Green Deal Risks for Old Homes: Why Specialist Assessors Are Crucial

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The Green Deal, an initiative designed to enhance energy efficiency, presents potential hazards for older homes due to their unique construction and ventilation needs. Syntegra Group emphasizes that applying standard energy efficiency measures without expert assessment can lead to problems such as dampness and structural damage in historic properties. Consequently, the company advocates for the mandatory involvement of specialist Green Deal assessors who possess the specific expertise required to evaluate and recommend suitable solutions for these distinct building types.

The Green Deal is aiming to help over 60,000 homes become more energy efficient and allowing for these improvements to be made through a charge on electricity bills as an incentive.  However the government is considering a training scheme for specialist Green Deal assessors to deal with older homes due to fear that green energy installations could harm  traditional buildings.  Douglas Kent from the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), said the body is in discussions with the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) over the idea.  Other traditional buildings experts say that attaching modern non-porous insulation to breathable solid-wall buildings could lead to damp problems as well as other damage and also be hazardous to health for residents.

Almost 20% of the UK’s building stock was built before 1919 and therefore likely to be affected by this issue.  Before Christmas a group of conservation bodies, including SPAB and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation hit out at Green Deal proposals as flawed and some of its recommendations as extremely harmful to old buildings.

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What are the frequently asked questions regarding the Green Deal and older homes?

1 Why is the Green Deal potentially hazardous for older homes?

The Green Deal can be potentially hazardous for older homes if energy efficiency measures are not carefully considered for their unique construction. Inappropriate interventions may lead to issues such as damp, condensation, or compromised ventilation, which can negatively impact the building's fabric and occupant health.

2 What is the role of a specialist Green Deal assessor for older properties?

A specialist Green Deal assessor is crucial for older homes as they possess expertise in traditional building methods and materials. They can identify specific vulnerabilities and recommend energy efficiency measures that are suitable for the property, preventing potential hazards and ensuring long-term building health.

3 What types of assessments are relevant for older homes considering energy efficiency improvements?

Syntegra Group offers a range of building assessment and consultancy services relevant to older homes. These include Overheating Assessment, Hygrothermal Assessment, Air Tightness Testing, and Thermal Imaging Surveys, which help identify potential issues and inform appropriate improvement strategies.

4 How can specialist assessments help mitigate Green Deal risks in older properties?

Specialist assessments, such as Hygrothermal Assessment and Thermal Imaging Surveys, can identify specific vulnerabilities like moisture pathways or thermal bridging in older homes. This information allows for the design of targeted energy efficiency improvements that avoid unintended consequences and preserve the building's integrity.