New Retrofit Service now available for Traditional Buildings Health Check Members

Stirling City Heritage Trust was awarded funding last year to establish this service, dedicated to supporting owners of traditional buildings in enhancing the energy efficiency of their properties. Stirling Council awarded the project £168,226 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Retrofit project is also being funded by Historic Environment Scotland.

With Scotland experiencing the tangible effects of climate change, including warmer summers, milder winters, and increased rainfall (Scotland's Environment, 2023), retrofitting traditional properties is of vital importance. Building energy consumption accounts for around 13%  of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions and account for around 30% of Scotland’s total energy consumptions (Heat in Buildings Strategy - achieving net zero emissions in Scotland's buildings). With traditional buildings making up almost 20% of all buildings, improving the energy efficiency of these buildings is vital for meeting the national carbon reduction commitments. Beyond environmental benefits, retrofitting also addresses health concerns, mitigating issues like dampness and mould, and can help to reduce energy bills.

Through the new Retrofit Service, Stirling City Heritage Trust will provide TBHC members with a range of retrofit solutions, helping them to make their homes more energy efficient. The Trust’s expert staff will conduct specialised inspections, applying a 'fabric first' approach to energy efficiency. Damp buildings are much harder to heat so a ‘fabric first’ approach is important in ensuring that repairs are done before undertaking retrofit measures.

TBHC members with properties in good condition will have the opportunity to commission an Energy Efficiency Report. This assessment will encompass an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) evaluation and a personalised report suggesting suitable retrofit measures to enhance both the EPC rating and the overall energy efficiency of the building.

In conjunction with the Energy Efficiency Report, Stirling City Heritage Trust will administer the new Retrofit Grant. This grant aims to assist TBHC members in implementing the recommended retrofit measures outlined in their Energy Efficiency Report. The grants are tailored to support high-quality retrofit works conducted by competent contractors.

Trust Manager Lindsay Lennie said "It is fantastic to be able to offer TBHC members this specialist advice. Many traditional buildings owners want to improve the thermal performance of their property but are unsure of the best way to do this. We can support owners to undertake this work in an appropriate way."

The new Retrofit Service is now open to existing TBHC members. Owners of traditional buildings in the City of Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, and Blairlogie who are not yet members, can start their Retrofit journey by applying to join the TBHC and getting a TBHC inspection completed to determine what external fabric repairs are needed. Membership is just £45 per year with inspection costs starting at £150.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus