Insulation vs ventilation etc: How buildings ‘work’ in relation to retrofit

EdinBRIC recently held a well-attended hybrid event on insulation and ventilation, with expert speaker Jon Stinson of Building Research Solutions.

His presentation discussed the principles of building physics in relation to domestic energy efficiency and retrofit.

Contrary to common belief, energy efficiency in buildings does not simply mean blocking all the draughts and insulating everything. Jon Stinson’s presentation explains why this is, covering various topics including the fundamentals of building physics, energy balance and thermal energy exchange, water transfer and ventilation, and thermal fabric retrofit measures.

If you are interested in retrofitting your flat, particularly if you own an older sandstone tenement flat, this presentation serves as an excellent introduction on the topic. It offers valuable insights into how buildings handle energy, heat, moisture, and air, equipping you with the necessary knowledge to move forward with a retrofit and improvement project, without the risk of unintended consequences.

You can now watch the recording on YouTube and access the slides and the presenter’s notes.

EdinBRIC, Edinburgh Building Retrofit and Improvement Collective, is a community-led collective which aims to improve homes to make them warmer and more energy efficient. Find out more about what they do on their website.

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