Announcement comes as HES publishes survey results which reveal:
- Strong public support for retrofit, as respondents ranked this as one of the top measures for achieving net-zero targets by 2045
- 9 in 10 respondents indicated that increased financial support in form of green mortgages would incentivise them to retrofit
We've welcomed £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council to establish the new hub, which will put heritage science and research at the heart of its approach to developing best practice for the retrofit of traditional buildings. As well as expanding HES’s technical research capabilities, the centre will focus on delivery of much-needed training and foster innovation in the use of low-carbon retrofit materials.
The Retrofit lab will support the development of bespoke solutions required for the decarbonisation of the historic environment, a crucial component of the transition to net zero. The retrofit interventions required to improve energy efficiency in modern buildings are often inappropriate for these traditional buildings, which require specific considerations around heat, moisture and airflow, as well as special care to ensure their cultural significance is maintained in the adaptation process.
Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, said:
"We’re very pleased to welcome this funding, which will mark a step-change in our work to help improve the energy efficiency of traditional buildings. This infrastructure investment by AHRC recognises the role that the Engine Shed - our national building conservation centre - plays in supporting the stewardship of traditional buildings through heritage science and traditional skills.
“There is no route to net zero without viewing existing buildings as assets and ensuring we have a sound base on which to make retrofit work for both the buildings and the occupants. Without this understanding and expertise we could negatively impact the health of both buildings and occupants. The Retrofit lab will help us meet our objectives by enabling us to expand and enhance our research and training capacity. Collaboration will be key to our approach, from academic and commercial partners to local authorities and third sector organisations, as we work together to build best practice and develop the technical skills traditional building retrofit requires.
“Retrofit of our traditional buildings can bring many wider benefits if done properly to protect the special character of these buildings that give local places their unique identities. There are also huge potential economic benefits and new employment opportunities to be realised through ensuring our existing building stock is in a good state of repair and that retrofit measures are technically sound and effective. We have over 4000 years of traditional building experience in Scotland - our heritage and traditions are integral to our future success.
The scale of the challenge ahead to meet national targets at the pace required will require an acceleration of efforts across all sectors, and the Retrofit lab will enable HES play its part to support retrofit and the historic environment’s transition to net zero while making a real and lasting positive difference to people’s lives.”
The announcement of the new national centre for traditional building retrofit comes as a recent survey by HES revealed strong support for retrofitting traditional buildings. The survey revealed:
- Respondents prioritised energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy and recycling for achieving net-zero goals, with 38% ranking retrofit, 38% ranking recycling and 44% ranking renewable energy as the most vital measures.
- Over three quarters (77%) of respondents are aware of the Scottish Government’s proposals to set minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes by 2028, and for all homes by the end of 2033.
- Environmental benefits, increased efficiency and property value motivate retrofitting, with 37% citing environmental benefits and 34% citing an increase to their property value as reasons they would consider retrofitting their home or property.
- Despite the widespread recognition of the need and value of retrofit, the survey also found that 7 in 10 (70%) of Scottish respondents would be put off purchasing a traditional property because of the perceived barriers to retrofitting.
- Capital cost, access to funding and planning regulations are the main perceived barriers, with 29% citing capital cost, 24% citing access to funding and 23% citing planning permission/compliance with regulations.
- Green home grants and low-interest loans are seen as effective incentives to retrofitting, with 34% supporting grants and 29% supporting loans.
- Almost 9 in 10 (86%) respondents said they would consider a green mortgage, which offers specific incentives for retrofitting such as lower interest loans tied to energy savings.
Commenting on the survey results, Dr Mitchell said:
“The results of this survey show that while there is some concern regarding the perceived barriers to retrofitting traditional properties, people care about increasing the energy efficiency of these buildings and understand the importance of doing so in order to meet national net zero targets. People want to live in traditional properties and are becoming increasingly informed about using the correct skills and materials. We want owners to see past the ‘snake oil’ instant solutions appearing on the market and understand the benefits of traditional solutions combined with good science.”
Retrofit survey infographicTo learn more about why #HeritageMatters for net zero, visit the 'Your property' section of our website and Engine Shed website.
The Retrofit Lab
The Retrofit lab is part of the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme, funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council through the UKRI Infrastructure Fund.
The research was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 1402 Scottish participants aged 18yrs+ between 12 and 16 September 2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
Retrofit factsheet
Heating buildings currently accounts for around 30% of the UK’s emissions, and meeting net zero targets will require emissions from building stock to fall 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 (UK Government Heat and Buildings Strategy).
In Scotland, traditional buildings – those constructed before 1919 – constitute 18% of overall housing stock (Scotland’s Historic Environment Audit 2024).
In Scotland, traditional buildings make up 33% of retail space, 24% of office space and 41% of the spaces used by the public sector (Scotland’s Historic Environment Audit 2024).
About the Arts and Humanities Research Council
The UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funds internationally outstanding independent researchers across the whole range of the arts and humanities: history, archaeology, digital content, philosophy, languages and literature, design, heritage, area studies, the creative and performing arts, and much more. The quality and range of research supported by AHRC works for the good of UK society and culture and contributes both to UK economic success and to the culture and welfare of societies across the globe.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
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For further information, please contact:
Claire Mullaney
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot