On Wednesday 3 of June, Fit for the Future Network and Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance present their first national conference to tackle responsible retrofit for traditional buildings. The conference has benefited from the sponsorship of the National Trust, Bristol City Council and Historic England.
The network enables sustainability experts and energy champions from charities and land-owning organisations to learn from each other and work together to reduce their carbon footprint.

Spokeswoman Chloe Hampson said: “Traditional buildings built before 1919 make up 25% of all buildings in the UK. They represent the nation’s everyday heritage, but are at risk of long-term damage due to a ‘one size fits all’ approach to improving their energy efficiency. We recognised the need for knowledge sharing and support around this issue. That’s why we have joined forces to create the opportunity for others to learn from research, share experience and expertise, and take part in discussions around responsible retrofit.”

Local Authorities, Housing Associations and private landlords are invited to join experienced organisations within the UK built environment and heritage sectors for a day of workshops, hands-on training sessions, debate and presentations of case studies.

Supporters and speakers include Sustainable Homes, the National Trust, Historic England, Bristol City Council, the Centre of Refurbishment Excellence, the Centre for Sustainability Energy, the Building Research Establishment and Bristol Green Capital.

Other partners include the University of the West of England, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Ingrid Samuel, Historic Environment Director at National Trust said: “Old buildings contribute to the beauty and character of many much loved places in the UK. They are an integral part of our everyday cultural heritage, which is why protecting them is so important. There is plenty of evidence that traditional homes can be energy efficient buildings when a knowledgeable and skilled approach to retrofit is taken.

“Using the wrong materials and approaches, however, can actually decrease energy efficiency and cause severe damage over time. Unintended consequences will not only impact on the buildings themselves but the people who live in them and the wider environment. We’re therefore delighted to support this conference and share and learn from others.”

The conference will provide the tools needed to identify and manage risks as well as develop effective retrofit strategies. There will also be the opportunity to build up a national support network and continue informal discussions over drinks in the evening.

Neil May, Executive Chair & Technical Lead at the STBA said: “Inappropriate materials and approaches to retrofit can decrease energy efficiency and cause severe damage to traditional buildings over time. Here at STBA we have been conducting extensive research to identify the risks and demonstrate how retrofit can be done responsibly. We are keen to share this knowledge and expertise at the conference as well as practical tools for getting it right. It’s fantastic that the conference will bring together such a diverse range of organisations to widen the scope of understanding.”

To find out more about the conference visit: http://fftf.org.uk/2015/04/13/retrofitconference/

Date & Time: Wednesday 3rd June 2015, 9.00–17.00 (Drinks reception 17.00–19.00)

Venue: At-Bristol Science Centre, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB

Tickets: Available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/responsible-retrofit-for-traditional-buildings-conference-tickets-16159178538 Members of the Fit for the Future Network and the STBA can purchase tickets at a discounted prince.