
Energy Saving Devon is a partnership between all the local authorities in Devon, their strategic partners and local community energy organisations. It is administered by us, at Devon County Council.