Older brick house

Real world Why older homes matter

Most of the homes people will live in over the next thirty years have already been built. Buildings account for a large share of the world's energy use, so improving existing homes is one of the biggest ways to save energy and money.

Keeping an older building also saves the energy and materials that went into building it. Demolishing it and building new releases a lot of carbon.

Real world How a retrofit works

Heating and cooling are usually a home's biggest energy use. A retrofit tackles the "envelope" first, then the equipment.

• Air sealing: blocking gaps around windows, doors and pipes that leak warm or cool air.
• Insulation: adding it to lofts, walls and floors to slow heat loss.
• Windows: repairing or replacing them with double or triple glazing.
• Heat pumps: efficient electric systems that move heat in or out instead of burning fuel.
• Solar panels and smart controls: making and managing energy.

Real world Working safely with old buildings

Older homes can contain hazards. In the United States, lead-based paint was banned for homes in 1978, so older houses may still have it under newer layers. Sanding or scraping it releases harmful dust, so it needs special care. Some older buildings also contain asbestos insulation. Professionals test before work begins.

Think about it

1. Why might it be better to improve an old building than to replace it?
2. What could your home do to waste less energy?
3. Who should pay for upgrades: owners, tenants or government?

Key words

Retrofit

Adding new technology to an existing building.

Heat pump

A machine that moves heat from one place to another.

Envelope

The walls, roof, windows and floor that separate inside from outside.